Is Gorham, New Hampshire Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Gorham, New Hampshire, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Gorham 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 (currently 8.5% meals and rooms tax) and register for a business license if needed. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Gorham's market, focusing on areas near Mount Washington or downtown that attract tourists, with properties typically ranging from $200,000-$400,000 depending on size and location. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from the town clerk, fire safety inspection from the Gorham Fire Department, and ensure compliance with building codes through the Code Enforcement Officer. Furnish the property with durable, comfortable furniture from retailers like Walmart in Berlin or online suppliers, focusing on mountain-themed decor that appeals to hikers and outdoor enthusiasts visiting the White Mountains. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to Mount Washington State Park, Moose Brook State Park, and downtown attractions, setting competitive rates around $80-150 per night based on seasonal demand. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors, and consider using property management companies like White Mountain Property Management if you're not local, while maintaining responsive communication with guests and monitoring reviews to ensure consistent bookings throughout the peak summer and fall foliage seasons.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Gorham, New Hampshire, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Mount Washington and the White Mountain National Forest, particularly properties near Route 2 and Route 16 corridors that provide easy access to outdoor recreation areas like Moose Brook State Park and hiking trails. Target 3-4 bedroom properties with mountain views, outdoor amenities like fire pits or hot tubs, and rustic cabin or chalet-style features that appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking authentic New England experiences. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings in nearby North Conway and Berlin, aiming for properties that can command $150-300 per night during peak seasons (summer hiking and fall foliage), with acquisition costs under $300,000 to maintain healthy profit margins. Conduct competition research using AirDNA and Mashvisor to assess occupancy rates and revenue potential, noting that Gorham has fewer STR options than tourist-heavy 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 local resources such as the Gorham Town Office for zoning regulations and permit requirements, while connecting with North Country real estate agents familiar with investment properties in the Mount Washington Valley region.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Gorham, New Hampshire, contact the Gorham Town Office at 20 Park Street or call (603) 466-3322 to begin the application process, as the town requires short-term rental operators to register their properties and obtain proper permits before hosting guests. You'll need to submit a completed short-term rental registration form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), floor plan showing maximum occupancy, septic system approval if applicable, and contact information for a local property manager if you're an absentee owner. The registration fee is approximately $100-150 annually, with additional fees for inspections if required. Submit your application to the Code Enforcement Officer or Planning Department at least 30-45 days before you plan to begin operations, as the review process typically takes 2-4 weeks depending on completeness of documentation and any required inspections. Gorham specifically requires STR properties to maintain adequate parking (typically 2 spaces minimum), comply with noise ordinances, post maximum occupancy limits visibly, provide emergency contact information to neighbors, and ensure proper waste management with approved containers, while properties in certain residential zones may face additional restrictions on the number of rental days per year or require special use permits from the Planning Board.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Gorham, New Hampshire, as the town has not enacted specific prohibitions against vacation rentals, though they must comply with state regulations and local zoning ordinances. Properties used as STRs typically need to meet health and safety standards, obtain proper business licenses, and may be subject to occupancy limits and parking requirements under Gorham's zoning regulations. The town follows New Hampshire's relatively permissive approach to short-term rentals, with the state requiring operators to collect and remit rooms and meals tax (8.5%) and potentially register with the Department of Revenue Administration. While there are no specific prohibited areas for STRs in Gorham's residential zones, properties must comply with noise ordinances and cannot violate any homeowners association restrictions if applicable. Recent changes at the state level since 2019 have primarily focused on tax collection requirements rather than operational restrictions, and Gorham has not implemented additional local regulations beyond standard zoning compliance, making it one of the more STR-friendly communities in New Hampshire's White Mountains region.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Gorham, New Hampshire are the downtown Main Street district, which attracts visitors to the historic town center and provides easy access to local restaurants and shops, and the neighborhoods near the Moose Brook State Park area on the southern edge of town, which appeal to outdoor enthusiasts visiting for hiking, fishing, and camping activities. The residential areas along Route 2 toward the White Mountain National Forest boundary are particularly attractive due to their proximity to numerous hiking trails, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling routes that draw year-round tourism. Properties near the Northern Rail Trail also perform well as they cater to cyclists and trail users during warmer months. The area around Gorham Industrial Park can capture business travelers visiting local manufacturing facilities, though this represents a smaller market segment. Overall, locations that balance accessibility to downtown amenities while offering quick access to outdoor recreation tend to generate the strongest rental demand, as Gorham serves as a gateway community for White Mountain tourism and outdoor adventure activities throughout all four seasons.

In Gorham, New Hampshire, Airbnb hosts are subject to the state's 8.5% Rooms and Meals Tax, which applies to all short-term rental accommodations under 185 days, collected by the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration with monthly remittance required for operators collecting over $2,500 annually in tax. Additionally, hosts must pay the state's 9% Interest and Dividends Tax if applicable to their rental income, though this is filed annually rather than monthly. Gorham itself does not impose a separate local lodging tax as of 2023, making the state rooms tax the primary occupancy-related levy. The tax is typically collected from guests at the time of booking and must be remitted to the state by the 15th of the following month, with hosts required to register for a New Hampshire business tax account if their annual gross rental receipts exceed $8,000. Exemptions include stays of 185 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and certain nonprofit or charitable organization bookings may qualify for exemption with proper documentation.

To start an Airbnb in Gorham, New Hampshire, expect total costs around $285,000-$315,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $200,000-$220,000 based on median home prices in the White Mountains region. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom property including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees in New Hampshire are relatively minimal at $500-$1,500, covering business registration, potential local permits, and short-term rental licensing. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage run $2,000-$3,500 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, heating oil/propane, water, internet, and cable total approximately $1,000-$2,000. First six months operating costs including utilities ($3,600-$4,800 for heating-heavy months), cleaning services ($2,400-$3,600), maintenance reserves ($1,500-$2,500), marketing ($600-$1,200), and platform fees average $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include higher heating costs due to New Hampshire winters and seasonal demand fluctuations affecting revenue projections in this mountain tourism area near North Conway and ski resorts.

Airbnb properties in Gorham, New Hampshire typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for year-round rentals, with seasonal properties earning $8,000-$18,000 during peak summer and fall foliage months. Operating expenses generally range from 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,500 annually), and maintenance costs. Properties near Mount Washington and the White Mountain National Forest command premium rates of $120-$200 per night during peak season versus $60-$100 in off-season, with occupancy rates averaging 45-65% annually. A typical 3-bedroom cabin purchased for $250,000 in 2021 generated approximately $28,000 in gross revenue with $16,800 in expenses, yielding a 4.5% net profit margin before mortgage payments. Success factors include proximity to outdoor recreation areas, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and strategic pricing during peak hiking and skiing seasons, with properties within 10 miles of Bretton Woods or Story Land achieving 15-20% higher occupancy rates than more remote locations.

Based on Gorham, New Hampshire market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and location proximity to outdoor recreation areas like Mount Washington and ski resorts. Properties within 10 miles of White Mountain National Forest or Bretton Woods typically achieve higher occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, while standard residential properties average 45-60% occupancy. Initial investment recovery and profitability generally occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with average daily rates ranging from $120-200 during peak seasons (winter skiing and summer hiking) and $80-120 during shoulder seasons. Properties requiring significant renovations may extend profitability timelines to 30-36 months, while turnkey properties near major attractions can achieve positive cash flow within 6-12 months of operation.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Gorham, New Hampshire, using data analytics and market insights. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties in the White Mountains region include Keller Williams North Conway with agents experienced in vacation rental markets, and Century 21 North East with local market expertise since the 1980s. Awning provides nationwide Airbnb property management and investment analysis services that cover the Gorham area, while Mashvisor offers investment property analysis tools and market data for New Hampshire mountain towns. RedAwning specializes in vacation rental property acquisition and management services throughout New England ski regions including Gorham. Local services include White Mountain Real Estate Group, which has been helping investors since 1995 find properties near ski resorts and hiking areas, and Gorham Real Estate Associates, established in 2003, focusing on seasonal rental properties. National companies like Vacasa and AvantStay also provide market analysis and property management services for investors looking to purchase and operate short-term rentals in this popular outdoor recreation destination near Mount Washington.