Lake Geneva, WI STR

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Corina Eufinger
Rental Property Investor · Oconomowoc, WI · Member since 2016 · 993 posts · 430 votes
1mo

Lake Geneva is a fairly restrictive STR market, as the rules were created so that the hotels and resorts weren't undercut. The city allows an STR to operate for only one consecutive 180-day period per 365 days.  A rental must be for at least two nights and may not arrive within seven days of the prior guest arriving at the STR. For example, if a rental arrives on June 1, the earliest the next rental could arrive is on June 8.  

I'm not saying it can't be done successfully, but doing it directly in Lake Geneva can be tricky. Reach out if you want to chat.  



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  • Janice Carter
    Real Estate Broker · Atlanta · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 604 votes
    1mo

    @Jonathan Ballesteros Welcome to the BP community. I would recommend joining your local REIA and STR investor groups to build connections in the Lake Geneva area. Networking with local hosts, property managers and lenders can provide valuable insights into regulations, seasonality and what makes that market successful. Best of luck.

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  • Vijay FriedmanBusiness Member
    Miami, FL · Member since 2026 · 766 posts · 121 votes
    1mo
    Quote from @Jonathan Ballesteros:

    Looking to connect with any STR investors in Lake Geneva, WI. Rookie investor that knows the area fairly well and looking for connections & resources of the inns and outs of this area

    @Jonathan Ballesteros
    Lake Geneva has a unique STR market, so connecting with local hosts and property managers is a great first step. I'd also spend some time understanding local STR regulations, occupancy trends, and seasonal demand before committing to a property. Those conversations will often teach you as much as analyzing the numbers.

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  • David ButlerPro Member
    Flipper/Rehabber · Lake Geneva, WI · Member since 2016 · 39 posts · 27 votes
    1mo
    Quote from @Jonathan Ballesteros:

    Looking to connect with any STR investors in Lake Geneva, WI. Rookie investor that knows the area fairly well and looking for connections & resources of the inns and outs of this area


    Welcome Jonathan. I call Lake Geneva home and would be happy to connect. I do not dabble in STR market as I don't have the time or attention to do so and am not a huge fan of the STR rules the city has put in place. There are some areas around LG that are less restrictive and there are a couple of areas that are "in" LG but are part of Lyons township so they are much less restrictive. I know the market well but focus my attention around LG in buy and hold and fix and flips. If you are interested, I would be happy to chat.

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    • Jonathan Ballesteros
      OP
      Member since 2026 · 2 posts · 1 vote
      1mo

      @David Butler is there any online resource that lists out STR rules?

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    • David ButlerPro Member
      Flipper/Rehabber · Lake Geneva, WI · Member since 2016 · 39 posts · 27 votes
      1mo
      Quote from @Jonathan Ballesteros:

      @David Butler is there any online resource that lists out STR rules?


      Because I don't play in the STR market, I don't know the answer to this, but let me reach out to a realtor friend and see what he has.

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    • David ButlerPro Member
      Flipper/Rehabber · Lake Geneva, WI · Member since 2016 · 39 posts · 27 votes
      1mo
      Quote from @David Butler:
      Quote from @Jonathan Ballesteros:

      @David Butler is there any online resource that lists out STR rules?


      Because I don't play in the STR market, I don't know the answer to this, but let me reach out to a realtor friend and see what he has.


      Here is what my realtor friend provided me when I asked about STR regualtions in Lake Geneva: https://ecode360.com/38339120

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  • Andrew SteffensBusiness Member
    Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    1mo

    This market is pretty niche, I would recommend (in addition to what was mentioned already local REIA and other groups) also Facebook local host groups. Good luck!

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  • Jonathan KlemmBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Contractor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    1mo

    Hey There @Jonathan Ballesteros - What is making you choose Lake Geneva for your STR?

    I am not super familiar with the regulations there since I am down here in Chicago, but I would imagine there are some regulations.  Lake Geneva has been a known destination for a while. I know they have tons of bed and breakfasts, so I'd really understand the market.

    You have to be building a system and have a goal to be in the top 10% of your market; otherwise, I don't think you'll be able to last - but that's just my personal hypothesis.

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  • Corina Eufinger
    Rental Property Investor · Oconomowoc, WI · Member since 2016 · 993 posts · 430 votes
    1mo

    Lake Geneva is a fairly restrictive STR market, as the rules were created so that the hotels and resorts weren't undercut. The city allows an STR to operate for only one consecutive 180-day period per 365 days.  A rental must be for at least two nights and may not arrive within seven days of the prior guest arriving at the STR. For example, if a rental arrives on June 1, the earliest the next rental could arrive is on June 8.  

    I'm not saying it can't be done successfully, but doing it directly in Lake Geneva can be tricky. Reach out if you want to chat.  



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