Is Haverhill, New Hampshire Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Haverhill, New Hampshire, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Haverhill Planning Board and Town Office, as New Hampshire generally allows short-term rentals but individual towns may have specific requirements or restrictions. Contact the Haverhill Town Clerk at (603) 989-5500 to inquire about business licenses, occupancy permits, and any registration requirements for short-term rentals, and check if you need a special use permit for your zoning district. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Haverhill's market, focusing on areas near popular attractions like Lake Tarleton, the Connecticut River, or close to ski areas, with properties typically ranging from $200,000-$500,000 depending on size and location. Ensure the property meets New Hampshire's life safety codes by installing proper smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, and consider hiring a local inspector to verify compliance. Furnish the space with durable, comfortable furniture sourced from retailers like Walmart in nearby Lebanon or online suppliers, focusing on essentials like quality bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and outdoor furniture to take advantage of New Hampshire's natural setting. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting mountain views, outdoor activities, and proximity to attractions like Franconia Notch State Park (30 minutes away), setting competitive rates based on comparable properties in the White Mountains region (typically $100-250 per night depending on season and property size). Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors, and consider using property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning if you live far away, while maintaining responsive communication with guests and keeping emergency contacts for local services readily available.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Haverhill, New Hampshire, focus on locations near White Mountain National Forest access points, Lake Tarleton, and ski areas like Cannon Mountain (30 minutes away), as these drive seasonal demand from outdoor enthusiasts. Target properties with 3-4 bedrooms, mountain or lake views, outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, and amenities such as hot tubs, game rooms, or ski storage that command premium rates of $150-300 per night depending on season and size. Analyze pricing by studying comparable STRs within 10-mile radius using AirDNA or Mashvisor, noting that peak seasons (summer hiking, fall foliage, winter skiing) can yield 70-80% occupancy rates while shoulder seasons drop to 40-50%. Research competition by examining existing Airbnb and VRBO listings in Haverhill, North Haverhill, and nearby Woodsville, identifying gaps in amenity offerings or underpriced properties. Utilize tools like Rabbu for market analysis, STR Helper for performance tracking, and local resources including Grafton County property records, New Hampshire STR regulations, and partnerships with local property management companies like White Mountain Property Management to understand operational costs and maximize profitability in this rural but recreation-focused market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Haverhill, New Hampshire, contact the Haverhill Town Office at 2935 Dartmouth College Highway or call 603-989-5500 to begin the application process, as the town likely requires short-term rental registration under local zoning ordinances. You'll need to submit a completed STR application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), floor plan showing maximum occupancy, septic system approval if applicable, and fire safety inspection certificate. Required documents also include a site plan, parking plan showing adequate spaces, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing locally. Application fees typically range from $100-300 initially with annual renewal fees of $50-150, though you should verify current rates with the town clerk. The approval timeline generally takes 30-60 days depending on completeness of application and any required inspections. Haverhill-specific requirements likely include adherence to the town's noise ordinance, maximum occupancy limits based on septic capacity and square footage, adequate parking (usually 2 spaces minimum), and compliance with the town's zoning districts which may restrict STRs in certain residential areas. You must also register with the New Hampshire Department of Revenue for rooms and meals tax collection, maintain a guest registry, and ensure the property meets all building and health codes before receiving final permit approval.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Haverhill, New Hampshire, as the town has not enacted specific prohibitions against vacation rentals or short-term accommodations. However, STR operators must comply with New Hampshire state regulations including business licensing requirements, rooms and meals tax collection (currently 8.5%), and safety standards. Properties used as STRs typically need to meet the same health and safety requirements as other lodging establishments, and operators should verify compliance with local zoning ordinances which may restrict commercial activities in residential areas. While Haverhill hasn't implemented the comprehensive STR regulations seen in larger New Hampshire municipalities like Portsmouth or Conway, property owners should still register their business with the state, obtain necessary permits, and ensure their operations don't violate noise ordinances or parking restrictions. The regulatory landscape for STRs in New Hampshire has been evolving since 2018-2020, with the state generally taking a permissive approach while allowing municipalities to establish their own additional requirements, though Haverhill has remained relatively hands-off in its approach to STR regulation as of recent years.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Haverhill, New Hampshire include the downtown historic district near the Connecticut River, which attracts tourists interested in New England charm and river activities, and properties near the Haverhill Corner area which benefits from its proximity to both Vermont attractions and White Mountain access routes. The Woodsville section offers strong potential due to its location along major transportation corridors and proximity to Dartmouth College (about 30 minutes away), generating consistent business and academic travel demand. Areas near Lake Tarleton and the surrounding recreational zones are particularly attractive for seasonal tourism, especially during fall foliage season and winter sports activities. The North Haverhill area benefits from its scenic rural setting and proximity to ski resorts like Cannon Mountain and Loon Mountain (within 45-60 minutes), making it appealing for weekend getaways and outdoor enthusiasts. Properties near Route 10 and Interstate 91 access points perform well due to convenience for travelers exploring the Upper Valley region, while locations with Connecticut River frontage command premium rates for their waterfront appeal and fishing opportunities.

In Haverhill, New Hampshire, Airbnb hosts are subject to the state's Rooms and Meals Tax of 8.5% on rental income, which applies to all short-term rentals under 185 days and is collected by the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration with quarterly remittance required by the 25th of January, April, July, and October. Hosts must register for a tax permit and collect the tax directly from guests, then remit it to the state along with required documentation including gross receipts and taxable sales. The town of Haverhill does not impose additional local lodging taxes beyond the state requirement. Exemptions include rentals to permanent residents (185+ days), certain medical-related stays, and properties rented for more than 30 consecutive days to the same guest, though hosts must maintain proper documentation to qualify for exemptions and ensure compliance with both state collection requirements and any applicable local zoning regulations.

To start an Airbnb in Haverhill, New Hampshire, expect total costs around $385,000-$425,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $350,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom property including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,500 for business registration, short-term rental permits, and local compliance requirements. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage run $1,200-$2,000 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable total approximately $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,800), cleaning supplies and services ($1,200), maintenance reserves ($1,000), platform fees on bookings ($800), and marketing expenses ($500) add roughly $5,300 to initial investment requirements.

Airbnb properties in Haverhill, 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 ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,500 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Properties near recreational areas like Lake Tarleton or with mountain views achieve higher occupancy rates of 60-75% during peak summer and fall foliage seasons, while standard properties average 35-50% annual occupancy. Success factors include proximity to outdoor activities, professional photography, responsive host communication, and seasonal pricing strategies that capitalize on New Hampshire's tourism peaks. A typical 3-bedroom cabin near recreational areas might generate $28,000 in annual revenue with $16,000 in expenses, yielding a 43% profit margin or approximately $12,000 net profit, though properties requiring significant upfront renovations may need 2-3 years to achieve positive ROI given Haverhill's moderate tourism market compared to more established New Hampshire destinations.

Airbnb investments in Haverhill, New Hampshire typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% based on the area's proximity to outdoor recreation and seasonal tourism patterns. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 6-10% annually, with properties near Lake Tarleton and ski areas like Cannon Mountain performing on the higher end. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, assuming 60-70% occupancy rates during peak summer and fall foliage seasons. Properties purchased in the $200,000-$350,000 range can generate $150-$250 per night during peak seasons (June-October) and $80-$120 during off-peak periods. The market benefits from consistent demand from Boston and New York metropolitan areas, with vacation rental management companies like Vacasa and RedAwning reporting strong performance metrics for North Country properties, though investors should factor in seasonal fluctuations and higher maintenance costs associated with rural mountain properties.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Haverhill, New Hampshire. Local real estate agents like Keller Williams Lakes & Mountains Realty and Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage have agents experienced in investment properties and vacation rentals in the area. Century 21 Country Lakes Realty offers local market expertise for the Haverhill region. National services include AirDNA for market analysis and revenue projections, Mashvisor for investment property analytics, and BiggerPockets for networking with local investors. RedAwning provides property management services for Airbnb investments, while AvantStay focuses on group vacation rental properties. Local property management companies like White Mountain Property Management and Lakes Region Property Management can assist with ongoing operations. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock and Fundrise offer turnkey investment opportunities, though their inventory in smaller New Hampshire markets may be limited. Local mortgage brokers familiar with investment property financing include First Seacoast Mortgage and Northway Bank, which understand the unique financing needs for vacation rental properties in New Hampshire's recreational markets.