Is Weymouth, Massachusetts Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Weymouth, Massachusetts, begin by researching local regulations as Weymouth requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning ordinances that may restrict rentals in certain residential areas. Contact the Weymouth Building Department and Planning Board to understand specific permit requirements, which typically include a Certificate of Occupancy, fire safety inspection, and potentially a special permit depending on your property's zoning classification. Find a suitable property by searching residential areas like Wessagusset Beach, East Weymouth, or South Weymouth, ensuring it meets the town's safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress windows. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and amenities that appeal to visitors exploring the South Shore, including beach gear since Weymouth offers waterfront access. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to attractions like Webb Memorial State Park, Weymouth Back River, and easy access to Boston via the MBTA Commuter Rail from Weymouth Landing or South Weymouth stations. For ongoing management, establish cleaning protocols between guests, maintain communication through the Airbnb platform, ensure compliance with Massachusetts state tax requirements including collecting 5.7% state excise tax plus 6.25% sales tax, and consider hiring local property management services if needed to handle check-ins, maintenance, and guest relations while adhering to Weymouth's noise ordinances and parking restrictions.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Weymouth, Massachusetts, focus on locations within walking distance of Weymouth Landing commuter rail station for Boston accessibility, properties near Webb Memorial State Park and the waterfront areas along the Fore River, and neighborhoods like Weymouth Landing and East Weymouth that offer both convenience and charm. Target 2-3 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1950 with parking, outdoor space, and water views when possible, as these command premium rates of $150-250 per night during peak summer months. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties, noting that Weymouth typically sees 60-75% occupancy rates with seasonal variations peaking June through September. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within 2-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities like pet-friendly options or business traveler accommodations, while monitoring properties near South Shore Hospital and local corporate centers. Utilize tools like Rabbu, STR Helper, and local MLS data through partnerships with Weymouth-based real estate agents, while consulting the Town of Weymouth's short-term rental regulations implemented in 2019 and maintaining relationships with local property management companies like South Shore Property Management for market insights.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Weymouth, Massachusetts, you must first contact the Weymouth Building Department at Town Hall located at 75 Middle Street to apply for a short-term rental license, which typically requires submitting a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million), fire safety inspection certificate from the Weymouth Fire Department, and a site plan. The application fee is approximately $200-300 with annual renewal fees around $150-200, and the process typically takes 4-6 weeks for approval once all documents are submitted. Weymouth requires STR properties to maintain a maximum occupancy of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide adequate parking (typically 1 space per bedroom), install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas, maintain a guest registry, and ensure a local contact person is available 24/7 for emergencies. Properties must also comply with zoning regulations, with some residential zones restricting or prohibiting short-term rentals, and hosts must collect and remit the 14.95% Massachusetts state and local lodging taxes. Additional inspections by the Health Department may be required for properties with more than 4 bedrooms, and all permits must be renewed annually with updated insurance documentation and inspection certificates.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Weymouth, Massachusetts, but operate under specific regulations established by the town. Weymouth requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with local zoning ordinances, with properties typically allowed in residential districts but subject to occupancy limits and safety requirements including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The town prohibits STRs in certain multi-family residential zones and requires operators to maintain liability insurance, provide emergency contact information, and ensure adequate parking for guests. Recent changes around 2019-2020 included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced registration requirements, with the town conducting periodic reviews of STR operations to address neighborhood concerns about noise, parking, and property maintenance. Operators must also comply with Massachusetts state tax requirements and may face penalties for operating without proper permits or violating occupancy restrictions.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Weymouth, Massachusetts include the Wessagusset Beach and Great Esker Park neighborhoods, which attract summer tourists and families seeking waterfront access along the scenic coastline, particularly during peak season from May through September. The Jackson Square area near the commuter rail station offers strong potential for business travelers and Boston commuters, as it provides easy access to downtown Boston within 30-45 minutes, making it attractive for extended stays and corporate housing. The Fore River area, particularly near Webb Memorial State Park, draws visitors interested in outdoor recreation, kayaking, and nature activities year-round. East Weymouth's residential neighborhoods near Legion Field and surrounding parks appeal to sports tournament participants and families visiting for youth athletics events. The areas closest to the Hingham border benefit from spillover demand when Hingham accommodations are full, especially during wedding season and summer events, while properties near South Shore Hospital can capture medical tourism and visiting family members of patients.

In Weymouth, Massachusetts, Airbnb hosts 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, collected by the state and remitted monthly by hosts or platforms like Airbnb when they collect on behalf of hosts. Weymouth imposes an additional local room occupancy tax of 6% on short-term rentals, bringing the total tax rate to 11.7%. The local tax must be registered with the Weymouth Tax Collector's office, and hosts must file quarterly returns by the last day of the month following each quarter (April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31). Both taxes apply to the total rent charged, excluding separately stated fees. Rentals of 90 days or longer are exempt from these occupancy taxes, as are certain accommodations for displaced residents due to fire or natural disaster. Hosts must obtain a Certificate of Registration from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and may need a local business license from Weymouth depending on the property type and rental frequency.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Weymouth, Massachusetts is approximately $520,000-$580,000. Property purchase costs around $450,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property runs $15,000-$25,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, and living room furniture. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including short-term rental license, business registration, and safety inspections cost approximately $1,500-$2,500. Insurance for short-term rentals runs $2,000-$3,000 annually, so roughly $1,000-$1,500 for six months. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $300-$400 monthly, totaling $1,800-$2,400 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services at $75 per turnover (assuming 24 bookings), supplies, maintenance, and platform fees total approximately $8,000-$12,000. Additional working capital for marketing, emergency repairs, and vacancy periods should be budgeted at $10,000-$15,000.

Airbnb properties in Weymouth, Massachusetts typically generate annual revenues between $25,000-$45,000 for well-positioned properties, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on proximity to beaches and Boston accessibility. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($50-$75 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($1,500-$3,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Properties within walking distance of Weymouth Beach or with easy MBTA Red Line access to Boston command premium rates and achieve 65-75% occupancy rates during peak summer months (June-September), while off-season occupancy drops to 35-45%. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for successful operators, with waterfront or beach-adjacent properties achieving the higher end due to seasonal demand premiums of 40-60% above winter rates. Success factors include professional photography, responsive guest communication, strategic pricing using dynamic tools, proximity to public transportation, and maintaining consistently high cleanliness standards, as Weymouth's market benefits from both leisure travelers seeking coastal access and business travelers needing affordable alternatives to Boston accommodations.

Airbnb investments in Weymouth, Massachusetts typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and location within the town. Properties near Weymouth's waterfront areas and those close to Boston (given the 15-mile proximity) tend to perform better, with average daily rates of $120-180 during peak summer months and $80-120 in off-season. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with investors seeing break-even on renovation and setup costs averaging $15,000-25,000 per unit. The market benefits from consistent demand due to Weymouth's coastal attractions, proximity to Boston Logan Airport, and seasonal tourism, with occupancy rates typically ranging from 65-75% annually. Properties requiring minimal renovation in desirable neighborhoods like Weymouth Landing or near Great Esker Park often achieve the higher end of ROI projections, while those requiring significant updates may see returns closer to 6-8% in the first two years before reaching optimal performance levels.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Weymouth, Massachusetts. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Coldwell Banker Realty's Weymouth office, RE/MAX Unlimited's South Shore division, and Century 21 Cityside's investment specialists who have been active in the area since 2018. Keller Williams Realty South Shore has dedicated investor-focused agents familiar with Weymouth's zoning laws and rental regulations. National services include Mashvisor for property analysis, AirDNA for market data and revenue projections, and Awning which offers end-to-end Airbnb investment services including property acquisition. RedAwning provides turnkey Airbnb investment solutions, while companies like Vacasa and AvantStay offer property management services post-purchase. Local property management companies such as South Shore Property Management and Coastal Property Services have expanded into short-term rental management since 2020. Investment-focused real estate firms like BiggerPockets-affiliated agents and Roofstock's marketplace also serve the Weymouth market, connecting investors with pre-vetted rental properties suitable for Airbnb conversion.