Is Plymouth, New Hampshire Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Plymouth, New Hampshire, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Plymouth Planning Department, as the town requires short-term rentals to comply with residential zoning ordinances and may require a home occupation permit or special use permit depending on your property type and frequency of rentals. Contact the Plymouth Code Enforcement Office to obtain necessary permits, which typically include a business license from the town clerk's office and ensuring compliance with fire safety codes and building inspections. Find a suitable property by searching areas near Plymouth State University, downtown Plymouth, or properties with lake access to Newfound Lake, considering factors like proximity to attractions, parking availability, and neighborhood compatibility with short-term rentals. Furnish the space with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, kitchen supplies, Wi-Fi, heating suitable for New Hampshire winters, and outdoor furniture if applicable, while ensuring all furnishings meet safety standards and local fire codes. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos showcasing nearby attractions like the White Mountain National Forest, Squam Lakes, and Plymouth's historic downtown, setting competitive rates based on seasonal demand with higher prices during fall foliage season and university events. Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining regular cleaning schedules, responding promptly to guest communications, and staying compliant with New Hampshire's meals and rooms tax requirements by registering with the Department of Revenue Administration and collecting the appropriate 8.5% state tax plus any local option taxes that Plymouth may impose.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Plymouth, New Hampshire, focus on locations within 1-2 miles of Plymouth State University for consistent student and visitor demand, properties near Squam Lake or within 15 minutes of ski areas like Waterville Valley, and downtown locations with walkability to restaurants and shops. Target 2-4 bedroom properties with modern amenities, full kitchens, parking, outdoor spaces, and unique features like fireplaces or lake views that photograph well for listings. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings in Plymouth, aiming for properties under $300,000 that can generate $150-250 per night during peak seasons (summer lake season, fall foliage, winter ski season), with occupancy rates of 60-70% annually. Study competition by monitoring existing STR listings within 5 miles, identifying gaps in amenities or pricing, and noting seasonal demand patterns around university events, outdoor recreation, and tourism peaks. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market data, Mashvisor for investment analysis, the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration for property records, local Facebook groups and tourism boards for market insights, and consult with Plymouth-area real estate agents familiar with investment properties and local zoning regulations that may affect short-term rental operations.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Plymouth, New Hampshire, contact the Plymouth Planning and Zoning Department at Town Hall located at 6 Post Office Square, Plymouth, NH 03264, or call (603) 536-1731 to begin the application process. You'll need to submit a completed short-term rental registration application, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, submit a floor plan showing maximum occupancy, provide proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), pass a health and safety inspection, and include contact information for a local property manager if you're not local. Required documents include a copy of your driver's license, property deed or lease, certificate of occupancy, septic system approval if applicable, and parking plan showing adequate off-street parking. The application fee is approximately $100-150 with an annual renewal fee of $75-100, and inspection fees may cost an additional $50-75. The timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks from application submission to permit approval, including scheduling and completing the required inspection. Plymouth-specific requirements include maintaining a guest registry, posting maximum occupancy limits visibly in the unit, ensuring compliance with the town's noise ordinance, providing adequate parking (typically 2 spaces minimum), and having a local contact person available 24/7 for any issues that may arise during guest stays.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Plymouth, New Hampshire, but operate under local zoning regulations and state oversight. The town allows STRs in residential zones with proper registration and compliance with safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and occupancy limits. Property owners must obtain a business license and register with the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration for rooms and meals tax collection. Plymouth requires STR operators to maintain liability insurance and follow noise ordinances, with violations potentially resulting in permit revocation. The town has implemented parking requirements and limits on the number of unrelated occupants, typically following state guidelines of no more than 8 guests per property. Recent changes around 2021-2022 included enhanced registration requirements and stricter enforcement of safety standards, while the state has maintained its position supporting property rights for STR operations with minimal restrictions compared to other New England states.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Plymouth, New Hampshire center around the downtown historic district near Plymouth State University, which attracts consistent demand from visiting families, prospective students, and university events year-round. The Pemigewasset River waterfront area offers scenic appeal for tourists seeking outdoor recreation and fall foliage viewing, particularly popular from September through October. Properties near the White Mountain National Forest access points on the northern edge of town capitalize on hiking, skiing, and outdoor enthusiast traffic, with peak seasons during summer hiking months and winter ski season when visitors access nearby Waterville Valley and Loon Mountain. The Main Street corridor benefits from proximity to local restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions while maintaining walkability to university facilities, making it attractive for both leisure travelers and business visitors attending conferences or university functions at Plymouth State.

Plymouth, New Hampshire imposes a rooms and meals tax of 8.5% on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnb properties, which consists of the state's 8.5% rooms and meals tax with no additional local lodging tax currently in effect as of 2023. The tax applies to all rental periods of 30 days or less and is collected by the host/property owner at the time of booking or check-in, then remitted monthly to the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration by the 25th of the following month using Form DP-2670. Hosts must register for a rooms and meals tax license before collecting taxes and maintain detailed records of all transactions. Exemptions include rentals exceeding 30 consecutive days, accommodations rented to the same guest for more than 185 days per year, and certain nonprofit organization bookings. The tax is calculated on the total rental amount including cleaning fees and other charges but excluding separately stated taxes, and failure to collect and remit can result in penalties and interest charges from the state.

To start an Airbnb in Plymouth, 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 licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential zoning approvals required by Plymouth and New Hampshire regulations. Insurance costs approximately $2,000-$3,000 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable typically cost $500-$1,000 initially. First six months operating costs including utilities ($200-$300 monthly), cleaning services ($75-$100 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($150-$250 monthly), platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing total approximately $4,000-$6,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Plymouth, New Hampshire, demonstrate moderate profitability with average annual revenues ranging from $15,000-$35,000 for typical 2-3 bedroom properties, driven primarily by seasonal demand from Dartmouth College visitors, White Mountain tourists, and fall foliage seekers. Operating expenses typically consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Properties within 10 miles of Dartmouth College achieve occupancy rates of 65-75% with average daily rates of $120-$180, while those near ski areas like Waterville Valley command premium rates of $200-$300 during winter months but experience significant seasonal fluctuations. Success factors include proximity to major attractions, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and strategic pricing that captures peak demand during graduation weekends, homecoming, and leaf-peeping season in September-October. Properties with unique amenities like hot tubs, game rooms, or mountain views typically achieve 15-25% higher revenue, with net profit margins ranging from 25-45% for well-managed properties, though first-year hosts often see lower margins of 15-30% while optimizing their operations and building review credibility.

Airbnb investments in Plymouth, New Hampshire typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the town's proximity to Plymouth State University and seasonal tourism from nearby ski resorts and lakes region attractions. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties near the university or downtown area performing on the higher end of this spectrum. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, assuming a 20-25% down payment on properties valued between $200,000-$350,000. The market benefits from consistent demand during the academic year (September-May) from visiting families and university events, plus summer tourism from lake activities and fall foliage season, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on property size and location. Properties within walking distance of Main Street or the university campus typically command premium rates and achieve occupancy rates of 65-75% annually.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Plymouth, New Hampshire, along with market analytics and investment guidance. Local real estate agents like Coldwell Banker Lifestyles and Century 21 Country Lakes Realty have experience with investment properties in the Plymouth area and understand the vacation rental market dynamics around Squam Lake and the White Mountains region. Mashvisor and AirDNA provide national data analytics services for Airbnb investment properties, offering occupancy rates and revenue projections for Plymouth properties. RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services for short-term rentals in New Hampshire, while local property managers like White Mountain Property Management can handle day-to-day operations. Real estate investment companies such as Roofstock and BiggerPockets connect investors with Plymouth-area properties, and local firms like Peabody & Smith Realty have agents familiar with the seasonal rental market. Additional services include SmartBnB for revenue optimization, Beyond Pricing for dynamic pricing strategies, and local cleaning services like Granite State Cleaning that cater to vacation rental turnovers in the Plymouth area.