Is Biddeford, Maine Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Biddeford, Maine, begin by researching local regulations through the City of Biddeford's Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning ordinances that typically allow rentals in residential zones with certain restrictions. Contact the Code Enforcement Office at (207) 284-9313 to understand specific permit requirements, fire safety codes, and occupancy limits, then apply for a business license through the City Clerk's office which costs approximately $25-50 annually. Find a suitable property by searching neighborhoods like Biddeford Pool, downtown areas near Main Street, or properties near the Saco River, ensuring the location complies with the city's 150-foot spacing requirement between short-term rentals in some zones. Purchase essential furnishings including quality mattresses, linens, basic kitchenware, WiFi equipment, and safety items like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers to meet Maine's rental property safety standards. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting Biddeford's attractions like Old Orchard Beach (10 minutes away), local restaurants, and historic downtown, setting competitive rates based on seasonal demand with summer rates around $150-250/night and off-season rates of $75-125/night. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols, coordinating with local cleaning services like those found through Biddeford Facebook community groups, installing keyless entry systems, and maintaining responsive communication with guests while ensuring compliance with Maine's 14% lodging tax collection requirements and potential local meal and room tax obligations.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Biddeford, Maine, focus on locations within walking distance of Biddeford Pool Beach, downtown's historic district, or properties with ocean views along the Saco River, as these areas command premium rates of $150-300 per night during peak summer months. Target 2-4 bedroom properties built after 1950 with modern amenities, parking, and outdoor spaces, as guests prefer updated homes over older mill-era properties that may require extensive renovations. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against successful listings in nearby Kennebunkport and Old Orchard Beach, aiming for properties under $400,000 that can generate 60-70% occupancy rates during May through October. Research competition by studying the top 20 STR listings in Biddeford on Airbnb and VRBO, noting their amenities, pricing strategies, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like Rabbu and AllTheRooms for market analysis, partner with local property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning for operational insights, and consult with Biddeford's Planning Department regarding zoning regulations and STR permit requirements, as the city has specific ordinances governing short-term rentals that could impact profitability.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Biddeford, Maine, you must first contact the Biddeford Planning Department at City Hall located at 205 Main Street to submit a Short-Term Rental Registration application, which typically requires a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), fire safety inspection certificate from the Biddeford Fire Department, and a site plan showing parking arrangements. The application fee is approximately $150-200 with an annual renewal fee of around $100, and you must also obtain a business license from the City Clerk's office for an additional $25-50. Biddeford requires STR properties to maintain adequate off-street parking (typically one space per bedroom), comply with occupancy limits based on square footage and bedrooms, install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas, provide emergency contact information to neighbors within 200 feet, and maintain a guest registry. The approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks after submitting all required documents and passing inspections, and properties must be re-inspected annually for license renewal, with all permits requiring renewal by December 31st each year.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Biddeford, Maine, but operate under the city's zoning ordinances and state regulations that took effect in 2021. The city requires STR operators to comply with local zoning requirements, which generally allow short-term rentals in residential zones with certain restrictions on occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. Maine's statewide STR law requires registration with the state, collection of lodging taxes, and compliance with safety standards including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Biddeford has not implemented a specific STR ordinance but relies on existing zoning and nuisance laws to regulate these properties, meaning operators must ensure their rentals don't violate residential zoning density requirements or create neighborhood disturbances. The city has seen increased STR activity due to its proximity to beaches and Portland, with most regulations focusing on ensuring rentals maintain the residential character of neighborhoods rather than outright prohibitions in specific areas.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Biddeford, Maine include the Historic Downtown District near Main Street, which attracts tourists interested in the city's mill history and walkable access to restaurants and shops, plus business travelers visiting local companies like WestRock (2019 acquisition of KapStone). The Biddeford Pool neighborhood offers premium rental potential due to its pristine beaches, proximity to Kennebunkport, and seasonal demand from summer vacationers seeking coastal experiences. The Fortunes Rocks Beach area commands higher nightly rates during peak season (May-September) due to direct beach access and attracts families and couples seeking oceanfront accommodations. The University of New England vicinity provides steady rental demand from visiting families during graduation, prospective student visits, and academic conferences, while also serving medical professionals visiting the university's medical programs. The Saco River waterfront areas appeal to outdoor enthusiasts interested in kayaking, fishing, and scenic river views, particularly during fall foliage season, while the proximity to Biddeford's emerging arts district and the planned downtown revitalization projects make these areas attractive for both short-term cultural tourists and longer-term business stays.

In Biddeford, Maine, Airbnb hosts are subject to Maine's 9% lodging tax on short-term rentals under 28 days, which applies to the total rental amount including cleaning fees. Additionally, hosts must collect the state's 5.5% sales tax on lodging services. The City of Biddeford imposes a local lodging tax of 3% on short-term rental accommodations. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system for the state taxes, while local taxes may need to be collected separately by hosts. Hosts must register with Maine Revenue Services and remit state taxes monthly if collections exceed $3,000 annually, or quarterly for smaller amounts, with returns due by the 15th of the following month or quarter. Local taxes are remitted to the City of Biddeford on a quarterly basis. Exemptions include stays of 28 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals, and accommodations rented to the same person for more than 28 consecutive days. Hosts earning less than $2,000 annually from short-term rentals may be exempt from registration requirements but are still responsible for collecting applicable taxes.

To start an Airbnb in Biddeford, Maine, the total costs would be approximately $285,000-$315,000. Property purchase costs around $250,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property would cost $15,000-$25,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would be $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and potential zoning approvals would cost $500-$1,500. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage would be $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable would cost $500-$1,000. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning services ($100 per turnover, estimated 15 turnovers), maintenance and supplies ($200/month), platform fees (3% of estimated $3,000 monthly revenue), and marketing would total approximately $8,000-$12,000.

Airbnb properties in Biddeford, Maine typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for seasonal rentals and $8,000-$18,000 for year-round properties, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on proximity to the beach and property amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($50-$75 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,500 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Properties within walking distance of Biddeford Pool or Fortunes Rocks Beach achieve the highest occupancy rates of 65-80% during peak season (June-September) compared to 30-45% for inland properties, resulting in net profit margins of 15-25% for well-managed beachside rentals versus 5-15% for properties further from attractions. Success factors include professional photography, responsive guest communication, strategic pricing during peak summer months and events like the La Kermesse Festival, and maintaining high cleanliness standards, with top-performing hosts in the area reporting average annual profits of $8,000-$12,000 on properties valued between $200,000-$400,000, representing returns of 3-4% before considering property appreciation.

Airbnb investments in Biddeford, Maine typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, driven by the city's proximity to popular coastal destinations like Old Orchard Beach and Kennebunkport which attract summer tourists from May through September. Properties within walking distance of downtown Biddeford or near the Saco River command premium nightly rates of $120-180 during peak season and $80-120 in shoulder months, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Initial investment costs for suitable 2-3 bedroom properties range from $250,000-400,000, requiring approximately $50,000-80,000 down payment plus $15,000-25,000 in furnishing and setup costs. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with gross annual revenues of $25,000-45,000 per property after accounting for Airbnb fees, cleaning costs, maintenance, property taxes, and insurance. The market benefits from year-round demand due to University of New England students, business travelers, and visitors to nearby Biddeford Pool, though winter months see reduced occupancy of 40-50% compared to 80-90% during July and August peak season.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Biddeford, Maine. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Keller Williams Realty serving York County, Century 21 Advantage Gold with offices in Biddeford, and RE/MAX Shoreline which focuses on coastal Maine properties since 2015. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage has been active in the Biddeford market since 2010, while local independent agents like Seacoast Properties and Biddeford Bay Realty offer specialized knowledge of the area's rental market dynamics. National services include BiggerPockets for investor networking and education, Mashvisor for property analysis and market data, AirDNA for short-term rental analytics, and Roofstock which occasionally features Maine properties. RedAwning provides vacation rental market insights, while local property management companies like Vacasa and RedAwning have expanded into the Biddeford market to serve Airbnb investors. Local mortgage brokers such as Mortgage Network and Atlantic Regional Federal Credit Union offer investment property financing, and companies like Awning and Kiavi provide specialized short-term rental investment loans for the Maine market.