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% rooms and meals tax) and register for a business license. 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 suitable for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the White Mountains, including essentials like linens, kitchen supplies, and outdoor gear storage. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to hiking trails, skiing, and local attractions like Mount Washington State Park. Set competitive pricing based on seasonal demand (higher rates during fall foliage and winter ski season), and implement a management system using Airbnb's tools or local property management companies like White Mountain Property Management to handle bookings, cleaning, and guest communications while maintaining the 8.5% state tax collection and remittance requirements.

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 skiing at Bretton Woods (20 minutes) and North Conway attractions (45 minutes). Target 3-4 bedroom properties with mountain views, outdoor amenities like fire pits or hot tubs, and rustic cabin or chalet-style features that can command $150-300 per night depending on season and proximity to outdoor recreation. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties in nearby Berlin, Lancaster, and Jefferson, while researching competition through Airbnb and VRBO searches within a 15-mile radius to identify gaps in luxury amenities or unique property types. Leverage the Coos County Registry of Deeds for property research, partner with local property management companies like White Mountain Property Management, and monitor seasonal demand patterns where winter months (December-March) and summer hiking season (June-September) typically generate 60-70% of annual revenue, with properties near snowmobile trails and ATV access commanding premium rates year-round.

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 with the local government and obtain proper permits before listing properties. You'll need to submit a completed short-term rental application form, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, submit a detailed floor plan showing maximum occupancy, provide proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), pass a fire safety inspection conducted by the local fire department, and demonstrate compliance with septic system capacity if applicable. Required documents include a valid driver's license, property deed or lease, insurance certificate, septic system inspection (if on septic), and payment of application fees which typically range from $100-300 annually. The timeline usually takes 4-6 weeks from application submission to permit approval, depending on scheduling of required inspections and completeness of documentation. Gorham-specific requirements include adherence to the town's noise ordinance, maintaining guest registries, providing emergency contact information to neighbors within 500 feet, ensuring adequate parking for the maximum number of guests, and compliance with the White Mountain National Forest regulations if the property is located within forest boundaries, as many Gorham properties are situated near or within federal land designations.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Gorham, New Hampshire, as the town has not enacted specific prohibitions against vacation rentals like Airbnb or VRBO. However, STR operators must comply with standard zoning regulations, obtain necessary business licenses, and adhere to health and safety codes. The town requires STRs to meet the same standards as other residential properties and may require registration with the local authorities. There are no specific prohibited areas within Gorham for STRs, though they must operate within existing zoning districts that permit residential use. Recent changes in New Hampshire state law around 2021-2022 have generally favored property owners' rights to operate STRs, limiting municipalities' ability to ban them outright, though towns can still impose reasonable regulations regarding safety, noise, and parking. Gorham has not implemented the more restrictive measures seen in some other New Hampshire communities, maintaining a relatively permissive approach while ensuring basic compliance with local ordinances and state regulations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Gorham, New Hampshire are the downtown historic district near Main Street, which attracts visitors to local restaurants, shops, and seasonal events while serving as a gateway to the White Mountains; the neighborhoods near the Moose Brook State Park area, popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking hiking, fishing, and camping activities; properties close to the Presidential Rail Trail system, which draws cyclists, snowmobilers, and ATV riders year-round; areas within walking distance of Northern Forest Heritage Park, attracting history buffs and educational tourists; and residential zones near Route 2 corridor providing easy access for business travelers visiting local manufacturing facilities and serving as a convenient stopover for tourists heading to North Conway, Berlin, or other White Mountain destinations. These locations benefit from Gorham's position as a four-season outdoor recreation hub with strong demand from hikers accessing nearby peaks, winter sports enthusiasts, leaf-peepers during fall foliage season, and visitors attending local festivals and community events throughout the year.

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. The tax is collected by the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration and hosts must register for a license, collect the tax from guests, and remit payments monthly if annual collections exceed $600, or annually if less. Additionally, hosts may be subject to local occupancy taxes imposed by the town of Gorham, typically ranging from 2-4%, though specific rates should be verified with the Gorham town clerk's office. The state tax is collected at the time of booking through platforms like Airbnb's automatic collection system or manually by hosts, with remittance due by the 15th of the following month along with required tax returns filed through the state's online portal. Exemptions generally include stays exceeding 185 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and certain government or charitable organization bookings may qualify for exemptions 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 $220,000-$250,000 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, welcome materials, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees in New Hampshire generally total $500-$1,500 covering business registration, potential local permits, and tax registrations. Insurance costs approximately $2,000-$3,000 annually for short-term rental coverage. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, heating oil/propane, water, internet, and cable run about $1,000-$2,000. First six months operating costs including utilities ($3,600-$4,800), cleaning supplies and services ($1,800-$2,400), maintenance reserves ($1,200-$2,000), marketing ($600-$1,200), and platform fees average $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and seasonal heating costs which can be substantial in New Hampshire's climate.

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 averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Properties near Mount Washington and hiking trails command premium rates of $120-$200 per night during peak season versus $60-$100 in off-season, resulting in profit margins of 25-45% for well-managed properties. Success factors include proximity to outdoor recreation areas, professional photography showcasing mountain views, responsive guest communication, and strategic pricing during White Mountain National Forest peak seasons. A typical 3-bedroom cabin near Moose Brook State Park might generate $28,000 in annual revenue with $16,000 in expenses, yielding a 43% profit margin, while properties further from attractions often struggle with 15-25% occupancy rates and break-even scenarios. The market benefits from consistent demand from hikers, leaf-peepers, and winter sports enthusiasts, though competition from established hotels and seasonal fluctuations require careful financial planning and marketing strategies.

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 within the town. Properties near Mount Washington and outdoor recreation areas command premium rates of $150-250 per night during peak seasons (summer hiking and winter skiing), while standard residential properties average $80-120 nightly. Initial investment recovery generally occurs within 6-8 years, with most investors reaching profitability within 18-24 months after accounting for startup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses. The seasonal nature of tourism in Gorham creates occupancy rates of 65-75% during peak months (June-October and December-March) but drops to 25-35% in shoulder seasons, resulting in average annual occupancy of 45-55% and gross rental yields of 15-22% before expenses.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Gorham, New Hampshire. Local real estate agents like Keller Williams North Conway, Century 21 North East, and Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage have agents experienced in investment properties and vacation rentals in the Mount Washington Valley area. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and property search tools, AirDNA for market data and investment analysis, and Awning for turnkey Airbnb investment properties. Regional companies like White Mountain Real Estate and Peabody & Smith Realty have deep knowledge of the Gorham market and can identify properties with strong rental potential near skiing and hiking attractions. Additional services include BiggerPockets for investor networking and education, Roofstock for online real estate investing, and local property management companies like Mount Washington Valley Property Management and White Mountain Property Services that can help investors maximize their Airbnb returns in the area.