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

Sunapee Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Sunapee, NH offers a seasonal short-term rental market shaped by its lakefront appeal and proximity to Mount Sunapee ski resort. With an average daily rate of $359—well above the $322 New Hampshire state average—hosts can command premium nightly pricing, though a 35% occupancy rate signals that revenue concentrates heavily in peak months. The market's 51 active listings and 83% year-over-year listing growth point to rising investor interest, while average annual revenue of $44,303 against home values averaging $1,700,758 means careful deal sourcing is essential to making the numbers work.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Sunapee

Sunapee draws investor attention because of its premium nightly rates, growing demand profile, and dual-season appeal anchored by lake recreation and nearby skiing.

Expert Market Assessment

"Sunapee represents a competitive opportunity where strong nightly rates and growing demand are counterbalanced by elevated home prices and moderate occupancy. Revenue is sharply seasonal: August leads at $7,338 per month while April dips to just $1,366, creating a roughly 5:1 peak-to-trough ratio that investors need to plan around. Larger properties—especially 3- and 4-bedroom homes—deliver meaningfully better performance, with annual revenues of $55,476 and $62,370 respectively. For investors willing to source deals carefully and target the right property configuration, the market offers real upside, particularly as growth trends remain above average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Sunapee

Average revenue by month in Sunapee

Revenue in Sunapee follows a pronounced seasonal curve, peaking in August at $7,338 and bottoming in April at just $1,366—a spread of nearly $6,000. A secondary winter bump in February ($3,825) and a solid fall foliage window in September–October ($4,149–$4,272) help extend earning potential beyond the summer core.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Sunapee

Three-bedroom homes dominate Sunapee's supply with 15 listings, while 1-bedroom units follow at 10. Studios and 2-bedrooms each have just 7 listings, potentially signaling less competitive niches for investors considering smaller or mid-size properties—though the revenue data strongly favors larger configurations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Sunapee

ADR climbs steadily with bedroom count, from $206 for 1-bedroom units up to $473 for 4-bedroom properties—a 130% premium. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($286) to 3-bedrooms ($355) represents a particularly attractive step-up, suggesting that mid-to-large homes capture meaningful rate premiums in this lake and ski market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Sunapee

RevPAN scales sharply with size: 4-bedroom properties lead at $222 per available night, more than five times the $43 earned by studios. Three-bedroom listings post a strong $162 RevPAN, reflecting their combination of solid rates and the highest occupancy tier among mid-size homes.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Sunapee

Occupancy rates nearly triple from studios (19%) to 4-bedroom properties (47%), with a notable inflection point at 3 bedrooms (46%). Smaller units struggle to fill consistently in this seasonal market, making larger properties far more reliable for steady cash flow throughout the year.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Sunapee

Four-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $5,197, followed closely by 3-bedrooms at $4,623—both well above the market average of $3,691. Studios trail significantly at $1,418 per month, underscoring that larger homes capture the lion's share of revenue in Sunapee's family- and group-oriented vacation market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Sunapee

Annual revenue ranges from $17,018 for studios to $62,370 for 4-bedroom homes, with 3-bedrooms delivering a strong $55,476. Given the market's high average home values, the larger configurations offer the best chance of achieving a viable revenue-to-price ratio, particularly for investors focused on maximizing gross income.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Sunapee

Kitchens (94%), self check-in (88%), and laundry facilities (86%) are near-universal across Sunapee listings, reflecting baseline guest expectations. Outdoor-oriented amenities like BBQ grills (80%), outdoor furniture (77%), and backyards (69%) are also prevalent, while lake access at 41% and beach access at 18% represent genuine differentiators that can command pricing premiums in this waterfront market.

Understanding Sunapee's ROI Score: 43/100

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

Sunapee's ROI Score of 43 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where demand is genuine but elevated home prices compress the revenue-to-price ratio (rated below average). Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance are both average, while the above-average market growth trend is an encouraging sign that demand is still expanding. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on larger property configurations to improve their odds of achieving viable returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Sunapee

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

Permit Requirements

The Town of Sunapee and the State of New Hampshire may require short-term rental operators to register or obtain permits before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Sunapee town offices and the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in New Hampshire towns can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and rules imposed by homeowner associations. Some municipalities also limit the total number of STR permits or impose zoning restrictions on non-owner-occupied rentals, so reviewing local ordinances is an important part of due diligence.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in New Hampshire are generally subject to the state's rooms and meals tax on stays under 185 consecutive days. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit this tax on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm compliance with New Hampshire tax authorities to avoid unexpected liabilities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Sunapee's STR market is expected to benefit from an above-average market growth trend, suggesting continued demand gains as the area attracts more four-season visitors. Summer months (July and August) should remain the primary revenue engine, with estimates pointing toward ADR holding steady or ticking up 1–3% as supply growth moderates after the recent 83% listing surge. Occupancy may stay in the 33–38% range on a market-wide basis, though well-positioned lakefront and ski-proximate properties could outperform that band. Investors should plan for lean shoulder months—particularly March through May—and budget accordingly for cash-flow gaps."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Sunapee, NH

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sunapee?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sunapee is currently 35%, which falls below the New Hampshire state average of 49%. This reflects the market's strong seasonality—occupancy spikes during summer lake season and winter ski months, then softens considerably in the shoulder periods. Larger properties tend to perform better, with 3- and 4-bedroom listings achieving occupancy rates around 46–47%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Sunapee?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Sunapee earn approximately $3,691 per month or $44,303 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. However, revenue varies significantly by property size: studios average about $17,018 annually, while 4-bedroom properties earn roughly $62,370. Peak months like July and August can generate $6,134–$7,338 in a single month, so property configuration and seasonal pricing strategy have an outsized impact on total earnings.

Is Sunapee a good market for Airbnb investment?

Sunapee scores a 43 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market offers premium nightly rates ($359 ADR) and above-average growth trends, but the revenue-to-price ratio is below average given home values averaging around $1.7 million. Investors who can source properties at favorable prices and target larger configurations (3–4 bedrooms) stand to earn more competitive returns, though this market rewards selective deal sourcing over broad buying.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Sunapee is $359, which is approximately 11% higher than the New Hampshire state average of $322. ADR scales meaningfully with property size—studios average $231 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command $473 per night. This premium pricing reflects the area's appeal as a lakefront and ski-adjacent destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Sunapee?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Sunapee, NH, though operators may need to comply with local registration or permitting requirements as well as state-level tax obligations. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should check directly with the Town of Sunapee and the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration for the most current rules before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Sunapee?

Peak season in Sunapee runs from June through September, with August being the highest-revenue month at an average of $7,338, followed by July at $6,134. A secondary winter peak occurs in February ($3,825) driven by ski season demand. The slowest months are March through May, with April bottoming out at $1,366—making off-season budgeting an important consideration for investors.

How many Airbnbs are there in Sunapee?

There are currently 51 active Airbnb listings in Sunapee as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with an 83% year-over-year increase in active listings. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 15 listings, followed by 1-bedroom units at 10 listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Sunapee?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Sunapee are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remaining data up into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally capture seasonal peaks like August and slower periods like April. 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, updated as of April 2026
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking performance
• Property value benchmarks from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify with municipal and state authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.