Is Intervale, New Hampshire Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Intervale, New Hampshire, begin by researching local zoning laws through the Town of Bartlett (which encompasses Intervale) planning department, as short-term rentals may require special permits or have restrictions in residential zones. Contact the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration to understand state lodging tax requirements (currently 8.5%) and register for a business license if needed. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Mount Washington Valley properties, ensuring the location complies with any homeowners association rules and has adequate parking and septic capacity for guests. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Bartlett Town Hall, fire safety inspection from the local fire department, and ensure compliance with New Hampshire's innkeeper laws. Furnish the property with quality linens, basic kitchen supplies, Wi-Fi, heating suitable for New Hampshire winters, and outdoor gear storage given the area's proximity to skiing and hiking attractions. Create your Airbnb listing highlighting nearby attractions like Mount Washington, Story Land, and North Conway outlets, using professional photos and competitive pricing based on seasonal demand (higher rates during fall foliage and ski season). Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors familiar with mountain properties, and consider using dynamic pricing tools to optimize rates during peak tourist seasons from June through October and December through March.

To identify profitable STR properties in Intervale, New Hampshire, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of major attractions like Cathedral Ledge State Park, Echo Lake, and Cranmore Mountain Resort, prioritizing properties with mountain or lake views and easy access to Route 16. Target 3-4 bedroom properties with modern amenities, hot tubs, fireplaces, and outdoor spaces that can accommodate 6-10 guests, as these command premium rates of $200-400 per night during peak seasons. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and STRAnalytics to benchmark against similar properties in North Conway and Jackson, aiming for properties that can achieve 60-70% occupancy rates with average daily rates 20-30% above long-term rental income. Research competition by studying the top 20 STR listings within a 5-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or guest experiences you can capitalize on. Utilize tools like Mashvisor for investment analysis, Rabbu for market insights, and local resources including the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce for tourism data, while partnering with local property managers like White Mountain Property Management who understand seasonal demand patterns and can optimize your listing performance in this outdoor recreation-focused market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Intervale, New Hampshire, you must first contact the Town of Bartlett Planning and Zoning Department since Intervale is an unincorporated village within Bartlett, located at 56 Town Hall Road, Bartlett, NH 03812, or call (603) 374-2788. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, site plan showing parking areas and septic system location, certificate of occupancy, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million), fire safety inspection certificate from the local fire department, and septic system approval from the state if applicable. The application fee is approximately $150-200 with an additional $75 annual renewal fee. You must also register with the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration for rooms and meals tax collection and obtain a business license if operating as a business entity. The approval timeline is typically 30-60 days depending on completeness of application and any required inspections. Specific Intervale/Bartlett requirements include maintaining adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), ensuring the property meets current building and fire codes, providing 24/7 contact information to neighbors and the town, limiting occupancy based on septic capacity and bedroom count, and adhering to noise ordinances with quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 7 AM.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Intervale, New Hampshire, as the state does not prohibit STRs at the state level and leaves regulation primarily to local municipalities. Intervale, located in Carroll County within the town of North Conway, operates under North Conway's local ordinances which typically allow STRs but may require registration, safety inspections, and compliance with zoning regulations. Properties must generally meet fire safety codes, have proper egress routes, and maintain adequate parking, while some residential zones may have restrictions on the number of guests or require special permits. Recent changes in New Hampshire have included increased focus on safety requirements and tax collection, with many towns implementing registration systems around 2020-2022 to better track and regulate STR properties. The White Mountain region, including Intervale, has seen growing STR activity due to tourism demand, leading to more structured local oversight while maintaining the generally permissive approach that supports the tourism economy in this ski and outdoor recreation area.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Intervale, New Hampshire are primarily concentrated around the Mount Washington Valley region, particularly properties near Cathedral Ledge State Park and Echo Lake State Park which attract year-round outdoor enthusiasts for hiking, rock climbing, and scenic photography. The Route 16 corridor through Intervale offers excellent accessibility for tourists traveling between North Conway's tax-free shopping outlets and Mount Washington attractions, making it ideal for capturing overflow demand from the busier North Conway market. Properties near the Saco River provide strong appeal for summer visitors seeking water activities like tubing, fishing, and swimming, while winter guests are drawn to the area's proximity to multiple ski resorts including Cranmore Mountain Resort and Attitash Mountain Resort. The Diana's Baths trailhead area represents another prime investment zone, as this popular waterfall hike generates consistent foot traffic throughout the hiking season. Additionally, properties with mountain views toward the Presidential Range command premium rates due to the scenic value and Instagram-worthy backdrops that modern travelers seek, particularly during fall foliage season when demand peaks significantly.

In Intervale, 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. This tax is collected by the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration and hosts must register for a rooms and meals tax license if their annual rental income exceeds $20,000 or they have more than 60 rental days per year. The tax is typically collected from guests at the time of booking and must be remitted monthly by the 15th of the following month using form RM-1. Carroll County, where Intervale is located, does not impose additional local occupancy taxes beyond the state requirement. Exemptions include rentals to permanent residents (stays over 185 consecutive days) and certain government or charitable organization bookings. Hosts can collect the tax directly from guests or have platforms like Airbnb collect it automatically in participating jurisdictions, though hosts remain ultimately responsible for ensuring proper remittance to the state.

To start an Airbnb in Intervale, New Hampshire, expect total costs around $520,000-$580,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $450,000-$500,000 based on median home prices in the Mount Washington Valley area as of 2023-2024. 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 to create an appealing guest experience. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total around $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-$1,500 for business registration, short-term rental permits, and potential zoning compliance in Carroll County. Insurance specifically for short-term rentals costs approximately $2,000-$3,500 annually, with six months upfront being $1,000-$1,750. Utilities including electricity, heating, water, internet, and cable average $300-$500 monthly in New Hampshire's climate, totaling $1,800-$3,000 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, maintenance, supplies, platform fees, and marketing budget add another $8,000-$12,000, bringing the comprehensive startup investment to approximately $528,300-$594,250 depending on property size and finish level.

Airbnb properties in Intervale, New Hampshire, demonstrate strong seasonal profitability with average nightly rates ranging from $150-300 during peak summer and fall foliage seasons (June-October), generating annual revenues of $25,000-45,000 for well-positioned properties. Operating expenses typically include 25-30% for cleaning and maintenance, 10-15% for property management, 8-12% for utilities, and 3-5% for Airbnb fees, resulting in net profit margins of 35-50% for successful hosts. Properties within walking distance of North Conway attractions or offering mountain views command premium rates, with some luxury cabins achieving $400+ nightly rates during peak periods. Success factors include professional photography, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, strategic pricing during White Mountain tourist seasons, and amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, and ski equipment storage. A typical 3-bedroom mountain cabin purchased for $350,000 in 2022 generates approximately $35,000 annual revenue with $18,000 in expenses, yielding a 17,000 net profit and 4.9% cash-on-cash return, though properties closer to Cranmore Mountain Resort or with unique features like game rooms report 20-30% higher occupancy rates and can achieve 6-8% returns on investment.

Based on Intervale, 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 North Conway and Mount Washington Valley attractions. Properties within 2-3 miles of ski areas like Cranmore Mountain Resort or near hiking trail access points command premium nightly rates of $150-280, while more remote cabins average $100-180 per night with 65-75% occupancy rates during peak seasons (winter ski season December-March and summer/fall foliage June-October). Initial profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties under $400,000, with investors seeing break-even on renovation costs within 12-18 months when targeting the outdoor recreation market that drives tourism to the White Mountains region, though properties requiring significant upgrades may extend profitability timelines to 30-36 months.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Intervale, New Hampshire. Local real estate agents in the Mount Washington Valley area such as Peabody & Smith Realty, White Mountain Real Estate, and Country Houses Real Estate have experience with vacation rental properties and understand the North Conway/Intervale market dynamics. National services like AirDNA provide market analytics and revenue projections for the area, while Mashvisor offers investment property analysis tools that can evaluate Airbnb potential in Intervale. RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services that can help investors understand operational aspects of short-term rentals in the region. Local property management companies such as White Mountain Vacation Rentals and Mount Washington Valley properties specialize in managing Airbnb properties in Intervale and surrounding areas. Investment-focused platforms like Roofstock and BiggerPockets connect investors with opportunities and expertise, while local mortgage brokers familiar with investment properties in New Hampshire, such as Mortgage Network and Primary Residential Mortgage, can assist with financing vacation rental purchases in the Intervale market.