Is Brockton, Massachusetts Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Brockton, Massachusetts, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Brockton Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with residential zoning restrictions that may limit rentals to primary residences only. Contact the Brockton Building Department to secure necessary permits including a Certificate of Occupancy for short-term rentals, fire safety inspections, and ensure compliance with Massachusetts state tax requirements by registering with the Department of Revenue for lodging taxes. Find a suitable property in residential zones like Campello, Montello, or downtown areas, ensuring it meets safety codes including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and adequate egress routes as required by Massachusetts building codes. Furnish the space with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, linens, kitchen supplies, and safety equipment while maintaining insurance coverage that includes short-term rental liability. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos, competitive pricing based on Brockton's average nightly rates of $75-120, and highlight proximity to Boston (20 miles south) and local attractions like D.W. Field Park. Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guests, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes while collecting and remitting the 5.7% Massachusetts short-term rental tax plus any applicable local taxes to remain compliant with Brockton's business licensing requirements.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Brockton, Massachusetts, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of downtown Brockton near the commuter rail station for Boston access, proximity to Massasoit Community College, and areas close to Route 24 and Route 123 for easy highway access. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1950 with dedicated parking, updated kitchens and bathrooms, and properties under $400,000 that can generate $100-150 per night. Analyze comparable STR rates using AirDNA and Mashvisor, aiming for properties that can achieve 60-70% occupancy rates with gross rental yields above 8-10%. Research competition by monitoring active Airbnb and VRBO listings within 5-mile radius, noting average daily rates of $80-120 and identifying gaps in amenities or property types. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through agents familiar with Brockton's neighborhoods such as Campello, Montello, and areas near Good Samaritan Medical Center. Consider Brockton's growing healthcare sector workforce, Boston commuters seeking affordable alternatives, and visiting families to Bridgewater State University as primary guest demographics when evaluating potential properties.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Brockton, Massachusetts, you must first contact the Brockton Building Department at City Hall located at 45 School Street to inquire about short-term rental licensing requirements, as the city has been developing regulations since 2019-2020. You'll need to submit an application form along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, floor plans, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), fire safety inspection certificate from the Brockton Fire Department, and a site plan showing parking availability. The application fee is estimated at $200-400 annually, with additional inspection fees of approximately $100-150. You must also register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue for state taxes and obtain a business certificate from the City Clerk's office if operating as a business entity. Brockton requires STR properties to maintain adequate off-street parking (typically one space per bedroom), comply with occupancy limits based on square footage, install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas, provide emergency contact information to neighbors, and maintain the property in accordance with housing codes. The approval timeline typically takes 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application, pending successful inspections by both building and fire departments, and you may need to attend a Planning Board meeting if the property is in certain zoning districts.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Brockton, Massachusetts, but operate under state regulations rather than specific municipal ordinances as of 2024. Massachusetts allows STRs statewide following legislation passed in 2018-2019 that established a regulatory framework, requiring operators to register with the state, collect occupancy taxes, and maintain liability insurance. In Brockton, STR operators must comply with state requirements including registration fees, safety standards, and tax collection, while also adhering to local zoning laws and building codes. The city has not implemented additional restrictive measures beyond state mandates, unlike some other Massachusetts municipalities such as Boston or Cambridge that have imposed caps or prohibited STRs in certain residential zones. Recent changes include stricter enforcement of safety requirements and tax compliance at the state level, but Brockton has maintained a relatively permissive stance compared to other urban areas in the Commonwealth, allowing both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied short-term rentals throughout most residential and commercial zones.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Brockton, Massachusetts include downtown Brockton near the BAT Center and City Hall Plaza, which attracts business travelers and visitors attending events at the performing arts venues, with properties typically generating $75-100 per night. The Campello neighborhood offers affordable investment opportunities with good access to commuter rail connections to Boston, making it attractive to travelers seeking budget-friendly accommodations within 30 minutes of the city, with estimated nightly rates of $60-85. The area around Brockton Hospital and Good Samaritan Medical Center provides consistent demand from medical professionals, patients' families, and healthcare workers, with properties earning approximately $70-95 per night. West Brockton near the Rocky Marciano Stadium draws sports enthusiasts and families visiting for baseball games and tournaments, particularly during summer months, with seasonal rates reaching $80-120 per night. The neighborhoods close to Massasoit Community College generate steady bookings from visiting faculty, prospective students, and families during graduation periods, with typical rates of $65-90 per night, while properties near the Brockton Fair grounds see significant spikes in demand during the annual fair in July, commanding premium rates of $100-150 per night during peak events.

In Brockton, Massachusetts, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Massachusetts state room occupancy excise tax is 5.7% on rentals of 90 days or less, which applies to all short-term rentals including Airbnbs. Additionally, Brockton 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 hosts should verify their registration status with both the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and the City of Brockton. Hosts must register with the state and obtain a room occupancy tax registration certificate, and may need to file periodic returns even if Airbnb collects the taxes. The local tax revenue often supports tourism promotion and municipal services. Exemptions may apply for rentals exceeding 90 consecutive days, certain types of accommodations, or stays by exempt organizations, but most standard Airbnb bookings will be subject to the combined 11.7% tax rate. Hosts should maintain detailed records of all bookings and tax collections, as they remain ultimately responsible for compliance even when using Airbnb's collection services.

To start an Airbnb in Brockton, Massachusetts, the total initial investment would be approximately $320,000-$380,000. Property purchase costs around $280,000-$320,000 based on median home prices in Brockton as of 2023. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically requires $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local suppliers. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees in Massachusetts include short-term rental registration ($200-$500), business license ($50-$100), and potential local permits ($100-$300). Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage average $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable run $500-$800 initially. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,200), cleaning services ($1,800), supplies and maintenance ($1,000), marketing ($500), and platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO ($2,000) total approximately $6,500. Additional considerations include property taxes ($3,000-$4,000 annually) and potential HOA fees if applicable.

Airbnb properties in Brockton, Massachusetts typically generate annual revenues between $18,000-$35,000 for entire home listings, with average daily rates ranging from $75-$120 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), property management (10-20% of revenue), insurance ($800-1,500 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-4,000 yearly). Net profit margins typically range from 15-25% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts achieving higher margins through strategic pricing, excellent guest communication, and proximity to Boston (30 miles away) which drives demand from visitors seeking affordable alternatives to downtown accommodations. Properties near Brockton's downtown area or with easy highway access to Route 24 and I-495 perform better, with occupancy rates averaging 60-75% annually. Success factors include professional photography, competitive pricing using dynamic tools, maintaining 4.8+ star ratings, and targeting business travelers and families visiting nearby attractions like the Fuller Craft Museum or attending events at Campanelli Stadium, with the most profitable properties being 2-3 bedroom homes that can accommodate families while remaining cost-effective to maintain.

Airbnb investments in Brockton, Massachusetts typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties in desirable neighborhoods near downtown or close to commuter rail access to Boston can achieve higher returns of 12-15% annually, while properties requiring significant renovation may see initial returns of 6-8%. The average timeframe to profitability is 18-24 months, accounting for initial setup costs, furnishing, and market establishment. Brockton's proximity to Boston (20 miles south) and lower property acquisition costs compared to Boston proper create favorable investment conditions, with average property prices around $350,000-450,000 and potential gross rental yields of 10-14% annually. Cash-on-cash returns are optimized when investors put down 20-25% and leverage favorable financing, typically achieving break-even within 12-18 months and positive cash flow thereafter, assuming 65-75% average occupancy rates and average daily rates of $85-120 depending on property type and amenities.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market data, providing comprehensive tools for identifying profitable short-term rental opportunities in Brockton, Massachusetts. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Keller Williams Realty serving the Greater Boston area since 1995, RE/MAX Executive Realty with Brockton-focused investment specialists, and Coldwell Banker Realty's commercial division. National services include Awning (founded 2017) which offers full-service Airbnb property management and acquisition assistance, Roofstock (2015) for turnkey rental property investments, and BiggerPockets' marketplace connecting investors with local professionals. Mashvisor provides market analysis tools specifically for short-term rental investments, while AirDNA offers data-driven insights for Airbnb property performance in the Brockton market. Local investment-focused companies include Boston Real Estate Investors Group and Massachusetts Real Estate Investment Association members who specialize in the South Shore market. RedAwning and Vacasa also provide property management services that can assist with acquisition strategies, while local mortgage brokers like Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group offer specialized financing for investment properties in the Brockton area.