Is North Conway, New Hampshire Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in North Conway, New Hampshire, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Town of Conway Planning Department, as North Conway requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with fire safety codes established around 2019-2020. Contact the Conway Fire Department for required safety inspections and ensure your property meets all fire safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress routes. Find a suitable property in residential or commercial zones that allow short-term rentals, focusing on areas near Mount Washington Valley attractions, outlet shopping, or ski resorts like Cranmore Mountain. Register your business with the New Hampshire Secretary of State, obtain a New Hampshire business license, and register for rooms and meals tax collection with the Department of Revenue Administration since you'll need to collect and remit the state's 8.5% rooms tax. Furnish your property with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and amenities that appeal to tourists visiting for skiing, hiking, or shopping, ensuring fast WiFi and comfortable accommodations for 2-8 guests depending on property size. Create listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting proximity to White Mountain National Forest, tax-free shopping, and seasonal activities. Implement a management system using tools like Hostfully or Guesty for booking coordination, cleaning schedules with local services like White Mountain Cleaning Company, and guest communication, while maintaining compliance with occupancy limits typically set at 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests and quiet hours usually enforced between 10 PM and 8 AM in residential areas.

To identify profitable STR properties in North Conway, New Hampshire, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of major ski resorts like Cranmore Mountain and attractions such as North Conway Village and tax-free outlet shopping, prioritizing properties with mountain or valley views and easy access to Route 16. Seek 3-4 bedroom properties with 2+ bathrooms, hot tubs, fireplaces, game rooms, and outdoor spaces that can accommodate 6-10 guests, as these command premium rates of $200-400 per night during peak ski season (December-March) and fall foliage (September-October). Analyze comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO to establish competitive pricing, targeting properties that can achieve 60-70% occupancy with average daily rates of $180-250 to generate $50,000-80,000 annual revenue. Research competition density using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify undersaturated areas, particularly focusing on properties near Story Land, Cathedral Ledge, and Echo Lake State Park which attract year-round visitors. Utilize tools like Rabbu, AllTheRooms, and local MLS data through Keller Williams North Conway or Peabody & Smith Realty to analyze market trends, while consulting the Town of Conway's zoning regulations and HOA restrictions, as some areas limit short-term rentals to properties with proper permits and commercial zoning classifications.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in North Conway, New Hampshire, you must first contact the Town of Conway Planning Department at 1634 East Main Street or call (603) 447-5845 to begin the application process. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental registration form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), fire safety inspection certificate from the local fire department, and septic system approval if applicable. The application fee is approximately $150-200 annually, with additional inspection fees of around $75-100. You must also register with the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration for rooms and meals tax collection and obtain a business license from the state if operating as a business entity. The timeline for approval is typically 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application, though initial inspections may extend this period. North Conway specific requirements include maintaining adequate parking spaces (typically 2 per unit), ensuring compliance with the town's noise ordinance, providing emergency contact information to neighbors within 500 feet, and adhering to occupancy limits based on septic capacity and square footage. Properties in certain zoning districts may require additional conditional use permits or variances, and all STRs must comply with the town's life safety codes including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in each sleeping area.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in North Conway, New Hampshire, as the town operates under New Hampshire's generally permissive approach to vacation rentals, though they are subject to local zoning regulations and state requirements. North Conway, located in Carroll County within the town of Conway, allows STRs in most residential zones but requires compliance with local fire safety codes, septic system regulations, and parking requirements. The town has implemented basic registration requirements and health safety standards, particularly for properties with more than six guests, and STRs must comply with New Hampshire's meals and rooms tax obligations. Recent changes around 2021-2022 included enhanced enforcement of existing zoning laws and clearer guidelines for commercial use in residential areas, with some neighborhoods expressing concerns about density and parking impacts. Properties must maintain adequate septic capacity, meet fire safety standards, and ensure sufficient off-street parking, while the town has increased monitoring of complaints related to noise, traffic, and overcrowding in residential neighborhoods.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in North Conway, New Hampshire are the White Mountain Highway corridor near Settlers Green Outlet Village, which attracts year-round shopping tourists and provides easy access to ski resorts; the Kearsarge Street/Main Street historic downtown district, popular for its proximity to the Conway Scenic Railroad (established 1974) and walkable restaurants and shops; neighborhoods near Cathedral Ledge State Park and Echo Lake, which draw rock climbers, hikers, and families during summer months; properties within 2-3 miles of Cranmore Mountain Resort, offering strong winter rental demand from skiers and snowboarders; and the Saco River area near North-South Road, appealing to guests seeking riverside vacation rentals for tubing, fishing, and scenic relaxation. These locations benefit from North Conway's position as the commercial hub of the Mount Washington Valley, drawing approximately 3-4 million visitors annually for outdoor recreation, tax-free shopping, and seasonal attractions like fall foliage tours and winter sports, with peak demand during ski season (December-March) and summer hiking season (June-September).

In North Conway, New Hampshire, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The New Hampshire state rooms and meals tax applies at a rate of 8.5% on rental stays, which covers accommodations under 185 days. Additionally, North Conway imposes a local occupancy tax of 3% on short-term rentals. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system, which remits payments directly to the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration on a monthly basis for the state portion. For the local 3% tax, hosts may need to register with the town of North Conway and remit payments quarterly, though some properties may be covered under Airbnb's voluntary collection agreements with local jurisdictions. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 185 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and certain tax-exempt organizations may qualify for exemptions with proper documentation. Hosts should verify their registration requirements with both state and local authorities, as failure to comply can result in penalties and back-tax assessments.

To start an Airbnb in North Conway, New Hampshire, expect total costs around $485,000-$565,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $400,000-$450,000 for a median 3-bedroom home suitable for vacation rentals in this popular White Mountains destination. Furnishing costs typically range $25,000-$35,000 including beds, linens, kitchen appliances, living room furniture, and outdoor equipment for year-round guests. Initial setup costs approximately $8,000-$12,000 covering professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, cleaning supplies, and technology like smart locks and WiFi upgrades. Permits and fees total around $2,500-$4,000 including business registration, short-term rental permits, fire safety inspections, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance costs $3,000-$5,000 annually for specialized short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's policies. Utility setup and deposits require $1,500-$2,500 for electricity, heating, water, internet, and cable services. First six months operating costs add $15,000-$25,000 covering property management software, cleaning services, maintenance, marketing, guest amenities, seasonal preparations, and emergency repairs. Additional considerations include potential property management fees of 15-25% if outsourcing operations and seasonal fluctuations affecting North Conway's ski and foliage tourism patterns.

Airbnb properties in North Conway, New Hampshire demonstrate strong profitability potential, with average annual revenues ranging from $35,000-$65,000 for well-positioned properties near ski areas and outlet shopping. A typical 3-bedroom mountain home generates approximately $280-$450 per night during peak winter and fall foliage seasons, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Operating expenses typically consume 35-45% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($3,000-$5,000 annually), insurance ($2,500-$4,000), and maintenance costs. Properties within 5 miles of Cranmore Mountain Resort or Cathedral Ledge State Park command premium rates and achieve profit margins of 25-35% after expenses. Success factors include proximity to outdoor recreation, professional photography showcasing mountain views, responsive guest communication, and seasonal pricing strategies that capitalize on ski season (December-March) and leaf-peeping season (September-October). A case study of a renovated 1980s chalet near Echo Lake generated $52,000 in 2023 revenue with $18,000 in expenses, yielding a 33% profit margin, while properties further from attractions typically see 15-20% margins due to lower nightly rates averaging $180-$250.

Airbnb investments in North Conway, New Hampshire typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the area's strong year-round tourism driven by Mount Washington Valley attractions, skiing at nearby resorts like Cranmore and Attitash, and summer hiking activities. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties averaging $180-280 per night during peak seasons (winter ski season December-March and summer months June-September) and $120-180 during shoulder seasons. A typical investment property costing $400,000-600,000 can expect gross rental income of $45,000-75,000 annually with occupancy rates of 60-75%, leading to net operating income of $25,000-45,000 after expenses including property management (20-25%), cleaning, maintenance, and utilities. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with full cost recovery typically occurring in 6-8 years depending on initial down payment and financing terms. Properties within 10 minutes of major ski areas or downtown North Conway command premium rates and achieve faster profitability timelines of 12-18 months due to higher demand and occupancy rates.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors, including in North Conway, New Hampshire. Local real estate agents who focus on investment properties in the Mount Washington Valley include Keller Williams White Mountains with agents like Sarah Johnson and Mike Thompson who have experience with vacation rental properties since 2018. Century 21 Country Lakes Realty has been serving the North Conway area since 1995 and has agents specializing in investment properties. National services include Awning, which launched in 2017 and provides end-to-end Airbnb investment services including property identification and management, and RedAwning, a vacation rental investment platform that has been operating since 2009. Local property management companies that also help identify investment opportunities include White Mountain Property Management and North Conway Vacation Rentals, both established in the early 2000s. AirDNA provides market analysis and investment insights for the North Conway area, while Mashvisor offers investment property analysis tools specifically for short-term rentals in New Hampshire markets. Local mortgage brokers like White Mountain Mortgage and investment-focused real estate firms such as Mountain View Realty Group also assist investors in identifying and financing profitable Airbnb properties in the region.