I've been scouting for unique ways to invest in property that could generate some passive income without the usual headaches of traditional rentals. Lately, I've got my eye on turning a plot of land into a glamping setup – think short-term vacation spots for folks wanting a break from city life, like couples on weekend getaways or families looking for adventure. The plan is to start small with one or two units on affordable acreage in a scenic area, maybe near a national park or lake, where demand for experiential stays is high. I'd handle basics like off-grid solar for power, composting toilets, and simple furnishings to keep costs down, aiming for $150-300/night rates based on comps I've seen on Airbnb.
What draws me to this is the low maintenance and quick build time; for instance, a geodesic glamping dome can go up in days with modular parts, offering that cool, futuristic vibe while being sturdy against weather. Materials like galvanized steel frames and UV-resistant covers make them durable, and you can size them from 20-40 feet diameter to fit different group sizes. Upfront costs might run 20-50k per dome including site prep, but ROI could be solid if occupancy hits 50-70% seasonally.
Anyone here invested in alternative structures like this for rentals? How do zoning laws play out in your area, and any pitfalls with financing or insurance?
Considering geodesic domes as investment properties?
byu/TheCityzens inRealEstate
Posted by TheCityzens
1 Comment
Domes are pretty cool but just heads up – zoning can be a nightmare depending on your county. Some places treat them like permanent structures which means permits, septic requirements, all that fun stuff. Insurance might get weird too since they’re not exactly “standard” construction
That said the glamping market is hot right now so if you can get past the red tape the numbers could work. I’d def talk to your local planning dept before you get too deep into this