Is Conway, New Hampshire Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Conway, New Hampshire, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Conway Planning Department, as the town requires short-term rentals to comply with residential zoning ordinances and may require a home occupation permit or conditional use permit depending on your property's zoning district. Contact the Conway Code Enforcement Office to obtain necessary permits, which typically include a business license from the town clerk's office and ensuring compliance with fire safety codes and septic system regulations if applicable. Find a suitable property by searching real estate listings in Conway's popular areas near Mount Washington Valley, Kancamagus Highway, or Echo Lake, considering proximity to outdoor attractions like Cathedral Ledge and Diana's Baths that draw tourists year-round. Purchase essential furnishings including quality bedding, kitchen appliances, Wi-Fi equipment, and outdoor gear storage to appeal to hikers and skiers, while ensuring the property meets New Hampshire's implied warranty of habitability standards. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting mountain views and outdoor access, set competitive pricing based on seasonal demand (peak rates during fall foliage and winter ski season), and emphasize proximity to North Conway's tax-free shopping outlets. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, providing local area guides featuring Mount Washington Observatory and Settlers Green Outlet Village, and consider hiring local cleaning services or property management companies familiar with Conway's tourism patterns to handle day-to-day operations while ensuring compliance with New Hampshire's 9% rooms and meals tax collection requirements.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Conway, New Hampshire, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of Mount Washington Valley attractions like North Conway village, Cranmore Mountain Resort, and Cathedral Ledge State Park, prioritizing properties with mountain or forest views and easy access to Route 16. Target 3-4 bedroom properties with modern amenities including hot tubs, fireplaces, full kitchens, and outdoor spaces that can accommodate 6-10 guests, as these command premium rates of $200-400 per night during peak seasons (summer hiking and fall foliage, winter skiing). Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties, noting that Conway's seasonal demand creates 60-80% occupancy rates during peak months with significantly lower winter rates except around holiday periods. Research competition by studying listings within a 5-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or pricing strategies, and monitor established operators like local property management companies such as White Mountain Vacation Rentals and Mount Washington Valley properties. Utilize tools including STR Helper for market analysis, Rabbu for revenue projections, and local resources like the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce for tourism data, while ensuring compliance with Conway's zoning regulations and New Hampshire's rooms and meals tax requirements.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Conway, New Hampshire, you must first contact the Conway Planning Department at Town Hall located at 1634 East Main Street to determine if your property is in a zone that allows short-term rentals, as Conway requires STRs to comply with local zoning ordinances. Submit an application to the Planning Department which typically requires a completed short-term rental registration form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, a site plan showing parking areas and septic system details, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), a septic system inspection certificate if applicable, and contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away. The application fee is approximately $100-150 with additional fees for inspections if required. You must also register with the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration for rooms and meals tax collection and obtain a business license from the Town Clerk's office for approximately $25. The review process typically takes 30-60 days depending on completeness of application and any required site inspections. Conway requires STRs to maintain adequate parking (typically 2 spaces per unit), comply with septic capacity limits, provide 24/7 local contact information to neighbors, maintain occupancy limits based on septic design, and ensure the property meets all building and fire safety codes. Once approved, permits are typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually with updated insurance documentation and compliance verification.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Conway, New Hampshire, but operate under local regulations established around 2019-2020. The town requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with health and safety standards, including proper septic systems and fire safety measures. Properties must meet occupancy limits typically based on septic capacity, and operators are required to provide local contact information for emergency situations. Conway generally allows STRs in residential zones but may have restrictions in certain historic districts or areas with specific zoning limitations. The town has implemented these regulations to balance tourism revenue with neighborhood character preservation, requiring annual license renewals and compliance with state rooms and meals tax obligations. Recent changes have focused on strengthening enforcement mechanisms and clarifying permit requirements, particularly for properties in the Mount Washington Valley tourism area where Conway is located.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Conway, New Hampshire are North Conway Village, the White Mountain Highway corridor, and the Saco River Valley region. North Conway Village offers prime positioning near major attractions like the Conway Scenic Railroad, Settlers Green Outlet Village, and numerous restaurants, making it ideal for tourists seeking walkable access to shopping and dining experiences year-round. The White Mountain Highway (Route 16) corridor provides excellent investment opportunities due to its proximity to major ski resorts including Cranmore Mountain Resort and easy access to Mount Washington attractions, drawing both winter sports enthusiasts and summer hikers. The Saco River Valley area attracts visitors interested in outdoor recreation such as kayaking, fishing, and scenic river activities, particularly popular during summer months and fall foliage season. These locations benefit from Conway's position as a gateway to the White Mountain National Forest, ensuring consistent demand from tourists visiting Cathedral Ledge, Diana's Baths, and other natural attractions, while also capturing business travelers attending conferences at local resorts and seasonal workers in the hospitality industry.

Conway, New Hampshire imposes a rooms and meals tax of 8.5% on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnbs, which is collected by the state and applies to rentals of 30 days or less. Additionally, Carroll County levies a 3% county occupancy tax on lodging establishments. Airbnb hosts are required to register with the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration and collect these taxes from guests at the time of booking, then remit payments quarterly using Form RT-1 along with detailed occupancy records. The state tax must be remitted by the 25th of the month following the end of each quarter, while county taxes follow similar quarterly reporting schedules. Exemptions typically include rentals to permanent residents (over 30 days), certain government employees on official business, and properties rented for fewer than 15 days per year by owner-occupants, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria as regulations can change.

Starting an Airbnb in Conway, New Hampshire requires approximately $385,000-$450,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $350,000 based on median home prices in the Conway area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically costs $15,000-$25,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and decor to create an appealing guest experience. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total approximately $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but generally include business registration ($50), potential short-term rental permits ($200-$500), and any required inspections totaling around $500-$1,000. Insurance for short-term rentals runs $1,500-$2,500 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable cost approximately $500-$800 initially. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($200/month), cleaning supplies and services ($150/month), maintenance reserves ($100/month), platform fees (3% of bookings estimated at $300/month), and marketing expenses ($100/month) total approximately $4,500-$5,100, assuming moderate booking activity during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Conway, New Hampshire, demonstrate strong seasonal profitability due to the area's proximity to North Conway's tax-free shopping outlets and White Mountain recreational activities, with successful properties generating average annual revenues of $35,000-$55,000 for 2-3 bedroom units. Properties near Settlers Green Outlet Village and within 10 miles of ski resorts like Cranmore Mountain typically achieve 65-75% occupancy rates during peak summer and winter seasons, commanding nightly rates of $150-$280. Operating expenses including property management (10-15%), cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), utilities ($200-$350 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,000 annually), and maintenance average 40-50% of gross revenue, resulting in net profit margins of 25-35% for well-managed properties. Success factors include professional photography showcasing mountain views, strategic pricing during foliage season (September-October) and ski season (December-March), providing amenities like hot tubs or game rooms, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings through consistent guest communication and property upkeep. A typical 3-bedroom chalet purchased for $450,000 in 2022 near Cathedral Ledge generated $48,000 in gross revenue with $19,200 in operating expenses, yielding a 6.4% cash-on-cash return plus property appreciation, while properties further from main attractions or lacking distinctive features struggle with 45-55% occupancy and lower profitability margins of 15-20%.

Airbnb investments in Conway, New Hampshire typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the town's proximity to North Conway's tax-free shopping outlets and year-round tourism from White Mountain recreational activities. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties near Mount Washington Valley and Saco River commanding premium rates of $150-300 per night during peak ski season (December-March) and summer hiking months (June-September). Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with vacation rental properties averaging 65-75% occupancy rates throughout the year. Properties within 10 miles of Cranmore Mountain Resort or Story Land theme park typically see the highest returns, with some investors reporting cash-on-cash returns exceeding 16% when factoring in New Hampshire's lack of state income tax and relatively low property taxes compared to neighboring Massachusetts and Vermont markets.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research tools, helping investors identify profitable short-term rental opportunities in Conway, New Hampshire. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Keller Williams Lakes & Mountains Realty, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, and Century 21 Country Lakes Realty, with agents like those at White Mountain Real Estate focusing on vacation rental investments in the Mount Washington Valley area. National services include Mashvisor for property analysis, AirDNA for market data and revenue projections, and Awning for full-service Airbnb investment management. RedAwning and Vacasa provide property management services for investors, while local property management companies like White Mountain Property Management and Carroll County Property Management offer specialized vacation rental services. Investment-focused platforms like Roofstock and BiggerPockets connect Conway investors with financing options and market insights, and local mortgage brokers such as Mortgage Network and Primary Residential Mortgage work with investors seeking financing for vacation rental properties in the White Mountains region.