Is Randolph, New Hampshire Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Randolph, New Hampshire, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Randolph Planning Board and Town Office, as New Hampshire allows municipalities to regulate short-term rentals independently. Contact the Randolph Town Clerk at (603) 466-5771 to inquire about specific permit requirements, business licenses, and any occupancy limits or registration fees that may apply. Find a suitable property by searching real estate listings through companies like Coldwell Banker or RE/MAX North Country, focusing on properties near outdoor attractions like the White Mountain National Forest, Mount Crescent, or Randolph Community Forest, as these areas attract hikers and nature enthusiasts year-round. Ensure the property meets New Hampshire's life safety codes by installing proper smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and consider hiring a local inspector to verify compliance. Furnish the space with durable, comfortable furniture from retailers like Walmart in Gorham or online suppliers, emphasizing cozy mountain cabin aesthetics with items like flannel bedding, rustic décor, and outdoor gear storage. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos showcasing mountain views and nearby hiking trails, setting competitive rates based on similar properties in the Mount Washington Valley region (typically $80-200 per night depending on season and amenities). Manage your property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors, and consider using property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning if you live far from Randolph, while maintaining communication with guests about local attractions, weather conditions, and providing information about nearby restaurants in Gorham or North Conway.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Randolph, New Hampshire, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Mount Washington and the White Mountain National Forest, particularly properties with mountain views or near hiking trail access points along Route 2 and Jefferson Notch Road. Target 3-4 bedroom properties built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, and reliable internet for remote workers, as these features command $150-250 per night during peak seasons (summer hiking and fall foliage). Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties in nearby Jefferson and Gorham, aiming for properties under $400,000 that can achieve 60%+ occupancy rates and $35,000+ annual revenue. Research competition by studying listings within a 15-mile radius, noting that successful properties often emphasize outdoor recreation access and cozy mountain cabin aesthetics. Utilize tools like Rabbu and AllTheRooms for market analysis, partner with local property management companies like White Mountain Property Management, and leverage Randolph's proximity to popular attractions like Mount Washington Cog Railway and Appalachian Mountain Club facilities to differentiate your listing in this seasonal tourism market that peaks from June through October.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Randolph, New Hampshire, you must first contact the Randolph Town Office at 466-5771 or visit them at 115 Durand Road to inquire about short-term rental regulations, as the town may have adopted specific ordinances governing STRs around 2019-2021. You'll likely need to submit an application form along with a property survey or plot plan, proof of property ownership, a floor plan showing maximum occupancy, septic system approval from the state, well water testing results if applicable, and proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum). Required documents may also include a site plan showing parking areas, emergency egress plans, and contact information for a local property manager if you're an absentee owner. Application fees typically range from $100-300 initially with annual renewal fees of $50-150. The approval process generally takes 30-60 days depending on completeness of application and any required site inspections. Specific Randolph requirements likely include adherence to the town's zoning ordinances, maintaining adequate parking (usually 2 spaces minimum), ensuring septic systems can handle increased usage, compliance with fire safety codes, noise ordinances, and potentially limiting the number of guests or requiring registration of all occupants, so contact the town office directly to confirm current regulations and obtain the most up-to-date application materials.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Randolph, New Hampshire, as the state does not prohibit them at the state level and allows local municipalities to regulate them. Randolph, a small town in Coos County, does not appear to have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting STRs as of 2024, though property owners must comply with state health and safety regulations and obtain proper business licenses. The town may require STR operators to register their properties and collect rooms and meals tax, which is standard across New Hampshire municipalities. There are no specific prohibited areas within Randolph for STRs, but operators must ensure their properties meet fire safety codes and septic system requirements, which can be particularly relevant in rural areas. Recent changes in New Hampshire have focused on standardizing tax collection procedures for STR platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, with legislation passed around 2019-2021 requiring these platforms to collect and remit taxes directly to the state. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance and may need to obtain a business license from the town, though Randolph's rural nature and tourism-friendly location in the White Mountains region generally supports short-term rental activities.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Randolph, New Hampshire are primarily concentrated around the Mount Washington Valley region and Route 2 corridor. The Randolph Hill Road and Valley Road areas offer excellent proximity to the Mount Washington Cog Railway (established 1869) and numerous hiking trails including the Appalachian Trail, attracting outdoor enthusiasts year-round. The Durand Road vicinity benefits from its central location between North Conway's shopping outlets and Berlin's industrial activities, capturing both leisure and business travelers. Areas near the Randolph East and Bowman neighborhoods provide strategic access to multiple ski resorts including Bretton Woods and Cannon Mountain, generating strong winter rental demand. The Route 115 corridor toward Jefferson offers scenic mountain views and proximity to Mount Washington Resort events, while maintaining lower property acquisition costs than premium resort towns. These locations capitalize on New Hampshire's four-season tourism economy, with summer hikers, fall foliage viewers, winter sports enthusiasts, and spring nature lovers, plus occasional business travelers visiting local lumber operations and the Mount Washington Observatory facilities.

Airbnb properties in Randolph, New Hampshire are subject to the state's 8.5% rooms and meals tax, which applies to all short-term rental accommodations under 30 days and is collected by the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration. The tax must be collected from guests at the time of booking or check-in and remitted monthly to the state by the 25th of the following month using form DP-2670. Randolph does not impose additional local lodging taxes beyond the state requirement. Hosts must register with the state and obtain a rooms and meals tax license before operating, with exemptions applying only to rentals of 30 days or longer which are considered long-term leases rather than transient accommodations. The tax is calculated on the total rental amount including cleaning fees but excluding separately stated taxes, and hosts are responsible for maintaining detailed records of all transactions for audit purposes.

To start an Airbnb in Randolph, New Hampshire, expect total costs around $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $250,000 based on median home prices in rural New Hampshire markets 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 amenities total around $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,500 for business registration, potential short-term rental permits, and local compliance requirements. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage average $1,200-$2,000 annually, with first-year payment required upfront. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, heating, water, internet, and cable services cost approximately $1,000-$1,500 initially. First six months operating expenses including utilities ($600-$800 monthly), cleaning services ($75-$100 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($200-$300 monthly), platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing total roughly $8,000-$12,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Randolph, New Hampshire typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for seasonal cabins and mountain properties, with peak earnings during fall foliage season (September-October) and winter ski months (December-March) when nightly rates range from $120-$280. Operating expenses generally consume 40-55% of gross revenue, including property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($75-$125 per turnover), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,500 annually), and maintenance ($2,000-$5,000 yearly). Properties within 20 minutes of Bretton Woods or Cannon Mountain ski areas achieve higher occupancy rates of 65-75% during peak seasons compared to 45-60% for more remote locations. Success factors include proximity to outdoor recreation, professional photography showcasing mountain views, responsive guest communication, and amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, and ski equipment storage. A typical 3-bedroom cabin purchased for $350,000 in 2022 might generate $28,000 in annual revenue with $16,000 in expenses, yielding a 3.4% net return before mortgage costs, though properties with unique features like pond access or panoramic White Mountain views can achieve profit margins of 8-12% when managed effectively.

Airbnb investments in Randolph, New Hampshire typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% due to the town's proximity to White Mountain ski resorts and summer hiking destinations. Cash-on-cash returns average 6-9% annually, with properties near Mount Washington and Gorham commanding premium rates during peak ski season (December-March) and fall foliage period (September-October). Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with vacation rentals averaging $150-250 per night during peak seasons and $80-120 during off-peak periods. Properties within 15 minutes of Bretton Woods or Mount Washington Resort tend to achieve the higher end of ROI ranges, while more remote locations may see 6-8% annual returns. The seasonal nature of tourism means properties typically achieve 60-70% occupancy rates annually, with strongest performance from properties offering mountain views, hot tubs, or ski equipment storage.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Randolph, New Hampshire, offering market analysis and property recommendations. Local real estate agents like Peabody & Smith Realty and Roche Realty Group have extensive knowledge of the White Mountains region and can identify properties with strong Airbnb potential near ski resorts and hiking trails. National services include Awning, which provides end-to-end Airbnb investment services including property acquisition, and Mashvisor, offering rental property analytics and market data for the area. RedAwning and Vacasa also provide property management and investment guidance for short-term rentals in the region. Local property management companies like White Mountain Property Management and North Country Property Services can assist with identifying investment opportunities while offering ongoing management services. AirDNA provides crucial market data and revenue projections for Airbnb properties in Randolph and surrounding areas, while BiggerPockets connects investors with local real estate professionals familiar with vacation rental investments in New Hampshire's tourism markets.