Is Lisbon, New Hampshire Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Lisbon, New Hampshire, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Lisbon Planning Board and Town Office, as New Hampshire allows short-term rentals but individual municipalities may have specific requirements including potential registration or permit requirements that were implemented around 2021-2022. Contact the Lisbon Town Clerk at (603) 838-6391 to verify current short-term rental ordinances and obtain any necessary business licenses or permits, which typically cost $25-50 annually. Find a suitable property by searching MLS listings, working with local realtors familiar with the White Mountain region, or purchasing existing homes in residential zones that allow commercial activity, with average property prices ranging $200,000-400,000 depending on proximity to Franconia Notch and ski areas. Furnish the property with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, heating system suitable for New Hampshire winters, basic kitchen appliances, linens, and outdoor equipment for hiking/skiing activities popular in the area. Create listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting mountain views and proximity to attractions like Cannon Mountain and Franconia Notch State Park, pricing competitively at $80-150 per night depending on season and property size. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, coordinating key exchanges or installing smart locks, maintaining 24/7 communication availability, and ensuring compliance with New Hampshire's 8.5% rooms and meals tax collection requirements while keeping detailed records for tax purposes.

For identifying profitable short-term rental properties in Lisbon, New Hampshire, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of Cannon Mountain and Franconia Notch State Park, as these areas attract year-round tourists for skiing, hiking, and leaf-peeping activities. Target 3-4 bedroom properties with mountain views, outdoor spaces, hot tubs, and proximity to snowmobile trails, as these features command premium rates of $150-300 per night depending on season. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties generating $40,000-70,000 annually, with peak seasons being winter (December-March) and fall foliage (September-October). Research competition by analyzing similar properties within a 10-mile radius, noting that successful STRs often maintain 70%+ occupancy rates and average daily rates 20-30% higher than traditional rentals. Utilize tools like Rabbu, STR Helper, and local MLS data through Keller Williams North Country or Century 21 offices, while monitoring vacation rental performance on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and local sites such as White Mountain Vacation Rentals to understand market saturation and identify underserved niches in the $200,000-500,000 property price range.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Lisbon, New Hampshire, contact the Lisbon Town Office at 603-838-6391 or visit their office at 1 School Street to begin the application process, as New Hampshire allows municipalities to regulate short-term rentals independently. You'll need to submit a completed short-term rental application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate from the local fire department, septic system inspection (if applicable), proof of liability insurance coverage (typically $1 million minimum), site plan showing parking areas and emergency exits, and payment of application fees estimated between $100-300 annually. Required documents also include a floor plan indicating maximum occupancy limits, contact information for a local property manager if you're an absentee owner, and compliance with zoning regulations which may restrict STRs in certain residential districts. The application timeline typically takes 30-60 days for processing and approval, during which the fire department and building inspector will conduct on-site inspections to ensure compliance with life safety codes, adequate parking (usually 2 spaces minimum), proper waste disposal arrangements, and noise ordinance adherence. Lisbon may require additional permits for properties near water bodies or in historic districts, and you must register with the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration for rooms and meals tax collection if gross rental income exceeds $20,000 annually.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Lisbon, New Hampshire, but operate under the state's general lodging regulations and local zoning ordinances. New Hampshire does not have specific statewide STR legislation, leaving regulation primarily to municipalities. Lisbon, a small town in Grafton County, generally allows STRs in residential areas as long as they comply with local zoning requirements, health and safety codes, and any applicable business licensing requirements. Property owners must ensure compliance with state rooms and meals tax collection (currently 8.5%) and may need to register with the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration. There are no specific prohibited areas in Lisbon for STRs, though properties must meet basic safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and egress requirements. Recent changes at the state level since 2019 have clarified tax collection responsibilities for platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, but Lisbon has not implemented significant new STR-specific regulations in recent years, maintaining a relatively permissive approach compared to larger New Hampshire cities like Portsmouth or Hanover which have adopted more restrictive ordinances.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Lisbon, New Hampshire include the downtown historic district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in the town's colonial architecture and proximity to local restaurants and shops. The Landaff Road area offers appeal for outdoor enthusiasts visiting nearby Franconia Notch State Park and accessing hiking trails, particularly during fall foliage season from September to October. Properties near the Connecticut River provide scenic waterfront appeal for guests seeking peaceful retreats and fishing opportunities. The Route 302 corridor benefits from through-traffic of tourists traveling between North Conway and Littleton, making it convenient for visitors exploring the White Mountains region. Areas close to Lisbon's annual Old Home Day celebration in August see increased demand, while properties within walking distance of the Ammonoosuc River attract guests interested in kayaking and scenic photography, with peak seasons typically running from June through October when outdoor activities and leaf-peeping drive tourism to the region.

Airbnb properties in Lisbon, New Hampshire are subject to New Hampshire's statewide Rooms and Meals Tax of 8.5% on rental amounts, which applies to all short-term rentals under 185 days and is collected by the host from guests at the time of booking or check-in. Hosts must register with the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration, obtain a license, and remit taxes monthly by the 15th of the following month using Form DP-160 if monthly gross receipts exceed $600, or quarterly if less. The town of Lisbon does not impose additional local occupancy taxes beyond the state requirement. Exemptions include rentals to permanent residents (185+ days), certain government employees on official business, and properties rented for less than 15 days per year by the owner's primary residence, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria as they can change.

To start an Airbnb in Lisbon, New Hampshire, the total initial costs would be approximately $285,000-$315,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $250,000-$275,000 based on median home prices in the Lakes Region area. 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 marketing materials run $1,500-$2,500. Permits and fees include business registration ($50), short-term rental permits if required by the town ($100-$500), and potential zoning compliance costs totaling $500-$1,500. Insurance for short-term rentals costs approximately $1,200-$2,000 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable run $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,800), cleaning supplies and services ($1,200), maintenance reserves ($1,500), platform fees to Airbnb ($2,000 estimated), and property management software ($300) total approximately $6,800. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes prorated for six months ($2,000-$3,000), and a contingency fund for unexpected repairs ($2,000-$5,000).

Airbnb properties in Lisbon, New Hampshire show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $80-150 depending on property size and amenities, generating approximately $15,000-35,000 in annual revenue for properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically include property management fees (10-20%), cleaning costs ($30-50 per turnover), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance reserves (5-10% of revenue), resulting in total expenses of roughly 40-55% of gross revenue. Profit margins generally range from 25-45% for well-managed properties, with lakefront or ski-accessible locations near Gunstock Mountain Resort commanding premium rates during peak summer and winter seasons. Success factors include proximity to Lake Winnipesaukee recreational activities, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and seasonal pricing optimization, with properties featuring amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, or boat access achieving occupancy rates 15-20% higher than basic accommodations. The market benefits from New Hampshire's tax-free status and strong tourism from Massachusetts and Connecticut visitors, though competition has increased significantly since 2019 with new listings growing approximately 25% annually in the Lakes Region area.

Airbnb investments in Lisbon, New Hampshire can expect annual ROI of 8-12% based on the region's seasonal tourism patterns and proximity to ski areas like Cannon Mountain and Bretton Woods. Cash-on-cash returns typically range from 6-10% annually, with properties near outdoor recreation areas performing at the higher end due to year-round demand from hikers, skiers, and leaf-peepers. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months, assuming proper property management and competitive pricing strategies that capitalize on peak seasons (winter skiing December-March, summer hiking June-September, and fall foliage September-October). Properties with 3+ bedrooms and amenities like hot tubs or game rooms command premium rates of $150-250 per night during peak seasons, while off-season rates drop to $80-120 per night, resulting in average occupancy rates of 60-70% annually when marketed effectively through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Lisbon, New Hampshire, using data analytics to evaluate potential returns. Local real estate agents like Coldwell Banker Lifestyles and RE/MAX Northern Edge, both established in the White Mountains region since the 1990s, specialize in investment properties and understand the seasonal rental market dynamics around Cannon Mountain and Franconia Notch. AirDNA provides comprehensive market analysis for the area, while Mashvisor offers investment property analysis tools that cover New Hampshire markets including Lisbon. Local property management companies such as White Mountain Property Management and Northern Comfort Vacation Rentals, operating since the early 2000s, offer turnkey services for Airbnb investors. National services like Awning and RedAwning provide end-to-end investment solutions including property identification and management. Keller Williams and Century 21 have agents in nearby Littleton and North Conway who work with investors seeking vacation rental properties in the Lisbon area. BiggerPockets marketplace and Roofstock occasionally feature New Hampshire investment properties, while local mortgage brokers like Northway Bank and Meredith Village Savings Bank offer financing options for investment properties in the region.