Is Bourne, Massachusetts Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Bourne, Massachusetts, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations, as Bourne requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business certificate from the Town Clerk's office and comply with health department inspections, with properties needing to meet safety standards including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Contact the Bourne Building Department at 508-759-0600 to verify your property's zoning allows short-term rentals and obtain necessary permits, which typically cost around $100-200 annually. Find a suitable property by searching areas near Cape Cod Canal, Buzzards Bay waterfront, or historic districts, with average property prices ranging $400,000-800,000, then ensure adequate parking and septic system capacity for guest occupancy. Furnish the space with coastal-themed decor, quality linens, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and outdoor furniture to attract summer tourists, budgeting approximately $5,000-15,000 for initial setup. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO with professional photos highlighting water views and proximity to Cape Cod attractions, setting competitive rates of $150-400 per night depending on season and amenities. Manage bookings by establishing check-in procedures, hiring local cleaning services like Cape Cod Cleaning Company, maintaining 24/7 guest communication, and ensuring compliance with Massachusetts lodging tax requirements of 5.7% plus local option taxes, while building relationships with neighbors and staying updated on evolving short-term rental regulations through the Bourne Planning Board meetings.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Bourne, Massachusetts, focus on locations within 1-2 miles of Cape Cod Canal, Buzzards Bay waterfront, or near popular beaches like Monument Beach and Scusset Beach, as these areas command premium nightly rates of $200-400 during peak summer months. Target 2-4 bedroom properties built after 1980 with modern amenities, waterfront or water views, outdoor spaces, and parking for multiple vehicles, as families and groups comprise the primary market segment. Analyze comparable STR properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark occupancy rates (typically 60-75% in summer, 25-40% off-season) and average daily rates, while calculating potential annual revenue of $35,000-75,000 for well-positioned properties. Research competition by monitoring active Airbnb and VRBO listings within 3-mile radius, noting seasonal pricing patterns, amenities offered, and guest review themes to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like Rabbu, STR Helper, and local MLS data through real estate agents familiar with Bourne's zoning regulations, as the town allows STRs in most residential areas but requires proper permitting and adherence to occupancy limits, while also consulting Cape Cod Commission guidelines for any additional coastal zone restrictions.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Bourne, Massachusetts, you must first contact the Bourne Building Department at Town Hall located at 24 Perry Avenue to initiate the application process, as the town requires short-term rental operators to obtain a lodging house license under state regulations. Required documents typically include a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plans of the rental unit, certificate of occupancy, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), fire safety inspection certificate from the Bourne Fire Department, and a septic system inspection if applicable. The application fee is approximately $200-300 annually, with additional inspection fees ranging from $100-200 depending on property size and complexity. You must also register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue for state taxes and obtain a business certificate from the Town Clerk's office if operating under a business name. The timeline for approval typically takes 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application, provided all inspections pass and requirements are met. Bourne-specific requirements include compliance with local zoning bylaws (check if STRs are permitted in your zone), adherence to occupancy limits based on septic capacity and square footage, provision of adequate parking spaces, and maintaining quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 8 AM, with some properties requiring additional soundproofing measures if located in residential neighborhoods.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Bourne, Massachusetts, but are subject to local regulations and state requirements that have evolved significantly since 2018-2019. The town requires STR operators to obtain proper permits and comply with health and safety standards, including regular inspections for properties renting for less than 30 days. Bourne has implemented zoning restrictions that limit STRs in certain residential areas, particularly focusing on maintaining neighborhood character and preventing over-concentration of rental properties. The town requires registration with both local authorities and the state, mandates liability insurance, and enforces occupancy limits based on property size and septic capacity. Recent changes include stricter enforcement of noise ordinances, parking requirements, and waste management protocols, with the town conducting regular reviews of STR impacts on housing availability and community welfare. Properties must meet building and fire codes, and operators face penalties for violations including potential permit revocation, reflecting the town's balance between supporting tourism revenue and protecting residential neighborhoods.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Bourne, Massachusetts are Buzzards Bay village center, which attracts tourists visiting the Cape Cod Canal and Massachusetts Maritime Academy events, plus business travelers to the area's maritime industries; Sagamore Beach and Scusset Beach neighborhoods, which draw summer vacationers seeking waterfront access and proximity to Scusset Beach State Reservation; Monument Beach area, popular with families for its calm bay waters and scenic views; and properties near the Bourne Bridge approaches, which capture overflow demand from Cape Cod visitors seeking more affordable accommodations just off-Cape while still providing easy access to Sandwich and other Lower Cape destinations. These areas benefit from Bourne's position as the gateway to Cape Cod, the Cape Cod Canal's recreational boating traffic, summer beach tourism, Massachusetts Maritime Academy graduation and events calendar, and year-round demand from contractors and business travelers working on Cape Cod infrastructure projects who prefer staying in less expensive mainland accommodations.

In Bourne, Massachusetts, Airbnb properties are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Massachusetts state room occupancy excise tax is 5.7% on rentals under 90 consecutive days, which applies to short-term rentals like Airbnbs. Additionally, Bourne imposes a local room occupancy tax of 6% on short-term rental accommodations. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking and remitted to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts, though individual hosts may need to register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and file quarterly returns if they collect taxes independently. The state tax applies to the total rent charged, while the local tax applies to the same base. Exemptions may include rentals to permanent residents (90+ consecutive days), certain government employees on official business, and stays by individuals receiving medical treatment, though specific exemption criteria should be verified with local tax authorities. Hosts operating in Bourne should also be aware that they may need to obtain a short-term rental permit from the town and comply with additional local regulations beyond tax obligations.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Bourne, Massachusetts is approximately $485,000-$565,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $400,000-$450,000 based on median home prices in the Cape Cod area. Furnishing costs range from $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including short-term rental licenses, business registration, and potential zoning compliance cost $500-$1,500 depending on local regulations. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage run $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable services require $500-$1,000 initially. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($1,800), cleaning services ($3,600), maintenance ($1,500), property management software ($300), and marketing ($800) total approximately $8,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and emergency repair funds that could add $5,000-$10,000 to initial capital requirements.

Airbnb properties in Bourne, Massachusetts, typically generate annual revenues between $25,000-$45,000 for seasonal rentals and $15,000-$30,000 for year-round properties, with peak summer months (June-August) commanding $200-$350 per night due to proximity to Cape Cod beaches and the Cape Cod Canal. Operating expenses generally range from 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($2,000-$4,000 annually), insurance ($1,500-$3,000), and maintenance costs ($3,000-$6,000 yearly). Net profit margins typically fall between 15-35%, with waterfront or canal-view properties achieving higher margins around 25-35%, while inland properties average 15-25%. Success factors include strategic pricing during Bourne Scallop Festival in September, marketing proximity to Massachusetts Maritime Academy events, and capitalizing on the town's position as a gateway to Cape Cod, with properties near Buzzards Bay or offering canal access commanding premium rates. A typical 3-bedroom canal-view property purchased for $450,000 in 2022 generated approximately $38,000 in gross rental income with $22,000 in expenses, yielding a 3.6% cash-on-cash return, while properties requiring significant renovations or lacking water access often struggle to achieve profitability above 10-15% margins due to Bourne's competitive vacation rental market.

Airbnb investments in Bourne, Massachusetts typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% due to the town's proximity to Cape Cod beaches and seasonal tourism demand, with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and financing structure. Properties near Buzzards Bay or within walking distance of beaches command premium rates of $150-250 per night during peak summer months (June-September), while shoulder seasons see rates drop to $80-120 per night. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with single-family homes and beach cottages performing better than condos due to higher occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. The market benefits from consistent demand from Boston-area visitors seeking affordable Cape Cod alternatives, with properties typically requiring initial investments of $400,000-600,000 and generating gross annual revenues of $35,000-55,000 after accounting for Bourne's seasonal tourism patterns and competition from nearby Falmouth and Sandwich markets.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment properties across markets including Bourne, Massachusetts. In the Cape Cod region, local real estate agents like those at Kinlin Grover Compass, Century 21 Tassinari & Associates, and Robert Paul Properties have extensive experience helping investors identify vacation rental opportunities in Bourne's desirable waterfront and beach communities. National services such as Mashvisor, BiggerPockets, and AirDNA provide market analytics and property identification tools specifically for Airbnb investors targeting the Cape Cod market. Local property management companies like Cape Cod Oceanview and Vacasa offer turnkey solutions for investors looking to purchase and immediately begin operating short-term rentals in Bourne. Additionally, specialized investment firms such as RedAwning and AvantStay focus on identifying and managing profitable vacation rental properties in tourist destinations like Cape Cod, while local mortgage brokers at Cape Cod 5 and Rockland Trust offer financing solutions tailored to investment property purchases in the Massachusetts short-term rental market.