Hampstead, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

48 / 100

Hampstead presents a competitive opportunity: investor interest and demand are strong, but higher prices or tighter competition may require more selective deal sourcing.

Hampstead Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Hampstead, NC is a small but growing short-term rental market near North Carolina's coast, with just 32 active Airbnb listings and a 114% year-over-year increase in supply. Average annual revenue sits at $23,863, driven largely by strong summer demand, though the market's 15% occupancy rate and $155 ADR trail the state averages of 34% and $262, respectively. With average home values around $700,382 and below-average revenue-to-price ratios, investors will need to be highly selective in deal sourcing to find properties that pencil out.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 32
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $262 state avg. $155
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 34% state avg. 15%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $23
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $1,988
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $23,863

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

Why Investors Consider Hampstead

Hampstead appeals to investors seeking coastal North Carolina exposure in a market with rapid listing growth and strong seasonal peaks, though competitive pricing and occupancy challenges require careful property selection.

Key investment factors

  • Proximity to Topsail Island beaches drives reliable summer vacation demand
  • 114% year-over-year listing growth signals rising investor confidence in the area
  • Two-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $28 per available night, offering a focused entry point
  • Low current listing count of 32 means individual properties can still differentiate and capture share
  • Outdoor amenities like patios, backyards, and grills are expected by guests, creating a clear playbook for property setup

Expert Market Assessment

"Hampstead currently presents a competitive opportunity where the economics require disciplined deal sourcing. The market's pronounced seasonality—with July revenues peaking around $3,875 and January dipping to roughly $594—means investors must plan for significant cash-flow swings throughout the year. A 15% average occupancy rate well below the state's 34% average highlights the challenge, though the rapid 114% supply growth suggests operators see long-term upside in this coastal corridor. Two-bedroom properties stand out as the strongest performers on both occupancy and revenue metrics, offering the clearest path to viable returns for investors who can acquire at the right price point."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Hampstead's ROI Score: 48/100

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

Factor Hampstead Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Below average 40%
Occupancy Stability Below average 30%
Market Growth Trend Average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Hampstead's ROI Score of 48 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, reflecting below-average marks on both revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability, while market growth trend and supply/demand balance rate as average. The 114% listing growth shows rising competition, so returns will hinge on acquiring properties at favorable prices—particularly two-bedroom units that currently outperform the broader market. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic off-season budget will help investors determine whether a specific deal makes sense.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Hampstead

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Hampstead, NC may need to obtain permits or register with Pender County or the local municipality before listing their property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with local government offices, as regulations can change with growing STR activity in coastal communities.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in North Carolina coastal communities can include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and potential HOA rules that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals entirely. Investors should review any applicable HOA covenants and local zoning codes before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina imposes state and local occupancy taxes on short-term rentals, and Pender County may levy additional room or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm that all county-level obligations are being met.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Hampstead

Financing an Airbnb investment in Hampstead requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Hampstead Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Hampstead's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth as investor interest in coastal North Carolina communities remains elevated. Summer months should continue anchoring the revenue calendar, with peak earnings in the $3,000–$3,900 range during June through August, while the winter trough may keep overall occupancy in the 15–20% range absent significant demand-side changes. ADR could see modest increases of 1–3% as newer listings refine their pricing strategies, but investors should plan for pronounced seasonality and budget accordingly for slower months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Hampstead, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Hampstead?
The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Hampstead is currently 15%, which is below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with two-bedroom listings leading at 24%, while one-bedroom and three-bedroom properties average around 11%. Seasonal demand, particularly during the summer months, drives much of the annual booking activity.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Hampstead?
Airbnb hosts in Hampstead earn an average of $1,988 per month, or approximately $23,863 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings are heavily seasonal—hosts can expect around $3,875 in peak months like July but just $594 in January. Two-bedroom properties tend to be the top earners, averaging $2,348 per month and $28,176 annually.
Is Hampstead a good market for Airbnb investment?
Hampstead carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 48 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. Strong summer demand and growing investor interest are positives, but below-average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability mean returns depend heavily on acquisition price and property type. Two-bedroom units currently offer the best revenue-to-effort balance, and investors who source deals carefully may find viable opportunities in this coastal market.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Hampstead?
The average daily rate in Hampstead is $155, compared to the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales with property size: one-bedroom listings average $111, two-bedrooms come in at $119, and three-bedroom properties command $168 per night. These rates reflect the market's positioning as an affordable coastal alternative rather than a premium resort destination.
Are short-term rentals legal in Hampstead?
Short-term rentals generally operate in Hampstead, NC, but operators may need to comply with local permitting, zoning, and tax requirements set by Pender County or relevant municipal authorities. Regulations in coastal North Carolina communities can evolve as STR activity grows, so investors should verify current rules with local government offices and review any HOA restrictions before purchasing a property.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Hampstead?
Peak season in Hampstead runs from June through August, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $3,875 in revenue. The shoulder months of May and October also perform reasonably well, averaging $2,385 and $2,295 respectively. Winter months from December through February represent the slowest period, with revenues dropping to the $594–$831 range.
How many Airbnbs are there in Hampstead?
As of April 2026, there are 32 active Airbnb listings in Hampstead. The supply breaks down to 12 three-bedroom properties, 9 one-bedroom listings, and 8 two-bedroom units. Notably, the market has seen 114% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating rapidly increasing investor and host interest.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Hampstead?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Hampstead are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well the listing is operationally managed.

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 for Hampstead and surrounding areas
  • Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics by property size
  • Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
  • Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 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 recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Individual results will vary based on property condition, location within the market, pricing strategy, and management quality.

Next Steps

Ready to invest in Hampstead's short-term rental market? Take action with these resources:

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