Is Haverhill, Massachusetts Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Haverhill, Massachusetts, begin by researching local regulations as Haverhill requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning ordinances that may restrict rentals in certain residential areas. Contact the Haverhill Building Department and Planning Board to understand specific permit requirements, which typically include a Certificate of Occupancy, fire safety inspections, and potentially a special permit depending on your property's zoning classification. Find a suitable property by searching residential areas like Bradford, Riverside, or downtown Haverhill, ensuring it meets the city's safety codes including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress windows. Furnish the space with quality basics including comfortable bedding, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and local guidebooks, while ensuring compliance with Massachusetts state laws requiring rental properties to have adequate heating and hot water. Create your listing on Airbnb with professional photos highlighting nearby attractions like Winnekenni Park and downtown shopping, setting competitive rates based on comparable properties in the Merrimack Valley area (typically $80-150 per night as of 2023). Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guests, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes, while staying current with any changes to Haverhill's short-term rental ordinances and Massachusetts lodging tax requirements of 5.7%.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Haverhill, Massachusetts, focus on locations within walking distance of downtown attractions like Washington Square, near the Merrimack River waterfront, or close to major employers like MITRE Corporation and Pentucket Medical Associates. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1950 with modern amenities, parking, and outdoor spaces, as these appeal to both business travelers and families visiting nearby attractions or Salem/Boston day trips. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings in Haverhill averaging $80-150 per night, factor in seasonal demand peaks during summer months and fall foliage season, and calculate potential gross rental yields of 8-12% annually. Research competition using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify supply gaps, monitor occupancy rates of existing properties (typically 60-75% in the area), and assess market saturation in specific neighborhoods. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Massachusetts real estate platforms, while consulting Haverhill's zoning regulations and short-term rental ordinances, and consider proximity to Route 495 for easy access to Boston's tech corridor and New Hampshire tax-free shopping destinations.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Haverhill, Massachusetts, you must first contact the Haverhill Building Department at City Hall located at 4 Summer Street to initiate the application process, as the city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a lodging house license under state regulations. You'll need to submit a completed lodging house license application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, a detailed floor plan of the rental unit, certificate of occupancy, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), fire safety inspection certificate from the Haverhill Fire Department, and a site plan showing parking availability and egress routes. The application fee is approximately $200-300 annually, with additional inspection fees of around $100-150. Haverhill requires that all STR properties meet specific safety requirements including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in each bedroom and common area, fire extinguishers on each floor, emergency exit plans posted in each unit, and compliance with maximum occupancy limits based on square footage (typically 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional). The approval timeline is generally 4-6 weeks from submission of a complete application, provided all inspections pass and there are no zoning conflicts. Properties in residential zones may face additional restrictions on the number of rental days per year (often limited to 120-150 days annually), and operators must maintain a guest registry, provide 24-hour contact information to the city, and ensure compliance with noise ordinances and parking requirements that typically mandate one off-street parking space per rental unit.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Haverhill, Massachusetts operate under state regulations as the city has not enacted specific local ordinances governing STRs as of 2023. Under Massachusetts state law, STRs are generally legal but must comply with state tax requirements including collecting and remitting state and local taxes, and operators must register with the Department of Revenue. The state requires STRs to meet safety standards including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and properties must be inspected if they operate more than 14 days per year. While Haverhill hasn't implemented additional local restrictions or prohibited specific areas for STRs, operators must still comply with existing zoning laws and building codes. The city has the authority to implement local regulations but has not done so, meaning STR operators primarily follow state guidelines. Recent changes at the state level in 2019 established the comprehensive regulatory framework that currently governs STRs in Haverhill, including registration requirements and safety standards that apply citywide.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Haverhill, Massachusetts include the Historic Downtown District along Washington Street and Federal Street, which attracts visitors interested in the city's rich industrial heritage, antique shopping, and proximity to restaurants and cultural venues. The Riverside District near the Merrimack River offers scenic waterfront appeal and easy access to recreational activities like kayaking and walking trails, making it attractive to leisure travelers. The Bradford area, particularly near the commuter rail station, is ideal for business travelers and Boston commuters seeking affordable alternatives to city accommodations, as it provides direct train access to Boston in under an hour. The Hilldale and Crystal Lake neighborhoods appeal to families and groups visiting for local events, youth sports tournaments, and seasonal activities, while also serving visitors to nearby attractions like Winnekenni Castle and Park. The Ward Hill area near major highways (Route 495 and Route 125) attracts business travelers visiting local companies and offers convenient access to both Boston and New Hampshire, making it suitable for extended stays and corporate housing needs.

In Haverhill, Massachusetts, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Massachusetts state room occupancy excise tax is 5.7% on rentals under 90 consecutive days, collected by the state and remitted monthly by hosts or platforms like Airbnb. Haverhill imposes an additional local room occupancy tax of 6%, bringing the total tax burden to 11.7% for short-term rentals. The local tax is collected by the city and must be remitted monthly by the 20th of the following month, with hosts required to register with the city's tax collector's office. Both taxes apply to the total rent charged, excluding separately stated fees like cleaning fees. Exemptions typically include rentals to permanent residents (90+ consecutive days), certain government employees on official business, and stays by individuals receiving medical treatment, though hosts must maintain proper documentation. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically for hosts in some cases, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance and should verify collection with their local tax authority.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Haverhill, Massachusetts is approximately $385,000-$425,000. Property purchase costs around $350,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $8,000-$12,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and decor suitable for short-term rentals. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in Massachusetts include business registration ($500), potential local licensing fees ($200-$500), and tax registration ($100). Insurance specifically for short-term rentals costs $1,200-$2,000 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable run $500-$800 initially. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($1,800), cleaning services ($1,200), maintenance reserves ($1,000), property management software ($300), and marketing ($500) total approximately $4,800. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and emergency repair funds which could add $3,000-$5,000 to initial capital requirements.

Airbnb properties in Haverhill, Massachusetts typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire home listings, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$140 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), property management (10-20% of revenue), insurance ($800-1,500 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-4,000 yearly). Profit margins for successful operators average 25-40%, with properties near downtown Haverhill or those featuring unique amenities like hot tubs or proximity to the Merrimack River commanding premium rates. Success factors include professional photography, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, strategic pricing during peak seasons (summer months and fall foliage), and targeting business travelers commuting to Boston given Haverhill's MBTA connectivity. Properties within walking distance of the commuter rail station typically achieve 65-75% occupancy rates compared to 45-55% for more remote locations. A typical 3-bedroom Victorian home near downtown might generate $28,000 annually with $16,000 in expenses, yielding approximately $12,000 in net profit, representing a 43% profit margin before taxes and mortgage considerations.

Airbnb investments in Haverhill, Massachusetts typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties in downtown Haverhill near the commuter rail station and historic districts command higher nightly rates of $80-120, while suburban locations average $60-90 per night. Initial investment recovery and profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months, assuming 65-75% occupancy rates throughout the year. The proximity to Boston (35 miles) and lower property acquisition costs compared to Greater Boston markets contribute to favorable returns, with average property purchase prices of $300,000-450,000 requiring initial investments of $60,000-90,000 for down payments and renovations. Seasonal variations show peak performance during summer months and fall foliage season, with winter occupancy dropping to 45-55%, impacting overall annual returns but still maintaining positive cash flow for well-positioned properties.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Haverhill, Massachusetts, using data analytics to evaluate potential returns. Local real estate agents in the area include Keller Williams Realty, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, and RE/MAX Partners who have experience with investment properties in the Merrimack Valley region. National services like Awning (founded 2017), RedAwning, and Vacasa provide comprehensive Airbnb investment analysis and property management services for the Haverhill market. Local property management companies such as North Shore Property Management and Merrimack Valley Property Services offer specialized short-term rental management for investors. Additional national platforms include Mashvisor, which provides rental property analytics, and AirDNA, which offers market data and revenue projections for Airbnb investments in the greater Boston metropolitan area including Haverhill. Local investment groups and real estate professionals like Century 21 Commonwealth and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices also work with investors seeking profitable vacation rental properties in this historic mill city located 35 miles north of Boston.