Is Ulman, Missouri Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Ulman, Missouri, begin by researching local regulations through Miller County and the City of Ulman offices, as Missouri generally allows short-term rentals but local ordinances may apply specific zoning restrictions or occupancy limits. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Miller County (approximately $25-50), ensure your property meets fire safety codes, and verify compliance with any homeowner association rules if applicable. Find a suitable property near Lake of the Ozarks area where Ulman is located, as waterfront or lake-view properties typically perform better, with average nightly rates ranging $75-150 depending on size and amenities. Furnish the property with essential items including quality bedding, kitchen appliances, Wi-Fi, outdoor furniture for lake activities, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and first aid kits, budgeting approximately $3,000-8,000 for initial furnishing. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO platforms with professional photos highlighting lake access and outdoor activities, setting competitive pricing based on seasonal demand with higher rates during summer months (May-September). Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating key exchanges or lockbox systems, maintaining the property regularly, and considering hiring local cleaning services or property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning if you live far from Ulman, while keeping detailed records for tax purposes as Missouri requires reporting rental income.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Ulman, Missouri, focus on lakefront or lake-view properties near the Lake of the Ozarks, as this area attracts significant tourist traffic year-round with peak seasons in summer and fall. Target 2-4 bedroom homes or cabins with amenities like boat docks, hot tubs, fire pits, and outdoor spaces that can command $150-300 per night depending on size and proximity to water. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 5-mile radius, noting that waterfront properties typically achieve 60-80% occupancy rates during peak season. Competition research should include monitoring listings in nearby Sunrise Beach, Camdenton, and Osage Beach to understand market saturation and pricing strategies. Utilize tools like AirDNA, Mashvisor, and STR Helper to analyze revenue potential, while checking local zoning laws through Miller County planning offices since some areas have STR restrictions. Properties within walking distance to marinas, restaurants, or popular attractions like Ha Ha Tonka State Park command premium rates, and investing in homes built after 1990 with modern amenities and reliable internet will attract higher-paying guests seeking luxury lake experiences.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Ulman, Missouri, you'll need to contact the Miller County Planning and Zoning Department since Ulman is an unincorporated community in Miller County, and apply for a conditional use permit or special use permit for short-term rental operations. Required documents typically include a completed application form, property deed or lease agreement, site plan showing the property layout, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), septic system inspection certificate, well water testing results if applicable, and a $150-300 application fee. The process involves submitting your application to the Miller County Courthouse in Tuscumbia, scheduling a site inspection with county officials, attending a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission, and receiving final approval from the County Commission. The timeline is generally 60-90 days from application submission to final approval. Specific Ulman/Miller County requirements include maintaining adequate parking spaces (minimum 2 per rental unit), ensuring septic systems can handle increased occupancy, providing emergency contact information to neighbors within 500 feet, limiting occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, maintaining quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, and conducting annual safety inspections of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Ulman, Missouri are generally legal as the small unincorporated community in Miller County does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them, defaulting to Missouri state law which permits STRs. However, operators must comply with Miller County zoning regulations and obtain necessary permits, with properties typically required to be in areas zoned for residential or commercial use. The county may impose restrictions on occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances, while properties must meet basic safety standards including smoke detectors and emergency exits. As of 2023-2024, there have been no significant recent legal changes specifically affecting Ulman, though operators should verify compliance with county health department regulations for septic systems and water wells common in rural areas, and ensure proper business licensing and tax collection as required by Missouri Department of Revenue for all STR operations statewide.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Ulman, Missouri are primarily around the Lake of the Ozarks waterfront districts, particularly the Horseshoe Bend area and neighborhoods near Ha Ha Tonka State Park, as these locations attract significant seasonal tourism from April through October with visitors seeking lake activities, fishing, and boating experiences. The areas near Bridal Cave and Thunder Mountain Park offer strong rental potential due to their proximity to popular tourist attractions that draw families and adventure seekers year-round. Neighborhoods within walking distance of local marinas and boat launches, such as those near Tan-Tar-A Resort area, provide excellent investment opportunities as they cater to both leisure travelers and fishing enthusiasts who prefer private accommodations over traditional hotels. Properties near the Osage Beach strip and entertainment districts benefit from the area's nightlife and dining scene, attracting groups and couples looking for weekend getaways, while locations closer to business centers and conference facilities around Camdenton capture corporate travelers and event attendees visiting the region for meetings and retreats.

Airbnb properties in Ulman, Missouri are subject to Missouri state sales tax of 4.225% on lodging accommodations, which applies to short-term rentals under 31 days. Miller County, where Ulman is located, may impose an additional local sales tax of approximately 1-2%, bringing the total tax rate to around 5-6%. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system, which began operating in Missouri around 2019. Airbnb remits these collected taxes directly to the Missouri Department of Revenue on behalf of hosts on a monthly basis. However, hosts are still required to register for a Missouri sales tax license and file returns even when Airbnb collects the taxes, and they must report the income on their tax filings. There are generally no exemptions for short-term rental properties, though stays of 31 days or longer may be exempt from transient lodging taxes. Some hosts may also need to obtain local business licenses or permits from Miller County or comply with any local zoning regulations, though specific occupancy tax requirements beyond state sales tax are minimal in this rural area.

To start an Airbnb in Ulman, Missouri, expect total costs around $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase will be approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in rural Missouri lake communities near the Lake of the Ozarks region. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$12,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees in Miller County include business license ($50-$100), potential zoning permits ($200-$500), and STR registration if required ($100-$300). Insurance for short-term rentals runs $1,200-$2,000 annually, with six months costing $600-$1,000. Utilities setup and deposits total approximately $500-$800, with six months of utilities averaging $1,800-$2,400 for a typical property. First six months operating costs including cleaning supplies, maintenance, marketing, platform fees, and miscellaneous expenses add another $3,000-$4,500. Property taxes for six months would be roughly $1,500-$2,500 depending on assessed value.

Airbnb properties in Ulman, Missouri, located near the Lake of the Ozarks region, typically generate annual revenues ranging from $15,000-$35,000 for modest 2-3 bedroom properties, with premium lakefront homes earning $40,000-$70,000 annually. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-150 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($200-400 monthly), insurance ($1,500-3,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $3,000-6,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with seasonal variations showing peak performance during summer months (May-September) when nightly rates can reach $150-300 compared to off-season rates of $75-150. Success factors include proximity to Lake of the Ozarks attractions, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and amenities like hot tubs, boat docks, or game rooms. Properties within 5 miles of the lake consistently outperform inland locations by 25-40% in both occupancy rates (65-80% vs 45-60%) and average daily rates, with investors like those managing portfolios through companies such as RedAwning and Vacasa reporting stronger returns on lakefront properties despite higher acquisition costs of $200,000-$500,000 compared to $100,000-$250,000 for standard homes in the area.

Based on Ulman, Missouri market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and location within the area. Properties near recreational areas like Lake of the Ozarks (approximately 30 miles away) tend to perform on the higher end with 15-18% annual returns, while standard residential properties in town center average 10-13% ROI. Initial profitability usually occurs within 8-14 months after launch, with full investment recovery typically achieved in 6-8 years. Monthly gross rental income averages $1,200-2,200 for 2-3 bedroom properties, with occupancy rates of 65-75% during peak seasons (May-September) and 40-50% during off-peak months. Operating expenses including cleaning, maintenance, insurance, and platform fees typically consume 35-45% of gross revenue, leaving net cash flow of $400-900 monthly for well-managed properties in desirable locations.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors in Ulman, Missouri and surrounding areas. Local real estate agents serving the Lake of the Ozarks region where Ulman is located include Coldwell Banker Lake Country, RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks, and Century 21 Community who have experience with vacation rental properties. National services like Mashvisor, BiggerPockets, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification tools for the Ulman area. RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services that can help investors evaluate potential Airbnb properties in the region. Local companies such as Lake Ozark Realty and Osage Beach-based firms like Gerken & Associates specialize in lakefront and vacation rental properties that are popular for Airbnb investments. Additional national platforms include Roofstock, which occasionally features short-term rental properties, and specialized consultants like STR Wealth who provide market analysis for emerging markets like the Lake of the Ozarks area where Ulman is situated.