Make extra cash with your beautiful land with these 5 fun and creative ways to monetize your property.
April 25, 2023
5 Ways to Monetize Your Home and Land in Denver
You might be sitting on a goldmine and not even know it.
From bringing fresh and flourishing local produce to the South Pearl or Northfield Farmers Markets to letting visitors get a taste of Denver at your charming B and B, monetizing your land doesn't just benefit you, but your fellow Denverites, Coloradoans, and Earth-dwellers looking for a beautiful spot to hang out!
Perhaps you've been living amongst a few acres of woods or greens, itching to do something more with your space, have a spare guest house you'd love to deck out, or have always thought that a few spots of open space could serve a purpose. Wherever those Denver mountain winds might be taking you, utilizing your land for something purposeful can provide a source of income for you, a warm space for a Colorado traveler, and a way to take advantage of the opportunities you have as a Denver, Colorado real estate owner.
Today, we're delving into a few ways for you to take full advantage of your land ownership-- whether you have 50 square feet or 50 acres-- and create an even more prosperous Denver community for everyone.
1. Airbnb
Best for: When you have a spare few rooms in your home or property.
What is it?
Airbnb, the infamous rent-your-room site, offers homeowners the ability to rent out a portion of their homes to those who need a place to stay, particularly ones who want an experience more unique than a chain hotel. Airbnb owners have become skilled at curating a space that's accommodating, clean, and even tailored to its surroundings, inspiring visitors not just to stay in the room all day, but to get out and explore the surrounding areas.
Related: All About the Cherry Creek Arts Festival
How to do it in Denver:
As of this writing, Airbnbs are legal in Colorado (an important thing to note, as some states and districts have cracked down on rental unit laws.) To get started, you can go right on the Airbnb host platform, set up your space, and do some market research on the prices in your area. A big element of getting Airbnb bookings is getting professional photos of your space to highlight its unique quirks and clean layout, so after decorating it fit for a traveler, take some professional shots so you can start chatting with travelers and get bookings. And to stay updated on the current short-term rental laws, head over to Denver's official website for the most up-to-date info.
Draw from some of these Denver Airbnbs to help you get started:
2. (Urban) Farming and Crop Growing
Best for: Green thumbs and future homesteaders.
What is it?
With a space fit for growing herbs, why not utilize the fertile soil right in your backyard to start growing real food? With your own guidance or through the support of Grow a Garden, Denver Urban Garden's program to grow a garden in a DUG or at-home garden, you start supporting seedlings as they grow into real plants so you can start skipping trips to the grocery store and be self-sustaining.
How to do it in Denver:
Get involved with the city's many growing programs, like the Denver Urban Garden program, so you can start your own garden. You don't need acres and acres of land-- in fact, start a tiny seeding from your kitchen window, if you need to! You can purchase seedlings through their programs, or you can check out the Denver Local Library to see if they're doing a seed exchange anytime soon. If you're looking to sell your food at local farmer's markets or grocery stores, pay in mind the rules for Fresh Produce and Cottage Foods Sales Home Occupation guidelines through the state of Denver, which allow for "small-scale residential preparation" without a license but in adherence to specific guidelines.
3. Solar energy
Best for: Landowners with lots of open space and sun rays.
What is it?
It's no secret that this renewable energy source is upping in popularity as it saves both money and the planet. Converting sunlight into electricity without the need for gas and other harmful energy sources.
How to do it in Denver:
As a homeowner, it's important to know the local and HOA regulations, if you have them, regarding solar panels. By setting up and using solar panels for your home, you can take advantage of new tax incentives that reward solar energy and net metering, which sells any excess power you've created back to your power company. Some local companies that can help consult and install include:
4. Swimply
Best for: Swimming pools that don't get everyday splashes.
What is it?
Think of an Airbnb, but just for your pool and just by the hour. If you have a pool (or hot tub!) that you don't enjoy as often as you know others would rent it out on Swimply for a per-hour fee to individuals or families who would love a dip on a hot summer's day.
How to do it in Denver:
Target your listing directed toward the audience you think would love your body of water the most. Is your pool family-friendly, with no-splinter wood patios, or is it a serene hot tub with a heated floor, indoor TV, and spa-like customizable lights? Maybe your pool is perfect for a dip in after a Red Rocks show, or great for a Sunday football game after hanging out in downtown Denver. Take a look at some of these listings for inspiration:
- A hot tub with mountain views in Morrison, CO
- This indoor heated private pool in Evergreen, CO
- This peaceful outdoor pool in Parker, CO
5. Hipcamp
Best for: homeowners with camp, glamp, or RV-friendly space.
What is it? Hipcamp is a website that allows landowners to list their properties for camping, glamping, RVing, and treehouse dwelling. It's a great way for landowners to monetize their land and earthy spaces and for campers to find unique and secluded places to stay.
How to do it in Denver:
List your property on the site and do some market research about land rental prices and availability. You can chat with potential renters, answer questions, and post some pictures of your gorgeous spot so Denver locals or visitors can easily find it.
Get inspo from some of these Denver Campsites:
- Historic Homestead Barn Yard in Edgewater, CO
- FFF Urban Campsite in Lakewood, CO
- Mount Vernon Estates Glamping
Use your beautiful land to its fullest potential and help make your Denver, Colorado real estate even more beautiful. ✨ Or, looking for a permanent home here so you can start utilizing your own land? Reach out to our team of real estate specialists today to join the Denver homeowner family.