Short answer
Often yes, but it takes more checking. A Class VI road is a public road the town doesn't maintain, and a private road isn't owned or maintained by the town at all. Lenders want proof of legal, year-round access and that the home can be insured, and some ask who plows and repairs the road. Building on a Class VI or private road also needs special steps under RSA 674:41, including a waiver or notice recorded at the registry of deeds.
What is a Class VI road?
New Hampshire classifies its roads by who maintains them. Class V roads are town roads the town maintains. Class VI roads are still public ways, but the town doesn't maintain them, including roads that were discontinued as open highways or haven't been maintained for five years in a row (RSA 229:5). The town usually doesn't plow, grade or repair them, and emergency service can be harder. Many rural towns have some, and many towns post a road map that shows each road's class.
How is a private road different?
A private road is owned by the people whose homes it serves, or by an association, and they maintain it. That includes many shared driveways and roads in older lake and camp areas. The key questions are whether your deed gives you a recorded right to use the road and who pays to plow and fix it.
What do lenders look for?
- Legal access: a recorded right of way or easement from the home to a public road, which your title search should confirm.
- Physical access: the appraiser checks that the road can be used year-round, including in winter and mud season. FHA and VA appraisals look closely at all-weather access.
- Maintenance: some lenders and programs ask for a road maintenance agreement or proof of who maintains a private road. Requirements differ, so this is worth asking about before your offer.
- Insurance: the home has to be insurable. Ask your insurance agent early if fire trucks would have trouble reaching it.
Can you build or add on along a Class VI road?
New Hampshire generally doesn't allow building permits for lots that front only on a Class VI or private road unless the RSA 674:41 conditions are met. On a Class VI road, the owner signs a waiver saying the town won't maintain the road or be liable for missing services, records it at the county registry of deeds, and shows that the lot and buildings can be insured. On a private road, the town's governing body must vote to allow permits on that road, and a notice of the town's limited responsibility is recorded. If you plan to build or add on, ask the town before you buy. See construction loans.
What should I do before I make an offer?
- Ask the town clerk or road agent for the road's class.
- Ask the seller for the deed, any easements and any road maintenance agreement.
- Ask your attorney or title company to confirm legal access.
- Visit after a storm or in mud season if you can.
- Tell Tom the address early, so he can check the program and lender rules for that road.
Sources
- NH RSA 674:41, Erection of buildings on streets (Class VI and private roads)
- NH RSA 229:5, Classification of highways
Checked November 2, 2026. Rules and dates change, so confirm current details before you rely on them.
General information only, not tax or legal advice. Program availability, eligibility and terms vary by lender and are subject to change and to underwriting approval. Not a commitment to lend.