Is Pocasset, Massachusetts Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Pocasset, Massachusetts, begin by researching local regulations through the Town of Bourne's zoning department, as Pocasset falls under Bourne's jurisdiction, where short-term rentals typically require a special permit and must comply with residential zoning laws. Obtain necessary permits including a business certificate from the Town Clerk, a rooms excise tax certificate from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, and register with the state's short-term rental tax system established in 2019. Find a suitable property by searching areas near Pocasset's beaches and Cape Cod attractions, ensuring it meets the town's occupancy limits (usually 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional) and parking requirements of one space per bedroom. Furnish the property with coastal-themed decor, essential amenities, safety equipment including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and provide linens, towels, and basic kitchen supplies suitable for vacation rentals. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms with high-quality photos showcasing proximity to Pocasset River, local beaches, and Cape Cod attractions, setting competitive rates based on seasonal demand (higher rates May through October). Manage the property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining regular cleaning schedules, responding promptly to guest communications, collecting and remitting the 5.7% state rooms excise tax plus local taxes, and ensuring compliance with Bourne's noise ordinances and occupancy limits while building relationships with local cleaning services and maintenance contractors.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Pocasset, Massachusetts, focus on waterfront or water-view locations within walking distance of Buzzards Bay beaches, particularly near Red Brook Harbor and Wings Neck areas, as these command premium rates during summer months. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or cottages built after 1950 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, parking for multiple vehicles, and ideally features like decks, fire pits, or beach access that appeal to families and groups visiting Cape Cod. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties in nearby Bourne and Falmouth, aiming for properties that can achieve $200-400 per night during peak season (June-September) and $100-150 during shoulder seasons. Research competition by analyzing existing STR listings within a 2-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, noting occupancy rates, amenities offered, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like Rabbu, AllTheRooms, and local MLS data through agents familiar with Pocasset's seasonal rental market, while also consulting Bourne's zoning regulations and STR licensing requirements, as Pocasset falls under Bourne jurisdiction, and consider proximity to attractions like Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Cape Cod Canal, and ferry access to Martha's Vineyard for year-round appeal.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Pocasset, Massachusetts, you must apply through the Town of Bourne's Building Department since Pocasset is part of Bourne, located at 24 Perry Avenue, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532, or online through their municipal website. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, certificate of occupancy, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million), septic system inspection certificate, fire safety inspection report, and parking plan showing adequate off-street parking. The application fee is approximately $200-300 with an annual renewal fee of $150-200, and you may need additional fees for inspections ($75-150 each for fire, health, and building inspections). The timeline is generally 4-6 weeks from submission of complete application to permit issuance, depending on inspection scheduling and any required corrections. Pocasset-specific requirements include maintaining a maximum occupancy of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, providing adequate parking (typically 1 space per bedroom), ensuring the property meets all health and safety codes including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, maintaining a guest registry, posting emergency contact information prominently, and adhering to quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 8 AM, with some properties requiring a local contact person available 24/7 within 30 minutes of the rental property.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Pocasset, Massachusetts are generally legal but subject to local regulations under the Town of Bourne's jurisdiction, as Pocasset is a village within Bourne. The town requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with health and safety standards, including septic system inspections for properties not connected to municipal sewer systems. Operators must register with the state and collect applicable taxes, including the 5.7% state excise tax and local option tax if applicable. Bourne has implemented occupancy limits based on bedroom count and parking requirements, while also mandating that a local contact person be available 24/7 for any issues. The town prohibits STRs in certain residential zones where they conflict with local zoning bylaws, and recent changes around 2021-2022 have strengthened enforcement mechanisms and increased penalties for non-compliance. Properties must meet all building, fire, and health codes, and some neighborhoods may have additional homeowners association restrictions that further limit STR operations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Pocasset, Massachusetts are the waterfront neighborhoods along Buzzards Bay, particularly around Red Brook Harbor and Pocasset Harbor, which attract summer tourists seeking coastal experiences and water activities from May through September. The historic village center near Pocasset River offers charm for visitors interested in Cape Cod's maritime heritage and provides easy access to local restaurants and shops. Properties near Bourne Bridge area benefit from high visibility and convenience for travelers heading to Cape Cod, making them attractive for both leisure and business travelers visiting nearby companies like Massachusetts Maritime Academy. The residential areas along Shore Road and Wings Neck offer premium locations with beach access that command higher nightly rates during peak season, while neighborhoods near Pocasset Golf Club attract golf enthusiasts and corporate retreat groups year-round. These areas benefit from Pocasset's position as a gateway to Cape Cod, proximity to Boston (about 60 miles), and the seasonal influx of tourists visiting the broader Cape Cod region, with peak demand typically running from Memorial Day through Labor Day when occupancy rates can reach 80-90%.

In Pocasset, Massachusetts, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Massachusetts state room occupancy excise tax of 5.7% on rentals under 90 consecutive days, plus the local Bourne municipal room tax of 6%, resulting in a combined rate of 11.7% on short-term rental bookings. These taxes apply to all stays of 90 days or less and are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system, which then remits payments quarterly to both state and local authorities. Hosts must register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and obtain a room occupancy tax account number, and if Airbnb doesn't collect taxes for certain bookings, hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting taxes themselves by the 20th of the month following the rental period. The state tax applies to the total rent charged including service fees, while exemptions are limited to stays exceeding 90 consecutive days by the same occupant, rentals to certain government employees on official business, and accommodations provided to homeless individuals by qualified organizations, with most typical vacation and short-term business rentals being fully taxable under both state and local requirements.

Starting an Airbnb in Pocasset, Massachusetts requires approximately $650,000-$750,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $550,000-$650,000 based on median home prices in the Cape Cod area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property costs $15,000-$25,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and decor. Initial setup expenses total $3,000-$5,000 covering professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic amenities. Permits and fees range from $500-$1,500 including business registration, short-term rental permits from Bourne town officials, and potential homeowners association approvals. Insurance costs $2,000-$3,500 annually for short-term rental coverage through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utility setup and deposits require $500-$1,000 for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable services. First six months operating costs total $8,000-$12,000 including utilities ($200-300/month), cleaning services ($100-150 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($300-500/month), property management software subscriptions ($50-100/month), and marketing expenses ($200-400/month). Additional considerations include potential property management fees of 15-25% if outsourced and seasonal fluctuations in Cape Cod's tourism market affecting occupancy rates.

Airbnb properties in Pocasset, Massachusetts typically generate annual revenues between $25,000-$45,000 for seasonal rentals, with peak summer months (June-September) accounting for 60-70% of total income due to proximity to Cape Cod attractions and beaches. Average daily rates range from $150-$300 depending on property size and waterfront access, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% during high season and dropping to 20-30% in winter months. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($2,000-$4,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $3,000-$6,000 yearly. Properties within walking distance of Pocasset Beach or with water views command premium rates and achieve profit margins of 25-35%, while inland properties typically see margins of 15-25%. Success factors include professional photography, responsive guest communication, local amenities partnerships, and seasonal pricing optimization, with properties featuring modern amenities, outdoor spaces, and proximity to Bourne Bridge access performing strongest in the market.

Based on Pocasset, Massachusetts market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and location proximity to Buzzards Bay waterfront. Properties within walking distance of beaches like Wings Neck or near Pocasset River command premium rates of $200-350 per night during peak summer months (June-September), while off-season rates drop to $120-180 nightly. Initial investment recovery and profitability generally occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with seasonal occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Cape Cod's tourism market supports consistent demand, and properties requiring minimal renovation typically achieve break-even by month 20-22, while extensive rehabs may extend profitability timelines to 30-36 months. Cash-on-cash returns are optimized when leveraging 70-80% financing on properties valued between $400,000-700,000 in desirable Pocasset neighborhoods.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Pocasset, Massachusetts. Local real estate agents serving the Cape Cod area who focus on investment properties include Kinlin Grover Real Estate, Robert Paul Properties, and Century 21 Tassinari & Associates, all of which have experience with vacation rental investments in the Pocasset market since the early 2010s. National services like Mashvisor, BiggerPockets, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification tools for the Cape Cod region, while companies such as RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services for Airbnb investments. Local property management companies including Cape Cod Oceanview Realty and Sandpiper Realty specialize in vacation rental management in the Pocasset area. Additional national platforms like Roofstock and HomeUnion occasionally feature Cape Cod investment properties, while local investment groups and real estate professionals such as Cape Associates and William Raveis Real Estate have agents who understand the short-term rental market dynamics in Pocasset and surrounding Bourne communities.