Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Central Massachusetts?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Central Massachusetts market averaged 1,042 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 1% from a year earlier and up 39% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Central Massachusetts?

Accepted Answer

An average Central Massachusetts listing earns $36K/year. High-performing listings earn $71K, while low-performing listings earn $13K.

Question 3

How much does it cost to buy an Airbnb or VRBO property in Central Massachusetts?

Accepted Answer

Median Central Massachusetts home prices by size are 1-bedroom $252K, 2-bedroom $359K, 3-bedroom $446K, and 4+ bedroom $533K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Central Massachusetts?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Central Massachusetts is 38%, producing RevPAR of $72 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Central Massachusetts?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Central Massachusetts. Worcester: Moderate. Registration required, safety inspections, local tax collection. Standard enforcement with complaint-driven inspections.
Springfield: Lenient. No specific STR regulations beyond general lodging rules. Minimal enforcement, hosts operate freely.
Amherst: Strict. Owner-occupancy required, registration mandatory, 120-day cap for non-owner-occupied. Active enforcement with violations tracked.
Northampton: Moderate. Registration required, safety standards, owner-occupancy preferred but not mandated. Moderate enforcement through complaints. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Central Massachusetts Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Central Massachusetts Airbnb and VRBO market does not show clear signs of oversaturation. Supply has grown 1% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 19%, suggesting demand is outpacing available supply.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Central Massachusetts?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in July and August; it is lowest in January and February.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Central Massachusetts?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Parking (99%), Internet (98%), Kitchen (98%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Internet (+54%), Bbq (+42%), Washing Machine (+36%).

Question 9

What is the average nightly rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Central Massachusetts?

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Central Massachusetts is $255, up 30% year-over-year. Rates peak in July and are lowest in January.

Question 10

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb and VRBO stays in Central Massachusetts?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Central Massachusetts book an average of 35 days in advance. Booking windows range from 32 days for 1-bedroom listings to 40 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

Which days of the week perform best for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Central Massachusetts?

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Tuesday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 51% higher than weekday occupancy.

Question 12

How is gross yield calculated?

Accepted Answer

For each eligible home, annual room-revenue potential is divided by a ZIP- and bedroom-matched home-value estimate. Groups show the median of those yields. Cleaning income is excluded. Gross yield is before expenses and financing.

Neighborhood	Revenue (potential)	Gross yield
1.Webster and Southern Worcester	$61.5K 22 listings	13.1% 22 listings
2.Springfield and Lower Valley	$32.2K 89 listings	11.2% 89 listings
3.Fitchburg and North Worcester	$44.3K 56 listings	10.4% 56 listings
4.Quabbin and Palmer Country	$33.8K 48 listings	10.1% 48 listings
5.Greenfield and Franklin Country	$36.5K 30 listings	10.1% 30 listings
6.Amherst and East Valley	$39.7K 56 listings	9.9% 56 listings
7.Northampton and West Valley	$31.6K 94 listings	9.7% 94 listings
8.Worcester and Central Towns	$36.4K 129 listings	9.2% 129 listings