Is West Tisbury, Massachusetts Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in West Tisbury, Massachusetts, begin by researching local zoning laws and short-term rental regulations through the West Tisbury Planning Board and Building Inspector's office, as Martha's Vineyard has strict rental ordinances that may require special permits or limit rental duration to 14-30 days maximum. Obtain necessary permits including a business certificate from the Town Clerk, potential special permits for short-term rentals, and ensure compliance with Massachusetts lodging tax requirements and local occupancy taxes. Find a suitable property that meets zoning requirements for short-term rentals, considering that many areas in West Tisbury are residential-only zones where commercial activities may be restricted. Furnish the property with quality, durable furniture focusing on coastal New England aesthetics, ensure proper safety equipment including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers as required by Massachusetts fire codes. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photography highlighting the Martha's Vineyard location, proximity to beaches like Lambert's Cove, and local attractions, setting competitive rates typically ranging from $200-600 per night depending on season and property size. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols, coordinating with local cleaning services, implementing check-in procedures, and maintaining compliance with West Tisbury's noise ordinances and parking restrictions while providing guests with information about local regulations regarding beach access, conservation areas, and community guidelines specific to this rural Martha's Vineyard town.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in West Tisbury, Massachusetts, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of South Beach, Menemsha Harbor, or near conservation areas like Manuel F. Correllus State Forest, as these offer prime access to Martha's Vineyard's key attractions while maintaining the town's rural character. Target properties with 3-4 bedrooms, outdoor spaces like decks or patios, updated kitchens, and unique features such as pond views, historic charm, or proximity to bike paths, as West Tisbury attracts families and couples seeking authentic Vineyard experiences. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties, noting that West Tisbury typically commands $300-600 per night during peak summer months (June-September) with 60-80% occupancy rates, while shoulder seasons see $150-300 nightly rates. Research competition by studying existing STR listings on Airbnb and VRBO within a 3-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or property types, and monitor properties near popular spots like Alley's General Store or the Agricultural Hall. Utilize Martha's Vineyard-specific resources including the West Tisbury Planning Board for zoning regulations, local real estate agents familiar with STR potential, and seasonal rental management companies like Martha's Vineyard Vacation Rentals or Island Rentals to understand market dynamics, regulatory requirements, and operational considerations unique to this exclusive island market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in West Tisbury, Massachusetts, you must first contact the West Tisbury Building Department at Town Hall located at 1059 State Road to initiate the application process, as the town requires short-term rental registration under local bylaws adopted around 2019-2020. Required documents typically include a completed STR registration form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, septic system compliance certificate, parking plan showing adequate off-street parking, and proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage. The application fee is approximately $200-300 annually, with additional inspection fees of around $100-150. You must also provide contact information for a local representative available 24/7 if you're not residing on-island, submit a good neighbor agreement outlining house rules and occupancy limits, and ensure compliance with the town's maximum occupancy requirements (typically 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional). The timeline for approval is generally 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application, though this can extend during peak season. West Tisbury specifically requires STRs to maintain septic system compliance, adhere to noise ordinances, provide adequate parking (typically 1 space per bedroom), and register with the state through MassTaxConnect for room occupancy excise tax collection, with renewals required annually by December 31st.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in West Tisbury, Massachusetts, but subject to strict local regulations implemented around 2019-2020. The town requires STR operators to obtain a special permit and business license, with properties limited to a maximum occupancy based on septic capacity and bedroom count. West Tisbury prohibits STRs in certain residential districts and requires compliance with parking requirements, noise ordinances, and septic system regulations. The town has implemented a cap on the total number of STR permits available and requires annual renewals with inspections. Properties must meet specific safety standards including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and operators must provide local contact information for emergencies. Recent changes have strengthened enforcement mechanisms and increased penalties for violations, with the town actively monitoring compliance through complaint-driven investigations and periodic reviews of permitted properties.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in West Tisbury, Massachusetts are concentrated around the town center near the West Tisbury General Store and along Lambert's Cove Road, which provides easy access to Lambert's Cove Beach, one of Martha's Vineyard's most pristine and less crowded beaches that attracts high-end tourists willing to pay premium rates for proximity to this exclusive shoreline. The area around Menemsha Hills and North Road offers excellent investment potential due to its rural charm, conservation land access, and proximity to Menemsha village with its famous fishing harbor and sunset views, drawing tourists seeking authentic New England experiences and nature enthusiasts. Properties near the Agricultural Hall and town center benefit from West Tisbury's reputation as Martha's Vineyard's agricultural heart, attracting visitors interested in the weekly farmers market, local farms, and the island's rural character, while also being centrally located for easy access to other Vineyard destinations. The Chilmark border area along Middle Road presents opportunities for larger properties that can accommodate families and groups visiting for summer vacations, wedding events at nearby venues, and those seeking privacy while remaining accessible to both Up-Island and Down-Island attractions.

In West Tisbury, Massachusetts, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the state excise tax of 5.7% on short-term rentals under 90 days, Martha's Vineyard's local option room occupancy excise tax of 6%, and West Tisbury's local room occupancy tax of 6%, resulting in a combined rate of approximately 17.7% on gross rental receipts. 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 remain ultimately responsible for compliance and may need to register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and local tax collectors. The state tax applies to all short-term rentals, while local taxes generally apply to rentals of fewer than 90 consecutive days, with limited exemptions for certain long-term stays or owner-occupied properties where the owner rents fewer than three rooms. Hosts must maintain detailed records of all rental income and taxes collected, and may need to file periodic returns even when Airbnb handles collection, particularly for any bookings made outside the platform or if they opt out of Airbnb's tax collection service.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in West Tisbury, Massachusetts is approximately $1,850,000-$2,150,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $1,600,000-$1,900,000 based on median home prices in this exclusive Martha's Vineyard location. Furnishing costs range from $75,000-$100,000 for high-quality furniture, appliances, linens, and decor suitable for luxury vacation rental guests. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total $8,000-$12,000. Permits and fees including short-term rental licenses, business registration, and Martha's Vineyard Commission approvals cost $3,000-$5,000. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage run $8,000-$12,000 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, sewer, internet, and cable total $2,000-$3,000. First six months operating costs including utilities ($4,800), property management or cleaning services ($15,000), maintenance reserves ($8,000), marketing ($3,000), and miscellaneous expenses ($4,200) add approximately $35,000. Additional considerations include potential septic system upgrades ($15,000-$25,000) and landscaping improvements ($10,000-$20,000) often required in this high-end market where properties must meet strict aesthetic and environmental standards.

Airbnb properties in West Tisbury, Massachusetts, demonstrate strong profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $300-800 during peak summer months (June-September) and $150-400 in off-season periods. A typical 3-bedroom property generates approximately $45,000-75,000 in annual gross revenue, with expenses including property taxes ($8,000-15,000), utilities ($3,000-5,000), cleaning fees ($150-200 per turnover), maintenance ($4,000-8,000), and Airbnb fees (3% host fee plus 14-16% guest fee). Net profit margins typically range from 35-55% for well-managed properties, translating to $20,000-40,000 annual profit. Success factors include proximity to beaches like Lambert's Cove, luxury amenities, professional photography, and consistent 4.8+ star ratings. Properties within walking distance of Vineyard Haven ferry or featuring private beach access command premium rates, with some luxury homes near Menemsha generating over $100,000 annually. The Martha's Vineyard rental market benefits from limited inventory due to strict zoning laws, high demand from Boston and New York visitors, and the island's reputation as an exclusive summer destination, though seasonality requires careful cash flow management during the October-May period when occupancy drops to 15-25%.

Airbnb investments in West Tisbury, Massachusetts typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, driven by the town's prime Martha's Vineyard location and strong seasonal demand from May through October. Properties in West Tisbury command average nightly rates of $400-800 during peak summer months, with occupancy rates reaching 70-85% in season and dropping to 20-30% off-season, resulting in annual gross rental yields of 10-15%. Initial investment costs average $800,000-1.5 million for suitable properties, with investors typically reaching profitability within 18-24 months after accounting for renovation costs, permits, and operational expenses. The market benefits from strict zoning regulations that limit new short-term rental supply, supporting premium pricing, though investors should factor in Martha's Vineyard's seasonal nature, high property taxes averaging 0.6-0.8% annually, and significant upfront costs for property improvements to meet luxury vacation rental standards expected by the affluent clientele visiting this exclusive Vineyard destination.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment opportunities in West Tisbury, Massachusetts, using data analytics to evaluate potential Airbnb returns. Local real estate agents serving the Martha's Vineyard market include Sandpiper Realty, which has been operating since 1985 and focuses on vacation rental properties, and Point B Realty, established in 2003, specializing in investment properties across the island. Wallace & Co. Sotheby's International Realty, founded in 1962, offers comprehensive services for luxury vacation rental investments in West Tisbury and surrounding areas. National services include Mashvisor, launched in 2014, which provides Airbnb investment analysis tools and property recommendations, and BiggerPockets, established in 2004, offering investment education and networking for short-term rental investors. AirDNA, founded in 2015, provides market data and performance analytics specifically for Airbnb investments in the Martha's Vineyard region. Local property management companies like Island Rentals, operating since 1978, and Martha's Vineyard Vacation Rentals, established in 1993, offer turnkey services for investors looking to purchase and operate profitable Airbnb properties in West Tisbury.