Is Woodsville, New Hampshire Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Woodsville, New Hampshire, begin by researching local zoning laws through the Haverhill Town Office since Woodsville is part of Haverhill, where short-term rentals may require special permits or have restrictions in residential zones. Contact the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration for business registration and tax requirements, including the 8.5% rooms and meals tax that applies to short-term rentals. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings or considering converting existing residential property, ensuring it meets fire safety codes and has adequate parking. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Haverhill, fire department inspection approval, and potentially a special exception from the zoning board if required. Furnish the property with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and safety equipment including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers as mandated by New Hampshire fire codes. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting the property's proximity to the Connecticut River, White Mountain National Forest, and local attractions like the Haverhill Corner Common. Set competitive pricing by researching similar properties in the North Country region, typically ranging from $80-150 per night depending on size and amenities. Manage the property by establishing check-in procedures, cleaning protocols between guests, and maintaining responsive communication, while keeping detailed records for tax purposes and ensuring compliance with New Hampshire's consumer protection laws and local noise ordinances.

To identify profitable STR properties in Woodsville, New Hampshire, focus on locations within walking distance of the Connecticut River, near outdoor recreation access points like hiking trails and fishing spots, and properties with mountain or river views that capitalize on the area's natural beauty. Target 2-4 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 premium rates in rural New Hampshire markets. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties in nearby towns like Littleton and North Conway, aiming for properties that can achieve $150-250 per night during peak summer and fall foliage seasons. Research competition by analyzing existing STR listings within a 15-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or property types, and studying seasonal occupancy patterns of successful properties listed on Airbnb and VRBO. Utilize tools like Rabbu and AllTheRooms for market analysis, partner with local real estate agents familiar with STR regulations in Grafton County, and leverage resources from the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association to understand local tourism trends and seasonal demand patterns that drive profitability in this White Mountains region market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Woodsville, New Hampshire, you must first contact the Haverhill Town Office at 2935 Dartmouth College Highway since Woodsville is part of Haverhill township. Submit a completed short-term rental application form along with a site plan showing parking areas, septic system location, and property boundaries. Required documents include proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate from the local fire department, and proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage. You'll need to pay an initial application fee of approximately $150-200 plus an annual renewal fee of $100-125. The property must comply with local zoning ordinances, provide adequate off-street parking (typically 2 spaces minimum), meet all building and fire codes, and maintain a maximum occupancy based on septic capacity and square footage. A septic system inspection may be required for properties built before 1990. The approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks after submission of complete documentation, and you must also register with the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration for rooms and meals tax collection. Annual renewals are required by December 31st each year, and you must maintain a local contact person available 24/7 for emergency situations.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Woodsville, New Hampshire, as the state does not prohibit them at the state level, but regulation occurs primarily at the local municipal level. Woodsville, located in Grafton County and part of the town of Haverhill, follows New Hampshire's approach of allowing municipalities to establish their own STR regulations. The town of Haverhill has not implemented comprehensive STR restrictions as of recent years, though property owners must comply with standard zoning requirements, health and safety codes, and obtain necessary business licenses. There are no specific prohibited areas within Woodsville for STRs, but operators must ensure compliance with residential zoning laws and may need to register their properties with local authorities. Recent changes in New Hampshire have focused on taxation, with the state implementing a 9% rooms and meals tax on STR bookings since around 2019-2020, and some municipalities have begun requiring registration or permits. Property owners should verify current local ordinances with Haverhill town officials, as regulations can change, and ensure they meet fire safety, occupancy limits, and parking requirements that apply to all rental properties in the area.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Woodsville, New Hampshire include the downtown historic district near the Connecticut River waterfront, which attracts tourists visiting the area's 19th-century architecture and scenic river views, particularly during fall foliage season from September to October. The neighborhoods near Route 10 and Interstate 91 intersection are ideal for business travelers and those attending events at nearby Dartmouth College in Hanover, just 20 minutes south. Properties close to the Ammonoosuc River offer appeal to outdoor enthusiasts engaged in fishing, kayaking, and hiking activities year-round. The residential areas within walking distance of local restaurants and the Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank Opera House benefit from cultural tourism and community events. Additionally, neighborhoods near the White Mountain National Forest access points attract adventure tourists, especially during ski season at nearby resorts like Loon Mountain and Cannon Mountain, with peak demand from December through March and again during summer hiking months from June to August.

Airbnb properties in Woodsville, New Hampshire are subject to the state's 8.5% rooms and meals tax, which applies to all short-term rental accommodations under 185 days and is collected by the host and remitted monthly to the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration if monthly collections exceed $100, or quarterly if less. Additionally, Grafton County may impose a local occupancy tax of up to 3%, though specific rates vary by municipality and collection typically follows the same procedures as state taxes through the DRA's online portal. Woodsville itself, as part of Haverhill, may have adopted local lodging taxes that would be collected alongside state taxes, with hosts required to register for a business license and obtain a rooms and meals tax permit before operating. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 185 consecutive days, rentals to the same person for more than 30 days when used as primary residence, and certain nonprofit or government-related accommodations, though hosts must maintain detailed records and file returns even during periods of no activity to remain compliant with both state and local tax obligations.

To start an Airbnb in Woodsville, New Hampshire, expect total costs around $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $200,000-$220,000 for a median 2-3 bedroom home suitable for short-term rental. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and décor to create an appealing guest experience. Initial setup costs approximately $3,000-$5,000 covering professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic amenities. Permits and fees total around $500-$1,500 including business registration, short-term rental permits from Haverhill (Woodsville's township), and potential zoning approvals. Insurance costs $2,000-$3,500 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits require $500-$1,000 for electricity, heating, water, internet, and cable services. First six months operating costs average $8,000-$12,000 including utilities ($200-300/month), cleaning services ($75-100 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($200-400/month), platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO (3% of bookings), property management software ($50-100/month), and marketing expenses, assuming 40-60% occupancy rates during the initial period while building reviews and guest base.

Airbnb properties in Woodsville, New Hampshire typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for a 2-3 bedroom property, with peak summer months (June-September) accounting for 60-70% of bookings due to proximity to White Mountain attractions and fall foliage tourism. Operating expenses generally run 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-100 per turnover), property management (15-25% if outsourced), utilities ($200-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 25-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts like those operating converted farmhouses near the Connecticut River reporting occupancy rates of 65-75% and average daily rates of $120-180 during peak season, dropping to $80-120 in winter months. Key success factors include professional photography, responsive communication, proximity to outdoor recreation areas like Mount Washington, and amenities such as hot tubs or fire pits that command premium pricing, with properties within 30 minutes of ski areas like Bretton Woods or Cannon Mountain showing 15-20% higher revenue performance than more remote locations.

Based on Woodsville, New Hampshire market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property acquisition costs and seasonal demand patterns. Properties in this rural White Mountain region benefit from year-round tourism including fall foliage season, winter skiing at nearby Cannon Mountain and Bretton Woods, and summer outdoor recreation, with average daily rates of $120-180 during peak seasons and $80-120 in off-seasons. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties near Route 302 or with mountain views, assuming 55-65% annual occupancy rates and total investment costs of $200,000-350,000 for suitable vacation rental properties. The market shows steady 4-6% annual appreciation with strong demand from Boston and New York metropolitan areas seeking weekend and vacation retreats, though investors should account for seasonal fluctuations and higher maintenance costs due to harsh winter conditions affecting heating and property upkeep expenses.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Woodsville, New Hampshire, using data analytics and market insights. Local real estate agents serving the White Mountains region include Peabody & Smith Realty (established 1954) and Century 21 Country Lakes Realty, both with expertise in vacation rental properties around the Lakes Region and North Country areas. National services like AirDNA (founded 2015) and Mashvisor (launched 2014) provide market analysis and investment property identification tools for the Woodsville area. RedAwning, a vacation rental management company operating since 2009, offers property acquisition consulting services for investors looking in northern New Hampshire. Local property management companies such as White Mountain Property Management and Lakes Region Vacation Rentals can assist with both finding investment properties and managing them post-purchase. BiggerPockets, the real estate investing platform founded in 2004, has active forums and local meetups that connect investors interested in the New Hampshire short-term rental market. Roofstock (established 2015) occasionally features New Hampshire investment properties including those suitable for Airbnb conversion in rural areas like Woodsville.