Buying a second home in Vail.
What homes cost, how short-term rental licensing works, and where to look, with introductions to trusted local agents.
Talk with RobThe village in brief.
Vail is a European-style resort town along Gore Creek and I-70, built around Vail Village and Lionshead at the base of Vail Mountain. It is about two hours west of Denver, and Eagle County Regional Airport is roughly 35 miles away.
Buyers come for ski-in, ski-out access, summer trails and a walkable village. Most property is condos and townhomes in the resort core, with single-family and duplex homes in East and West Vail.
Eagle County prices, 2026 so far.
Year to date through October 2026, compared with the same period in 2025. Eagle County includes Vail, Beaver Creek, Avon, Edwards and the towns down valley; prices in Vail itself run higher.
Source: Colorado Association of REALTORS®, Local Market Update, Eagle County, October 2026, data as of November 4, 2026.
Vacation rental performance, last winter
December to March 2025-26 compared with the prior winter, for short-term rentals in Vail.
Sources: AirROI, ski market winter 2026-2027, data as of July 29, 2026; The Colorado Sun, November 2025. Past results do not predict future income.
Where you can rent nightly.
In the Town of Vail, any rental of less than 30 consecutive days needs an approved short-term rental license before it is advertised. Neighboring towns such as Avon and Minturn, and unincorporated Eagle County, set their own rules. Last checked November 13, 2026.
Resort core: Vail Village, Lionshead and Cascade
- Where most licensed rentals are, mostly condos and lodge-style buildings
- Many buildings offer on-site, 24/7 front desk management, which is its own license type
- Town license required for every unit
Rest of the Town of Vail: license, then check the details
Single-family homes, duplexes and condos in East Vail, West Vail and the neighborhoods between can be licensed. The town lists added requirements for some duplexes, a fire inspection where applicable, and a local contact for guests. A $1,200 per-bedroom annual fee was proposed in 2024; confirm its status before you buy.
Buildings whose HOA bans short-term rentals
An HOA or a building's covenants can prohibit short-term rentals even where the town allows them. Read the declarations before you write an offer.
Match the home to the rules.
Nightly rental investment
Look in Vail Village, Lionshead and Cascade, where buildings are set up for guests. Confirm the HOA allows short-term rentals and budget for the 10.8% lodging tax your guests pay.
Private home or long-term rental
East and West Vail offer single-family and duplex homes for your own use or leases of 30 days or more, which do not need a short-term rental license.
Co-ownership
Shares of luxury homes in Vail are available through co-ownership. Use schedules, fees and resale terms vary by home. Ask us which co-owned homes are available now.
Vail FAQ
Can I short-term rent a home in Vail?
Yes, with an approved Town of Vail short-term rental license for any stay under 30 consecutive days. HOA rules can still prohibit rentals in a given building, and other towns in Eagle County have their own rules.
What does a home cost in the Vail area?
Across Eagle County, the year-to-date median sale price through October 2026 was $1.90 million for single-family homes and $1.20 million for condos and townhomes, according to the Colorado Association of REALTORS. Prices in Vail itself are higher.
What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Vail?
Short-term rental stays in Vail carry a 10.8% lodging tax, collected from guests. A proposed additional 6% excise tax was defeated by 35 votes in November 2025.
Is co-ownership available in Vail?
Yes. Co-ownership companies such as Pacaso offer shares of luxury homes in Vail. Review each home's use schedule, fees and resale terms before you commit.
Do you charge buyers a fee?
No. There is no fee to buyers for our guidance.
Thinking about Vail?
Tell us what you have in mind and we will introduce you to a trusted local agent and share what fits your plans.