Airbnb & VRBO Performance in Portsmouth New Hampshire.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Portsmouth, New Hampshire for 2024

Key Regulations

Prohibition on Short-Term Rentals

• Short-term rentals are deemed as transient occupancies and are therefore not legal within the city limits of Portsmouth.

Enforcement and Legal Status

• The city's stance is reinforced through court decisions, including a Supreme Court ruling in favor of the city against short-term rental operations in residential zones.

Compliance and Penalties

• While short-term rentals are prohibited, any attempts to operate them could result in significant repercussions, including cease and desist orders and other penalties.

Municipal Authority

• Portsmouth exercises its municipal zoning authority to regulate and prohibit short-term rentals, addressing local concerns such as housing, noise, and community impact.

Court Precedents

• Previous court cases, such as the ruling against a limited liability company in 2019, have upheld the city's prohibition on short-term rentals in residential zones.

Given the prohibition, there are no specific licensing, occupancy, or tax regulations applicable for short-term rentals in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, as they are not permitted.

Top Neighborhoods for Airbnb Revenue in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Why These Neighborhoods Are Appealing

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a vibrant coastal city with a rich history, cultural attractions, and a lively downtown area, making it an attractive destination for Airbnb guests. Here are the top neighborhoods that generate significant Airbnb revenue and their appeal to guests:

1. Downtown Portsmouth

• Appeal: Downtown Portsmouth is the heart of the city, offering easy access to historic landmarks, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Guests can walk to popular spots like the Strawbery Banke Museum, Prescott Park, and The Music Hall.
• Revenue Potential: Properties in this area tend to have high occupancy rates and daily rates due to their central location and proximity to key attractions.

2. Portsmouth West End

• Appeal: This neighborhood is known for its hip and trendy vibe, with a mix of historic homes and modern apartments. It is close to downtown but offers a more laid-back atmosphere, appealing to guests looking for a local experience.
• Revenue Potential: Listings in this area, such as private sunny apartments, are highly sought after and can generate significant revenue due to their popularity among travelers.

3. Near USS Albacore Museum and Piscataqua River

• Appeal: This area is attractive for its waterfront views and proximity to the USS Albacore Museum. Guests can enjoy scenic walks along the river and easy access to maritime history.
• Revenue Potential: Properties with waterfront views or those close to the museum tend to have higher daily rates and occupancy, making them lucrative for Airbnb hosts.

4. Historic Districts

• Appeal: Portsmouth's historic districts, such as the area around the Rundlet-May House and Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion, offer a glimpse into the city's rich history. Guests can stay in historic homes or apartments that are meticulously preserved.
• Revenue Potential: Historic properties often command higher daily rates due to their unique charm and historical significance, making them highly profitable for Airbnb hosts.

5. Seacoast Science Center and Great Bay Area

• Appeal: This area is perfect for nature lovers, with the Seacoast Science Center and the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve nearby. Guests can enjoy outdoor activities and educational experiences.
• Revenue Potential: Properties in this area benefit from the steady stream of visitors interested in science and nature, ensuring a stable and profitable Airbnb business.

These neighborhoods are highly appealing due to their unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making them ideal locations for generating significant Airbnb revenue in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Creating an Inviting Airbnb in Portsmouth, New Hampshire: Design and Furnishing Tips

Entryway

• Ensure the entryway makes a strong first impression by providing a welcoming atmosphere.
• Add simple yet thoughtful touches such as a clean and organized space, a welcoming note, and perhaps a small bouquet of flowers or a potted plant.

Living Room

• Lighting Control: Install lamps and dimmer switches to create a versatile and cozy lighting environment.
• Comfortable Seating: Include nice, soft blankets and pillows with different fill options to cater to various guest preferences.
• Functional Layout: Design the room to evoke conversation and ensure each guest has a place to put their drinks and feet up. Consider adding occasional tables and a pouf.
• Cozy Nooks: Create a cozy reading nook with a lamp directly over a chair and use swivel chairs for flexibility.

Bedroom

• Quality Bedding: Offer the best bedding options without adding extra work to turnovers. Store extra bedding layers in the closet with a ribbon to indicate if they need washing.
• Pillows and Temperature Control: Provide 2 sleeping pillows per guest with different fill options. Ensure temperature control with ceiling fans and blackout shades.
• Bedside Amenities: Include bedside tables and lamps for each guest, preferably with USB ports or wireless charging features.

Kitchen and Dining

• Modern Appliances: Ensure the kitchen is equipped with modern appliances and quality finishes such as natural granite countertops.
• Functional Layout: Design the kitchen for ease of use, with an open concept that allows for natural flow through the space.

Outdoor Spaces

• Coastal Charm: Incorporate outdoor furniture that complements the beachy vibe of Portsmouth. Patios or decks with ocean views are highly sought after.
• Durable Furniture: Choose durable outdoor furniture to withstand the coastal weather and ensure guests can fully enjoy the outdoor spaces.

General Tips

• Local Aesthetics: Reflect the coastal charm of Portsmouth through nautical themes, light color palettes, and natural materials like whitewashed finishes, rattan, and driftwood accents.
• Unique Decor: Add unique decor such as local artwork and photographs to foster a sense of place.
• Guest Experience: Think about the experience from the guests' perspective and provide extra conveniences like clear house rules, WiFi passwords, and local recommendations.

Seasonal Considerations

• Cozy Features: During cooler months, amenities like cozy fireplaces and radiant heat in floors can be charming focal points.
• Summer Comforts: Ensure air conditioning and ceiling fans are available to keep guests cool during the summer.

Neighborhood Integration

• Walkability: Choose properties with good walkability to key points of interest such as restaurants, shops, and local attractions.
• Local Events: Inform guests about local events and festivals, such as the annual Seafood Festival, to enhance their stay.

Discovering Portsmouth, New Hampshire: Local Attractions and Insider Tips

Top Local Attractions

1. Strawbery Banke Museum

• An outdoor history museum featuring 32 historic buildings, eight heritage gardens, and costumed interpreters. It offers a unique glimpse into American history spanning four centuries.

2. USS Albacore Museum

• Explore the interior of a retired U.S. Navy submarine and learn about its innovative design and contributions to submarine technology. Interactive exhibits provide insights into the submarine's missions and the daily lives of its crew.

3. Market Square

• The heart of downtown Portsmouth, filled with art galleries, ethnic restaurants, specialty shops, and historic buildings. The North Church, with its Italianate-style steeple, is a notable landmark.

4. Prescott Park

• A waterfront green space with meticulously maintained gardens, scenic views of the Piscataqua River, and a calendar of events including concerts, festivals, and outdoor performances. Don't miss the Prescott Park Arts Festival during the summer.

5. Portsmouth Music Hall

• A historic theater hosting various performances and events. Check the calendar for live music, plays, and other cultural activities.

6. Seacoast Science Center

• Located in Odiorne Point State Park, this center offers interactive exhibits on marine science and coastal ecology, including touch tanks and rescued sea turtles.

7. Moffatt-Ladd House

• One of America’s finest Georgian mansions, built in 1763. It is a National Historic Landmark and offers tours from Memorial Day Weekend through Indigenous Peoples Day.

8. Redhook Portsmouth Brewery & Cataqua Public House

• A brewery and pub offering quality craft beer and a welcoming atmosphere. The pub is named after the Piscataqua River and is a great spot to relax and socialize.

9. Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse

• Located on an active military site at Fort Constitution Historic Park, this lighthouse offers stunning views and can be visited during open houses hosted by the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses.

10. Water Country

- A 26-acre water park perfect for families, featuring a variety of attractions such as the Tahiti Tree House, Thunder Falls, and Dr. Von Dark's Tunnel of Terror.

Insider Tips

Explore Historic Neighborhoods

• Wander through the charming South End of Portsmouth, known for its historic homes, brightly colored doors, and stunning "pocket gardens".

Guided Tours

• Take a guided walking tour along the Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail or a ghost tour to learn about the city's history and hidden stories.

Local Cuisine

• Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants overlooking the harbor. Don't miss Bob’s Clam Hut for fried clams and lobster rolls.

Shopping and Culture

• Visit Market Street and Market Square for a variety of specialty shops, art galleries, and antique shops housed in historic buildings.

Outdoor Activities

• Take a boat cruise in the Portsmouth Harbor or visit the Isles of Shoals for a day of adventure and scenic views.

Seasonal Events

• Check out the Labrie Family Skate at Strawbery Banke Museum during winter months, or the fairy house tour in the South End during the fall.

By sharing these attractions and insider tips, you can help your guests make the most of their visit to Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Practical Tips to Run a Successful Short Term Rental Business in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

To ensure a smooth and successful short-term rental business in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, several key practices are essential. First, it is crucial to adhere to and inform guests about local noise regulations, including quiet hours, to maintain good relations with neighbors and comply with the city's strict zoning laws.

Creating a comprehensive digital and physical house manual is vital. This manual should include detailed instructions on using appliances, Wi-Fi passwords, and other essential information to make the guest's stay hassle-free. This proactive approach helps in reducing inquiries and issues, leading to higher guest satisfaction and positive reviews.

Implementing a simplified check-in process using smart locks can significantly enhance the guest experience. This eliminates the need for physical key exchanges and allows guests to check in at their convenience. Additionally, providing clear parking instructions accompanied by photos can help avoid confusion and ensure a smooth arrival.

By focusing on these aspects, you can create a well-managed and guest-friendly short-term rental property that stands out in the competitive market of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Here is a brief list of house cleaning providers in Portsmouth, New Hampshire:

House Cleaning Providers

Sweetly Clean

• Offers premium home cleaning services in Portsmouth and the Seacoast area.
• Provides one-time, weekly, biweekly, and monthly cleanings.
• 100% guaranteed, insured, and trusted service with background-checked cleaners.

Magna Cleaning

• Provides high-quality house cleaning and maid services in Portsmouth and surrounding towns.
• Custom-fit home cleaning plans, trained cleaning teams, and a strong quality control program.
• Offers satisfaction guarantee and protection against damage or loss.

Green Maids Cleaning

• Specializes in eco-friendly deep house cleaning services using natural and sustainable products.
• Serves the Seacoast of New Hampshire, Southern Maine, and the North Shore of Massachusetts.
• Fully background-checked, trained, and detail-oriented staff.

Note:

• Clean Sweep of Portsmouth primarily focuses on commercial and janitorial services rather than residential house cleaning, so it is not included in this list.

Short-Term Rental Management Fees in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

In Portsmouth, New Hampshire, managing short-term rentals involves a range of fees that can vary significantly based on the level of service provided. Typically, short-term rental management fees range from 10% to 30% of the rental revenue. Full-service management, which includes comprehensive services such as guest communication, marketing, and maintenance, tends to be on the higher end of this spectrum, often ranging between 20% to 30% of the rental income.

Basic services, which may only include essential tasks like property listing and booking management, can be less expensive. Additionally, property owners may incur extra fees for services like cleaning, repairs, or design enhancements. These additional costs can add to the overall expense but are often necessary to maintain a high standard of property condition and guest satisfaction in a competitive market.