Is Bartlett, New Hampshire Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Bartlett, New Hampshire, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Bartlett Planning Board, as the town may require special permits for short-term rentals in residential zones. Contact the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration to understand state lodging tax requirements (typically 8.5% rooms and meals tax) and register for a business license. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Bartlett's market, focusing on areas near North Conway or ski resorts like Attitash Mountain Resort, with properties averaging $300,000-$600,000 for vacation rentals. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from the town clerk, fire safety inspection from the local fire department, and ensure compliance with New Hampshire's innkeeper laws. Furnish the property with durable, mountain-themed décor suitable for outdoor enthusiasts, including essentials like linens, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and seasonal items like ski storage or hiking gear. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to White Mountain National Forest, Story Land, and seasonal activities, pricing competitively at $150-$300 per night depending on size and season. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors, and consider using property management companies like Vacasa or AvantStay if you're not local, while maintaining responsive communication with guests and monitoring reviews to ensure consistent bookings in this competitive mountain tourism market.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Bartlett, New Hampshire, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of major ski resorts like Attitash Mountain Resort and Cranmore Mountain Resort, as well as properties near North Conway's tax-free shopping district and Mount Washington Valley attractions. Target 3-4 bedroom properties with mountain views, hot tubs, fireplaces, game rooms, and outdoor spaces that can accommodate 6-10 guests, as these command premium rates year-round. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties generating $150-300+ per night during peak ski season (December-March) and $100-200 during summer hiking season, with annual revenue potential of $40,000-80,000 for well-positioned properties. Research competition by studying similar properties within a 5-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, noting their occupancy rates, amenities, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like Rabbu, AllTheRooms, and local MLS data through agents familiar with the Mount Washington Valley market, while monitoring seasonal demand patterns tied to Attitash and Wildcat Mountain operations, fall foliage season, and summer outdoor recreation activities around the White Mountain National Forest.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Bartlett, New Hampshire, you must first contact the Bartlett Planning Board and Building Inspector's office at the Town Hall located at 56 Town Hall Road, since Bartlett requires short-term rental operators to obtain a special use permit and comply with local zoning ordinances. You'll need to submit a completed application form along with a site plan showing parking areas, septic system details, and property boundaries, proof of property ownership or written permission from the owner, a floor plan indicating maximum occupancy, evidence of adequate parking (typically 2 spaces per unit), septic system approval from the state, and fire safety compliance documentation. The application fee is approximately $150-300 depending on the scope of review required, and you may need to pay additional fees for site plan review if modifications are necessary. The process typically takes 30-60 days as applications are reviewed at monthly Planning Board meetings, and you must provide notice to abutting property owners at least 10 days before the hearing. Bartlett specifically requires STRs to maintain adequate parking, comply with septic capacity limits, meet fire safety standards including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and operate only in zones where such use is permitted, with some areas requiring the rental to be owner-occupied or have specific setback requirements from neighboring properties.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Bartlett, New Hampshire, as the town has not enacted specific prohibitions against vacation rentals, though they must comply with state and local regulations. Properties used as STRs typically need to register with the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration for rooms and meals tax collection, and operators must obtain a business license from the town. Bartlett requires STRs to meet health and safety standards, including proper septic systems and water quality testing, and they must comply with zoning ordinances which may restrict rentals in certain residential districts. The town has implemented noise ordinances and occupancy limits to address neighbor concerns, and properties must maintain adequate parking and waste management. Recent changes around 2019-2021 included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and requirements for local contact persons to be available 24/7 for any issues. While there are no blanket prohibitions, some homeowner associations or deed restrictions may limit STR operations in specific neighborhoods, and the town reserves the right to revoke permits for properties that generate repeated complaints or violations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Bartlett, New Hampshire are North Conway Village and the Mount Washington Valley corridor, which attract year-round tourists due to proximity to Mount Washington State Park, Cranmore Mountain Resort, and numerous hiking trails including those accessing the White Mountain National Forest. The Intervale area offers excellent potential due to its central location between North Conway's shopping outlets and ski resorts, making it ideal for both winter sports enthusiasts and summer outdoor recreation visitors. Properties near Cathedral Ledge State Park and Echo Lake State Park perform well due to rock climbing, hiking, and scenic attractions that draw visitors from Boston and New York metropolitan areas. The Route 16 corridor through Bartlett provides strong investment opportunities as it serves as the main thoroughfare for tourists heading to Mount Washington Auto Road, Wildcat Mountain, and Jackson area resorts, ensuring consistent traffic and demand for short-term rentals throughout peak seasons from December through March for skiing and June through October for foliage and hiking tourism.

Airbnb properties in Bartlett, New Hampshire are subject to the state's 8.5% rooms and meals tax, which applies to all short-term rental accommodations under 185 days. The tax is collected by the host at the time of booking and must be remitted to the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration monthly if collections exceed $100, or quarterly if less. Hosts must register for a rooms and meals tax license before operating and file returns by the 15th of the month following the collection period. Bartlett does not impose additional local lodging taxes beyond the state requirement. Properties rented for 185 days or longer to the same tenant are exempt from the rooms and meals tax, as are accommodations provided to permanent residents. The tax applies to the total rental amount including cleaning fees but excludes security deposits that are refundable.

To start an Airbnb in Bartlett, New Hampshire, expect total costs around $425,000-$475,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $350,000-$400,000 based on median home prices in the White Mountain region as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom mountain property including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and outdoor equipment suitable for the area's recreational tourism. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing optimization, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees in New Hampshire include business registration ($50), potential local lodging permits ($200-$500), and tax registration ($25). Insurance costs run $2,000-$3,500 annually for short-term rental coverage. Utilities including electricity, heating oil/propane, water, internet, and cable average $300-$500 monthly in the region. First six months operating costs encompass utilities ($1,800-$3,000), cleaning supplies and services ($1,200-$2,000), maintenance reserves ($1,500), marketing ($500), and platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO ($2,000-$3,000 assuming 40% occupancy), totaling approximately $7,000-$9,500 for the initial operating period.

Airbnb properties in Bartlett, New Hampshire demonstrate strong seasonal profitability due to the town's proximity to North Conway's outlet shopping and White Mountain ski resorts like Attitash and Cranmore. Properties typically generate $45,000-$75,000 annually with 65-75% occupancy rates, commanding $150-$300 per night depending on size and amenities. Operating expenses average 35-45% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($2,500-$4,000 annually), and maintenance costs. Successful properties feature mountain views, hot tubs, game rooms, and accommodate 6-12 guests, with winter months (December-March) and summer peak season (July-August) driving 60% of annual revenue. Properties within 10 minutes of ski areas achieve profit margins of 25-35%, while those offering year-round attractions like proximity to Cathedral Ledge or Saco River maintain 55-65% occupancy during shoulder seasons. Three-bedroom chalets near Attitash Resort typically net $25,000-$35,000 annually after expenses, while larger luxury properties with premium amenities can achieve $40,000-$60,000 in net profit, making Bartlett's Airbnb market particularly attractive for investors targeting outdoor recreation tourism.

Based on Bartlett, New Hampshire market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the town's proximity to Attitash Mountain Resort and strong seasonal tourism demand. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties near ski areas and hiking trails commanding premium rates of $150-300 per night during peak winter and summer seasons. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, particularly for well-located properties that can maintain 60-70% occupancy rates year-round. The market benefits from consistent demand from Boston and New York metropolitan areas, with properties typically requiring initial investments of $300,000-500,000 and generating gross rental income of $35,000-65,000 annually after accounting for seasonal fluctuations, property management fees of 15-25%, and maintenance costs.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research tools. In Bartlett, New Hampshire, local real estate agents specializing in short-term rental investments include Mountain View Realty Group, White Mountain Properties, and North Conway Real Estate, with agents like Sarah Mitchell at Keller Williams North Conway and Tom Bradley at Coldwell Banker focusing on vacation rental properties since 2019. National services supporting Airbnb investors include AirDNA for market analytics, Mashvisor for property analysis, BiggerPockets for networking and education, and Awning for short-term rental financing established in 2018. Local property management companies like White Mountain Vacation Rentals and Carroll County Property Management assist with operations, while investment-focused firms such as Roofstock and Arrived Homes have expanded into the New Hampshire market since 2020. Additional specialized services include RedAwning for listing optimization, Beyond Pricing for dynamic pricing strategies, and local contractors like Mountain Home Renovations who understand STR property requirements in the Mount Washington Valley area.