Is Enfield, New Hampshire Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Enfield, New Hampshire, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Enfield Planning and Zoning Department, as New Hampshire allows municipalities to regulate short-term rentals and Enfield may require special permits or have restrictions in certain residential zones. Contact the town office at 23 Main Street to inquire about business licenses, occupancy permits, and any specific short-term rental ordinances that may have been enacted since 2020-2022 when many NH towns began implementing such regulations. Find a suitable property by searching real estate listings through companies like Coldwell Banker or RE/MAX in the Upper Valley region, focusing on properties near Mascoma Lake or with mountain views that attract tourists visiting nearby Dartmouth College area or Shaker Museum. Ensure the property meets safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and adequate egress windows, then obtain necessary permits from the New Hampshire Department of Safety for any structural modifications. Furnish the space with quality furniture from retailers like Wayfair or local stores in Lebanon/Hanover area, focusing on comfortable beds, full kitchen amenities, and outdoor furniture to take advantage of New Hampshire's natural beauty. Create your listing on Airbnb and VRBO platforms with professional photography highlighting the property's proximity to Mascoma Lake recreation and fall foliage viewing opportunities. Register for New Hampshire's 8.5% rooms and meals tax through the Department of Revenue Administration and consider obtaining liability insurance through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ that specialize in short-term rentals. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols, key exchange systems, and maintaining communication with guests while monitoring local noise ordinances and parking restrictions that Enfield may enforce in residential neighborhoods.

To identify profitable STR properties in Enfield, New Hampshire, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Mascoma Lake and near outdoor recreation areas like the Northern Rail Trail, as proximity to water activities and hiking trails drives seasonal demand. Target 3-4 bedroom properties built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and parking for multiple vehicles, as families and groups visiting the Lake Sunapee region prefer spacious accommodations. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings in nearby Hanover, Lebanon, and New London to establish competitive rates, typically ranging $150-300 per night depending on size and amenities, with peak demand during summer months and fall foliage season. Research competition using AirDNA and Mashvisor to assess occupancy rates and revenue potential, noting that Enfield has limited STR inventory compared to more touristy areas, creating opportunity for well-positioned properties. Utilize tools like Zillow and Realtor.com for property searches, the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration for tax assessments, and connect with local real estate agents familiar with the Upper Valley market, while ensuring compliance with Enfield's zoning regulations and any STR licensing requirements through the town office.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Enfield, New Hampshire, you must first contact the Enfield Planning and Zoning Department at the Town Office located at 23 Main Street or call (603) 632-5026 to confirm current requirements, as the town implemented short-term rental regulations around 2020-2021. You'll need to submit a completed short-term rental permit application along with a site plan showing parking areas and septic system capacity, proof of property ownership or written landlord consent, a copy of your homeowner's or rental property insurance policy with liability coverage of at least $1 million, and documentation showing compliance with New Hampshire fire safety codes including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The application fee is approximately $100-150 with an annual renewal fee of around $75-100, and you must also register with the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration for rooms and meals tax collection. Enfield requires that properties maintain adequate parking (typically 2 spaces per rental unit), comply with the town's septic system capacity limits (usually no more than 4 bedrooms for standard systems), and maintain quiet hours between 10 PM and 8 AM. The approval process typically takes 30-45 days after submitting a complete application, and permits must be renewed annually by December 31st. Properties in residential zones may face additional restrictions on the number of guests or rental frequency, so verify zoning compliance before applying.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Enfield, New Hampshire, as the town has not enacted specific prohibitions against them as of 2023. However, STR operators must comply with New Hampshire state regulations including business licensing requirements, rooms and meals tax collection (8.5%), and safety standards. Enfield follows typical New Hampshire municipal approaches where STRs are permitted but may be subject to local zoning ordinances, noise regulations, and building code compliance. The town likely requires STR operators to obtain proper business licenses and may have occupancy limits based on septic system capacity, which is common in rural New Hampshire communities. There have been no major recent legal changes specifically targeting STRs in Enfield, though operators should verify current zoning compliance and ensure proper registration with the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration for tax purposes. Properties in residential zones may face some restrictions on commercial activity, but enforcement tends to be complaint-driven rather than proactive in smaller New Hampshire towns like Enfield.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Enfield, New Hampshire include the Mascoma Lake waterfront district, which attracts summer tourists seeking lakeside recreation, boating, and swimming activities from May through September. The downtown village area near Main Street offers proximity to local restaurants, shops, and the Enfield Shaker Museum, drawing history enthusiasts and cultural tourists year-round. Properties near the rail trail system appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, cyclists, and hikers, particularly during fall foliage season when demand peaks from late September to mid-October. The Route 4A corridor provides convenient access for business travelers visiting nearby Dartmouth College in Hanover (15 minutes away) and attracts parents during college events, graduations, and move-in periods. Areas close to Whaleback Mountain and other ski resorts within 30 minutes drive see increased winter demand from December through March, while properties near Cardigan State Park benefit from hiking and camping tourism during summer months.

Airbnb properties in Enfield, New Hampshire are subject to the state's 8.5% rooms and meals tax, which applies to all transient accommodations including short-term rentals, with no local lodging taxes imposed by the town of Enfield as of 2023. The tax is collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automated system, which remits payments directly to the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration on a monthly basis for hosts who use the platform's collection service. Hosts who collect taxes independently must register with the state, file monthly returns by the 15th of the following month, and remit payments electronically through the state's online portal. Exemptions include stays of 185 consecutive days or longer, accommodations provided to permanent residents, and rentals to guests staying for medical treatment when accompanied by proper documentation, though properties renting for less than 15 days per year may qualify for certain reporting exemptions under federal tax guidelines.

Starting an Airbnb in Enfield, New Hampshire requires approximately $380,000-$450,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs average $320,000-$380,000 based on median home prices in the 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. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies run $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees in New Hampshire include business registration ($50), potential local lodging permits ($200-$500), and tax registration ($25-$100). Insurance costs approximately $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and heating average $500-$800 initially. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($1,800-$2,400), cleaning supplies and services ($1,200-$2,000), maintenance reserves ($1,000-$1,500), marketing ($300-$600), and platform fees (3% of bookings, estimated at $2,000-$3,000) total approximately $6,300-$9,500, bringing the complete startup investment to $380,000-$450,000.

Airbnb properties in Enfield, New Hampshire typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for seasonal properties and $8,000-$18,000 for year-round rentals, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($50-$75 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,500 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Properties near Mascoma Lake or with mountain views command premium rates and achieve 65-75% occupancy during peak summer and fall foliage seasons, while standard properties average 45-55% annual occupancy. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with lakefront cabins and ski-accessible homes performing best due to Enfield's proximity to Dartmouth College (20 minutes) and multiple ski areas within 45 minutes. Success factors include professional photography, responsive guest communication, strategic pricing during Dartmouth events and leaf-peeping season (September-October), and maintaining properties that appeal to both outdoor enthusiasts and visiting families, with the most profitable properties being those that capitalize on the area's four-season recreational opportunities while maintaining competitive pricing against nearby Hanover and Lebanon markets.

Airbnb investments in Enfield, New Hampshire typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, primarily driven by the town's proximity to Dartmouth College and seasonal tourism from nearby ski resorts like Mount Sunapee. Properties in Enfield generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with average daily rates of $120-180 depending on property size and amenities, and occupancy rates averaging 55-65% annually due to consistent demand from college visitors, outdoor enthusiasts, and leaf-peeping tourists during fall months. Initial investment costs typically range from $250,000-400,000 for suitable properties, with annual gross revenues of $25,000-45,000 for well-managed listings, though investors should factor in New Hampshire's property taxes averaging 2.05% and seasonal fluctuations that see peak performance during summer and fall months while experiencing slower winter periods outside of ski season.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Enfield, New Hampshire, using data analytics to evaluate potential returns. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties in the Enfield area include Coldwell Banker Lifestyles, Peabody & Smith Realty, and Country Houses Real Estate, who have expertise in the Lakes Region market. National services like Awning (founded 2018), RedAwning, and Mashvisor provide comprehensive Airbnb investment analysis tools and property management services for the New Hampshire market. AirDNA offers market data and analytics specifically for short-term rental investments in the Enfield area, while companies like Vacasa and AvantStay provide full-service property management for Airbnb investments. Local property management companies such as White Mountain Property Management and Lakes Region Property Services specialize in vacation rental management in the area. Investment-focused platforms like Roofstock and BiggerPockets also provide resources and connections for finding profitable Airbnb properties in New Hampshire's Lakes Region, where Enfield is located.