Homewood STR Investment Guide

Homewood presents a unique short-term rental investment opportunity on Lake Tahoe's West Shore. The combination of available Placer County STR permits, strong summer lakefront demand, and the transformative Homewood Mountain Resort redevelopment creates an investment thesis unlike anywhere else at Tahoe: buy now at West Shore pricing before the resort transformation fully materializes and drives sustained appreciation and rental demand.

Why Homewood STR Investment is Compelling

Resort Redevelopment Catalyst: The new gondola, mid-mountain lodge, residential chalets, and base village are expected to dramatically increase winter visitation and year-round appeal
Permits Available: Placer County's 3,900-permit cap for the North and West Shore has not been reached, unlike Truckee (fully capped)
West Shore Premium: Guests pay premium nightly rates for the quiet, scenic West Shore setting — particularly lakefront and lake-access properties
Summer Dominance: West Shore beaches, Chambers Landing pier bar, kayaking, and the bike path drive peak-season bookings from June through September
Appreciation Upside: Properties purchased before the resort redevelopment completes may see above-average appreciation as the transformation draws new buyers and visitors

Placer County STR Permit Requirements

Permit Cap: 3,900 permits for the North and West Shore (Homewood, Tahoe City, Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista, etc.)
Cap Status: Not yet reached as of 2026. New permits available.
Fire Inspections: Interior fire life safety and exterior defensible space inspections required
TOT Tax: 12% Transient Occupancy Tax collected from guests
Quiet Hours: 9 PM to 8 AM
Hotline: 24/7 complaint hotline at 530-448-8003
Multiple Units: Properties with prior STR history may qualify for up to 4 permits per property (application window through June 30, 2025)

Revenue by Property Type

Homewood STR revenue is heavily summer-weighted today, but the resort redevelopment is expected to significantly boost winter occupancy. Properties with lake access or views command the highest nightly rates. The West Shore's quiet, family-friendly reputation attracts longer stays (5-7 nights average vs 3-4 nights on the busier North Shore).

Seasonal Demand

Summer Peak (Jun-Sep): The strongest season for Homewood STRs. West Shore beaches, Chambers Landing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and the bike path drive 70-85% occupancy. July 4th week is the highest-revenue week.
Winter Peak (Dec-Mar): Currently moderate but poised for significant growth. Homewood Mountain Resort ski-in proximity is a major draw. Christmas/New Year and Presidents' Day weeks are premium. The new gondola and lodge will dramatically improve the winter value proposition.
Shoulder Seasons (Apr-May, Oct-Nov): Lower demand but West Shore fall colors and spring conditions attract outdoor enthusiasts. Properties with hot tubs perform better in shoulder months.

The Redevelopment Investment Thesis

Homewood's resort redevelopment creates a rare window for STR investors. Properties purchased in 2025-2026 at current West Shore pricing stand to benefit from increased demand once the gondola, lodge, and village open. Comparable resort-adjacent communities (e.g., Northstar Village in Truckee) saw 20-40% appreciation during resort expansion phases. The West Shore has historically been under-invested relative to the North Shore and Truckee — the Homewood transformation may change that dynamic permanently.

As a Broker-Owner operating MG Vacation Rentals with 45+ managed properties on the North Shore, I bring real operational data to Homewood investment decisions. Our management portfolio includes West Shore properties with performance data directly applicable to this market. See our Kings Beach STR data →

Property Type	Estimated Annual Revenue	Avg Occupancy	Key Revenue Drivers
2-BR Cabin (Homewood Core)	$40,000 – $65,000	50–60%	Ski resort proximity, summer lake access, hot tub
3-BR Family Home (McKinney/Chamberlands)	$60,000 – $95,000	50–65%	Beach association, family-friendly, longer stays
Chambers Landing 2-BR Condo	$80,000 – $120,000	55–70%	Private beach & pier, pool, premium lakefront setting
4-BR Lakefront / Lake View Home	$100,000 – $160,000	50–60%	Direct lake access, sunset views, group bookings

Revenue estimates based on comparable West Shore properties in our management portfolio. Actual results vary based on property condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality. Winter revenue expected to increase significantly with resort redevelopment completion.

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North Shore STR data with the best cap rates at Lake Tahoe.

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Homewood Overview

Return to the main Homewood real estate guide with market data and all neighborhood details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Homewood a good STR investment?

Homewood offers a compelling STR investment opportunity, particularly with the resort redevelopment underway. Current West Shore pricing is more affordable than Tahoe City, and the new gondola, lodge, and village are expected to boost winter demand significantly. Summer revenue is already strong due to West Shore beach access and the quiet, scenic setting.

Are STR permits available in Homewood?

Yes. Homewood falls under Placer County's 3,900-permit cap for the North and West Shore, which has not been reached as of 2026. New permit applications are accepted, requiring fire safety and defensible space inspections. This is a significant advantage over Truckee, where the permit cap is fully reached.

What is the TOT rate for Homewood vacation rentals?

Placer County charges a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax on short-term rentals. This is collected from guests and remitted to the county quarterly, separate from platform fees charged by Airbnb or VRBO.

How will the Homewood Resort redevelopment affect STR revenue?

The new gondola, mid-mountain lodge, and planned base village are expected to significantly increase winter visitation to Homewood. STR properties near the resort will benefit from walk-to-ski demand. Comparable resort transformations at other Tahoe communities saw 20-40% appreciation during expansion phases. Winter occupancy and nightly rates are expected to rise materially once the gondola opens for the 2026-27 season.