Gilford, NH Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Gilford Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Gilford, NH sits on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and draws heavily seasonal vacation demand, making it an appealing but sharply cyclical short-term rental market. With an average daily rate of $336—above the New Hampshire state average of $322—and 96 active Airbnb listings, the market commands premium nightly pricing, though occupancy of 27% trails the state average of 49% significantly. Average annual revenue lands at $36,271, and with home values averaging $910,044, investors will need to be highly selective to achieve attractive returns in this competitive lakefront destination.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Gilford short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Gilford

Gilford attracts investor attention because of its lakefront vacation appeal and premium nightly rates, though the highly seasonal demand curve and elevated property prices require careful deal sourcing.

Expert Market Assessment

"Gilford represents a competitive opportunity where the upside is real but narrowly concentrated. The summer months of July and August account for the lion's share of annual income, with revenues six to seven times higher than the slowest months like March and April. A market-wide occupancy rate of 27%—well below the 49% state average—underscores just how seasonal this destination is, and the 161% surge in active listings adds competitive pressure. For investors willing to target larger properties and optimize for peak-season performance, there is meaningful revenue potential, but this is not a market that rewards a passive, year-round approach."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Gilford

Average revenue by month in Gilford

Revenue in Gilford follows an extreme seasonal curve, peaking in August at $7,656 and bottoming out in April at $1,127—a nearly 7x spread. July and August together account for roughly 41% of total annual revenue, making summer execution absolutely critical for investors in this market.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Gilford

Three-bedroom properties dominate the supply with 32 of 96 listings, while 5-bedroom homes are the scarcest at just 7 listings. Given that larger properties generate significantly higher revenue, the limited supply of 5-bedroom units could represent an opportunity for investors willing to acquire at that scale.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Gilford

ADR climbs steeply with property size, from $153 for 1-bedroom units to $668 for 5-bedroom homes—a 4.4x premium. The jump from 4 bedrooms ($408) to 5 bedrooms ($668) is especially pronounced, suggesting strong group and family willingness to pay for larger lakefront accommodations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Gilford

RevPAN scales dramatically with size: 5-bedroom listings generate $241 per available night, nearly triple the $89 market average and almost 9x the $28 earned by 1-bedroom units. This confirms that larger properties not only command higher rates but also maintain strong enough occupancy to deliver superior revenue per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Gilford

Occupancy rises steadily with bedroom count, from 19% for 1-bedroom units to 36% for 5-bedroom homes. Even the best-performing size segment falls well below the 49% state average, reinforcing that Gilford's seasonal demand pattern limits year-round cash flow regardless of property configuration.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Gilford

Five-bedroom properties lead decisively at $7,758 per month on average, more than double the $3,474 earned by 4-bedroom listings and nearly five times the $1,613 from 1-bedrooms. The gap between 3-bedroom ($3,435) and 4-bedroom ($3,474) units is minimal, suggesting limited incremental return for adding a fourth bedroom at this price tier.

Average annual revenue by property size in Gilford

Annual revenue ranges from $19,360 for 1-bedroom listings to $93,107 for 5-bedroom properties, with the largest homes generating more than 2.2x the revenue of 4-bedroom units ($41,697). Investors targeting maximum gross revenue should focus on 5-bedroom properties, though acquisition costs and the seasonal nature of earnings need to be weighed carefully against that top-line figure.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Gilford

Kitchens (99%), parking (94%), and laundry facilities (82–84%) are near-universal, establishing a high baseline for guest expectations. Outdoor-oriented amenities—BBQ grills (83%), patios (75%), backyards (71%), and lake access (40%)—are especially prevalent, signaling that guests booking in Gilford prioritize the lakefront outdoor lifestyle and properties lacking these features may struggle to compete.

Understanding Gilford's ROI Score: 44/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Gilford's ROI score of 44 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning investor interest is real but returns are not assured without careful property selection. All four calculation factors—Revenue-to-Price Ratio, Occupancy Stability, Market Growth Trend, and Supply/Demand Balance—scored below average, driven largely by high home values ($910,044), low year-round occupancy (27%), rapid supply growth (161% YoY), and compressed margins outside of summer. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on larger, amenity-rich properties that can maximize the lucrative but narrow peak season.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Gilford

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Gilford. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Gilford, New Hampshire may need to register or obtain a permit before listing their property, and requirements can vary at both the town and state level. Investors should verify current STR permit obligations directly with the Town of Gilford and the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration before committing to a purchase.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to STR properties in New Hampshire towns like Gilford include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. HOA covenants in lakefront communities can be particularly relevant, so investors should review any deed restrictions or homeowner association bylaws that might limit rental activity.

Tax Obligations

New Hampshire imposes a Rooms and Meals Tax on short-term rentals, and hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax unless a booking platform handles it on their behalf. Investors should confirm their registration and filing obligations with the state to remain in compliance.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Gilford can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Gilford's extreme summer seasonality—August revenue averaging $7,656 versus April's $1,127—will likely remain the defining characteristic of this market. Listing supply grew 161% year-over-year, which could put additional downward pressure on occupancy and rates unless summer demand continues to expand proportionally. Investors should anticipate ADR holding relatively steady or edging up 1–3% in peak months given the lakefront premium, but off-season occupancy may stay in the low-to-mid 20s without creative pricing or minimum-stay strategies. Estimates suggest the strongest performers will be larger properties that capture group and family bookings during the June-through-August window."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Gilford, NH

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Gilford?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Gilford is currently 27%, which is notably below the New Hampshire state average of 49%. This lower figure reflects the market's strong seasonality—occupancy climbs during the summer lake season and drops considerably in the colder months. Larger properties tend to perform better, with 5-bedroom listings averaging 36% occupancy compared to 19% for 1-bedroom units.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Gilford?

Airbnb hosts in Gilford earn an average of $3,022 per month and approximately $36,271 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. However, earnings vary dramatically by property size: 5-bedroom listings average $93,107 annually, while 1-bedroom units bring in about $19,360. Revenue is heavily concentrated in the summer months, with August alone averaging $7,656 per listing.

Is Gilford a good market for Airbnb investment?

Gilford carries an ROI score of 44 out of 100, classified as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market benefits from strong summer vacation demand and premium nightly rates ($336 ADR), but high average home values of $910,044 and below-average occupancy make the revenue-to-price ratio challenging. Investors who target larger properties and execute well during peak season can generate solid returns, though this market rewards selective, well-researched deal sourcing rather than broad-based investing.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Gilford?

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Gilford is $336, which exceeds the New Hampshire state average of $322. ADR scales significantly with property size—1-bedroom listings average $153 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command $668 per night. This premium reflects the lakefront vacation market where families and groups are willing to pay more for larger, amenity-rich homes.

Are short-term rentals legal in Gilford?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Gilford, NH, though operators may be subject to local registration or permitting requirements as well as New Hampshire's Rooms and Meals Tax. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should verify current rules with the Town of Gilford and the state before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Gilford?

Peak season in Gilford runs from June through August, driven by Lake Winnipesaukee's summer vacation appeal. August is the highest-earning month at $7,656 in average revenue, closely followed by July at $7,148. Revenue drops sharply outside this window—April is the softest month at just $1,127, making Gilford one of the more seasonally concentrated STR markets in New Hampshire.

How many Airbnbs are there in Gilford?

As of April 2026, there are 96 active Airbnb listings in Gilford. The supply is led by 3-bedroom properties (32 listings), followed by 4-bedrooms (21) and 2-bedrooms (17). Notably, listing counts have grown 161% year-over-year, indicating rapidly increasing investor and host interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Gilford?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Gilford are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—they are not forward-looking projections. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July and August) and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the market, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts, occupancy rates, and ADR for the Gilford market
• Revenue metrics including monthly, annual, and RevPAN figures based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue across bedroom counts
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to benchmark guest expectations

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA restrictions, and tax obligations should be independently verified before any investment decision.