Harwich, MA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Harwich Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Harwich, MA sits on Cape Cod's southern shore, where summer vacation demand drives short-term rental revenue that far outpaces the winter months. With an ROI score of 73 out of 100 and average annual revenue of $68,538 across just 41 active listings, the market offers an above-average revenue-to-price ratio relative to property values averaging $1,047,148. The sharp seasonal concentration — August revenue tops $18,817 per listing — rewards investors who can price aggressively during the Cape's peak travel window while managing lean winters effectively.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Harwich short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Harwich

Investors look to Harwich for its premium Cape Cod vacation rental appeal, above-average revenue-to-price ratio, and the ability to generate a substantial share of annual income during a concentrated summer season.

Expert Market Assessment

"Harwich presents an attractive but season-dependent opportunity for STR investors. The market's extreme seasonality — with August revenue nearly 21 times January's — means cash flow is heavily front-loaded into summer, and operators need disciplined budgeting to cover carrying costs during the off-season. Four-bedroom properties stand out as the strongest performers, delivering $130 RevPAN and 26% occupancy compared to significantly lower figures for 1-bedroom units. Investors willing to target larger family-oriented homes and invest in the amenities Cape guests expect (outdoor living, full kitchens, parking) are best positioned to capitalize on Harwich's rental premiums."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Harwich

Average revenue by month in Harwich

Harwich exhibits extreme seasonality, with August ($18,817) and July ($17,425) generating roughly 53% of annual revenue between them, while the winter trough from January through March averages under $1,100 per month. Investors should plan for a roughly 19:1 spread between the best and weakest months, making summer pricing optimization critical to annual performance.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Harwich

Three-bedroom homes dominate supply at 19 of 41 active listings (46%), followed by 10 four-bedroom properties and just 5 one-bedroom units. The absence of 2-bedroom and 5+ bedroom listings in the data could signal either limited inventory or an underserved niche worth investigating.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Harwich

ADR climbs steadily with size — from $284 for 1-bedroom units to $389 for 3-bedrooms and $498 for 4-bedrooms — reflecting Cape vacationers' willingness to pay more for space. The $214 premium between 1- and 4-bedroom properties suggests that larger homes command a meaningful rate advantage relative to incremental operating costs.

Average RevPAN by property size in Harwich

Four-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $130, roughly 50% higher than 3-bedrooms ($86) and nearly seven times the $19 figure for 1-bedroom listings. This makes larger homes the clear leaders in per-night revenue efficiency once occupancy is factored in.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Harwich

Occupancy increases with property size, ranging from just 7% for 1-bedroom units to 22% for 3-bedrooms and 26% for 4-bedrooms. The low single-digit occupancy for smaller units suggests they struggle to attract consistent bookings, making them riskier from a cash-flow stability perspective.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Harwich

Four-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $8,496, nearly 2.4 times the $3,507 earned by 1-bedroom listings, while 3-bedrooms fall in between at $6,140. For investors targeting reliable monthly income, the jump from 3 to 4 bedrooms adds roughly $2,356 per month — a meaningful uplift that could justify a higher purchase price.

Average annual revenue by property size in Harwich

Annual revenue scales significantly with size: 4-bedroom homes earn $101,953, 3-bedrooms generate $73,681, and 1-bedrooms bring in $42,093. The 4-bedroom configuration offers the strongest return potential, clearing the six-figure mark and providing the best foundation for covering mortgage and operating costs on Harwich's average home values.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Harwich

Parking (100%), backyard (98%), and kitchen (98%) are near-universal, while BBQ grills (93%) and washer/dryer (88%) are also standard — signaling that Cape Cod guests expect a full home-like experience rather than hotel-style stays. Differentiating amenities like lake access (15%), beach access (10%), and pools (7%) remain rare, presenting an opportunity for investors who can offer these features to command premium pricing.

Understanding Harwich's ROI Score: 73/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Harwich's ROI score of 73 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that suggests listings generate healthy income relative to local property values. Occupancy stability and market growth trend both rate as average, while supply-demand balance scores below average — a reflection of the 134% year-over-year jump in active listings that warrants monitoring. Pairing these data points with up-to-date local regulatory research and a property-specific underwriting model will give investors the clearest picture of achievable returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Harwich

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Harwich. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

The Town of Harwich in Massachusetts may require short-term rental operators to register or obtain a permit before listing a property, and the state has enacted legislation allowing municipalities to regulate STRs. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the Harwich Town Clerk or building department before acquiring a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Cape Cod communities include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements (particularly during peak summer weeks), noise and parking regulations, and potential caps on the number of permits issued. HOA or neighborhood deed restrictions can also apply, so reviewing property-specific covenants is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Massachusetts imposes a state room occupancy excise tax on short-term rentals, and municipalities like Harwich may levy an additional local option tax as well as a community impact fee. Platforms such as Airbnb often collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Harwich can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Harwich's summer-driven revenue cycle is expected to remain strong, with July and August likely continuing to account for the lion's share of annual earnings. Active listings grew 134% year-over-year, suggesting rising investor interest that could temper per-listing performance if supply outpaces demand growth. ADR may hold steady or edge up 1–3% as Cape Cod remains a premier Northeast vacation destination, though occupancy — currently at 21% on a trailing basis — may face modest downward pressure as new listings compete for bookings during shoulder and off-peak months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Harwich, MA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Harwich?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Harwich is currently 21%, which falls below the Massachusetts state average of 44%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal concentration — most bookings occur during the Cape Cod summer months of June through September, with the rest of the year seeing limited demand. Four-bedroom properties achieve the highest occupancy at 26%, while 1-bedroom units average just 7%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Harwich?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Harwich earn approximately $5,711 per month and $68,538 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 4-bedroom homes lead at roughly $8,496 monthly ($101,953 annually), 3-bedroom properties average $6,140 monthly ($73,681 annually), and 1-bedroom units bring in about $3,507 monthly ($42,093 annually). Revenue is heavily concentrated in July and August, when monthly earnings can exceed $17,000–$18,000 per listing.

Is Harwich a good market for Airbnb investment?

Harwich scores 73 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and Cape Cod's enduring summer appeal. However, investors should be aware of average occupancy stability and a supply-demand balance rated below average due to recent listing growth of 134% year-over-year. Those targeting larger properties and comfortable with pronounced seasonality can find compelling returns here.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Harwich?

The average daily rate in Harwich is $476, which is below the Massachusetts state average of $582. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $284 per night, 3-bedroom listings command $389, and 4-bedroom properties reach $498. These premium rates reflect Cape Cod's vacation destination status and the types of homes guests seek for summer getaways.

Are short-term rentals legal in Harwich?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Massachusetts, though towns like Harwich may impose local registration or permitting requirements, occupancy limits, and other regulations. Massachusetts also requires STR operators to collect room occupancy taxes. Investors should check directly with the Town of Harwich and review any applicable HOA or deed restrictions before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Harwich?

Peak season in Harwich runs from June through August, with revenue reaching its highest point in August at an average of $18,817 per listing. July is a close second at $17,425. Revenue drops sharply after September ($6,801) and stays low through the winter, with January and February averaging under $1,000. This extreme seasonality is typical for Cape Cod vacation markets.

How many Airbnbs are there in Harwich?

As of April 2026, there are 41 active Airbnb listings in Harwich. The market has seen significant growth, with active listings increasing 134% year-over-year. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest segment with 19 listings, followed by 10 four-bedroom homes and 5 one-bedroom units.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Harwich?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Harwich are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not a forward-looking projection. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remaining data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently, and because each month uses its own historical performance, seasonal peaks and slower periods are naturally reflected. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively the listing is managed.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts for the Harwich market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue figures based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings in the market
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and current snapshots as of April 2026; market conditions can shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or seasonal variation. Individual property results may vary significantly based on location within Harwich, property condition, pricing strategy, and operational management.