Is Moultonborough, New Hampshire Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Moultonborough, New Hampshire, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Moultonborough Planning Board, as the town requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with specific occupancy limits typically set at 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. Contact the Moultonborough Town Hall at 603-476-2347 to obtain necessary permits including a business license ($25-50 annually) and ensure your property meets fire safety codes and septic system requirements for increased occupancy. Find a suitable property near Lake Winnipesaukee or in residential zones that allow short-term rentals, considering properties built after 1978 to avoid lead paint issues and ensuring adequate parking for guests. Furnish the space with quality linens, basic kitchen supplies, WiFi, and lake-appropriate amenities like kayaks or fishing gear, while installing smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and a fire extinguisher as required by New Hampshire fire codes. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and local rental sites, highlighting proximity to Lake Winnipesaukee activities, Castle in the Clouds, and seasonal attractions, with rates typically ranging from $150-400 per night depending on season and property size. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services like those in nearby Laconia or Center Harbor, creating a guest guidebook with local restaurant recommendations and emergency contacts, and maintaining compliance with New Hampshire's 8.5% rooms and meals tax plus any local occupancy taxes that Moultonborough may implement.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Moultonborough, New Hampshire, focus on lakefront or lake-view properties within walking distance of Lake Winnipesaukee, as this drives the majority of tourism demand from May through October. Target 3-4 bedroom properties with modern amenities, outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, and parking for multiple vehicles, as families and groups comprise the primary market segment. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties, aiming for average daily rates of $200-400 depending on proximity to water and property size, with occupancy rates typically ranging 60-75% during peak season. Research competition by studying existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within 2-3 miles, noting their amenities, pricing strategies, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like Rabbu and AllTheRooms for market analysis, partner with local property management companies like Lakes Region Vacation Rentals for operational insights, and monitor the Moultonborough Planning Board meetings for zoning changes that could impact STR regulations. Consider properties near Castle in the Clouds, hiking trails, or with boat access, as these features command premium rates, and ensure compliance with New Hampshire's rooms and meals tax requirements while factoring in seasonal utility costs and property maintenance expenses typical of lakefront properties.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Moultonborough, New Hampshire, you must first contact the Moultonborough Planning and Zoning Department at Town Hall located at 6 Holland Street, as the town implemented short-term rental regulations around 2019-2020. You'll need to submit a completed short-term rental registration application along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, a detailed floor plan showing maximum occupancy, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), a septic system inspection certificate if applicable, and contact information for a local property manager or 24-hour emergency contact within 30 minutes of the property. The application fee is approximately $100-150 annually, with additional fees for inspections if required. You must also provide a parking plan showing adequate off-street parking, a waste management plan, and agree to occupancy limits typically set at 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests maximum. The approval process generally takes 30-45 days after submission of a complete application, during which time the Planning Board may schedule a site visit or require a public hearing depending on the property's location and zoning district. Once approved, you'll receive a registration certificate that must be renewed annually, and you're required to maintain a guest registry, post the registration number in your listing, and comply with noise ordinances and parking restrictions specific to Moultonborough's residential zones.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Moultonborough, New Hampshire, but are subject to local regulations and zoning restrictions. The town has implemented registration requirements for STR operators, requiring them to obtain permits and comply with health and safety standards, parking requirements, and occupancy limits. STRs are generally prohibited in certain residential zones or may require special permits depending on the specific zoning district. Property owners must register their rentals with the town, maintain liability insurance, and ensure compliance with state tax obligations including rooms and meals tax collection. Recent changes around 2020-2022 have included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced registration processes to address community concerns about noise, parking, and neighborhood character. The town has also implemented complaint procedures and may impose fines for non-compliance with STR regulations, while working to balance tourism revenue with residential quality of life concerns.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Moultonborough, New Hampshire are the Lake Winnipesaukee waterfront districts, particularly the areas around Long Island and Melvin Village, which attract summer tourists seeking lakefront access, boating, and swimming from May through October. The Castle in the Clouds vicinity offers year-round appeal due to its proximity to this historic mansion and scenic attraction that draws visitors for weddings, tours, and fall foliage viewing. The Route 25 corridor near the town center provides good investment potential due to its accessibility and proximity to local restaurants, shops, and the Moultonborough Country Club, appealing to both leisure travelers and those attending local events. The areas near Suissevale and the various lake access points are particularly attractive for family reunions and group rentals during peak summer months, while properties near hiking trails and the Red Hill fire tower attract outdoor enthusiasts year-round, with additional winter appeal for those accessing nearby ski areas like Gunstock Mountain Resort.

In Moultonborough, 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. Additionally, hosts must pay the state's Interest and Dividends Tax of 5% on rental income if it exceeds $2,400 annually for individuals or $4,800 for joint filers, though this is being phased out by 2025. Moultonborough itself does not impose a separate local lodging tax, but hosts must register with the state for tax collection purposes and may need to obtain a business license from the town. The Rooms and Meals Tax can be collected directly from guests and remitted to the state, with Airbnb facilitating collection in some cases, and there are no specific exemptions for small operators, though rentals of 185 days or longer are exempt from the rooms tax portion.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Moultonborough, New Hampshire is approximately $650,000-$750,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $550,000-$650,000 based on median lakefront and near-lake property prices in the area, as Moultonborough is primarily known for its Lake Winnipesaukee location. Furnishing costs range from $25,000-$35,000 for a complete 3-4 bedroom property including beds, linens, kitchen equipment, living room furniture, and outdoor furniture suitable for the lake setting. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees include business registration ($50), short-term rental permit ($200-$500), and potential zoning compliance costs totaling $1,000-$2,000. Insurance for short-term rental coverage costs $3,000-$4,000 annually. Utilities including electricity, heating, water, internet, and cable average $400-$600 monthly or $2,400-$3,600 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services ($150 per turnover), maintenance, supplies, platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing total approximately $8,000-$12,000 assuming 60-70% occupancy rates typical for established Lake Winnipesaukee area properties.

Airbnb properties in Moultonborough, New Hampshire typically generate annual revenues between $25,000-$45,000 for lakefront properties and $15,000-$28,000 for non-waterfront homes, with peak summer months (June-August) accounting for 60-70% of total bookings due to Lake Winnipesaukee tourism. Operating expenses generally range from $8,000-$15,000 annually including property management fees (20-25% of revenue), cleaning costs ($75-$125 per turnover), utilities ($2,400-$3,600), insurance ($1,200-$2,000), and maintenance ($2,000-$4,000), resulting in net profit margins of 35-55% for well-managed properties. Success factors include proximity to Lake Winnipesaukee (properties within 500 feet command 40-60% premium rates), modern amenities like hot tubs and fire pits, professional photography, and responsive guest communication, with top-performing hosts like those managing luxury lakefront cabins achieving occupancy rates of 75-85% during peak season and average daily rates of $200-$350. Properties purchased specifically for short-term rental investment typically see ROI of 8-12% annually, though this varies significantly based on acquisition cost, with many investors targeting homes under $400,000 to optimize cash flow in this seasonal market driven by summer lake activities, fall foliage tourism, and winter recreation access.

Airbnb investments in Moultonborough, New Hampshire typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the town's prime location on Lake Winnipesaukee and strong seasonal tourism demand. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties near the lake commanding premium rates of $200-400 per night during peak summer months (June-September) and $120-250 during shoulder seasons. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with lakefront properties reaching break-even faster at 12-18 months due to higher occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. The market benefits from consistent demand from Boston and New York metropolitan areas, with average daily rates increasing 6-8% year-over-year since 2019. Properties requiring initial renovations of $20,000-40,000 typically see full cost recovery within 2-3 years, while turnkey properties generate positive cash flow immediately, making Moultonborough a strong market for short-term rental investments with relatively stable returns compared to more volatile urban markets.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Moultonborough, New Hampshire. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Keller Williams Lakes & Mountains Realty, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, and Maxfield Real Estate, with agents like those at Peabody & Smith Realty having deep knowledge of the Lakes Region market since the 1960s. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning) for turnkey Airbnb investments, Roofstock for rental property investments, and Mashvisor for market analysis and property search tools. AirDNA provides market data and revenue projections specifically for short-term rentals, while companies like Vacasa and RedAwning offer property management services for investors. Local property management companies such as Lakes Region Property Management and Winnipesaukee Property Management cater to vacation rental investors, and mortgage specialists like First Seacoast Mortgage and Northway Bank understand investment property financing in the New Hampshire Lakes Region market.