Is Bradley Beach, New Jersey Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Bradley Beach, New Jersey, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Bradley Beach Borough Hall, as the town requires short-term rental permits and has specific occupancy limits typically capped at 4-6 guests depending on property size. Contact the Bradley Beach Building Department to obtain necessary permits including a Certificate of Occupancy for short-term rentals, fire safety inspections, and business registration with the state of New Jersey. Find a suitable property within residential zones that allow short-term rentals, focusing on areas within walking distance to the beach as Bradley Beach is a popular summer destination from May through September. Furnish the property with beach-themed decor, essential amenities like linens, towels, kitchen supplies, WiFi, air conditioning, and outdoor furniture for any deck or patio space, while ensuring compliance with fire safety requirements including smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos showcasing the beach proximity, include local attractions like the Bradley Beach Boardwalk and nearby Asbury Park, and price competitively with seasonal rates ranging from $150-400 per night during peak summer months. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors, and consider hiring a property management company familiar with Bradley Beach's seasonal rental market, while maintaining regular communication with the Borough offices to ensure ongoing compliance with any regulation changes that may affect short-term rentals in this coastal community.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Bradley Beach, New Jersey, focus on locations within 2-3 blocks of the oceanfront, particularly near the boardwalk and main beach access points, as proximity to the beach drives the highest occupancy rates and nightly rates in this seasonal market. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1980 with modern amenities, parking spaces, outdoor areas like decks or patios, and updated kitchens and bathrooms, as these features command premium rates during the peak summer season from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings in Bradley Beach and neighboring Avon-by-the-Sea and Ocean Grove, noting that beachfront properties typically earn $300-500 per night in peak season while properties 3+ blocks inland earn $150-250 per night. Conduct competition research by monitoring occupancy rates and pricing strategies of existing STRs within a 5-block radius, paying attention to properties that maintain high booking rates during shoulder seasons (May and September). Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analytics, Mashvisor for investment analysis, and local resources including the Bradley Beach municipal website for zoning regulations and rental permit requirements, while connecting with local real estate agents familiar with the seasonal rental market dynamics and the town's specific STR ordinances that may affect profitability.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Bradley Beach, New Jersey, you must first contact the Bradley Beach Borough Clerk's office at Borough Hall located at 701 Main Street to obtain the short-term rental registration application, as Bradley Beach requires all properties rented for less than 30 days to be registered and licensed. You'll need to submit a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate from the Bradley Beach Fire Department, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), floor plan of the rental unit, contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and payment of the registration fee which is approximately $200-300 annually. The application must be submitted to the Borough Clerk along with all supporting documents and fees, and the property will undergo inspection by the fire department and building department to ensure compliance with safety codes, occupancy limits, and parking requirements. Bradley Beach typically limits occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, requires adequate off-street parking (usually 1 space per bedroom), and mandates that properties meet all fire safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress windows. The approval process generally takes 4-6 weeks from submission of a complete application, and permits must be renewed annually by December 31st. Once approved, you must display the permit number in all rental advertisements and maintain compliance with noise ordinances, trash collection schedules, and guest registration requirements throughout the rental period.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Bradley Beach, New Jersey are currently prohibited under the borough's zoning ordinances, which restrict residential properties to long-term rentals of 30 days or more. The borough has maintained strict regulations against vacation rentals and short-term accommodations in residential zones since approximately 2018-2019, when many Jersey Shore communities began implementing similar restrictions due to concerns about noise, parking, and neighborhood character. Bradley Beach's ordinance specifically prohibits rentals of less than 30 consecutive days in residential districts, and violations can result in fines up to $1,000 per day. The borough has not shown signs of relaxing these restrictions, unlike some neighboring communities that have created licensing systems, and enforcement has been consistent with code enforcement officers actively monitoring for violations. Property owners seeking to operate short-term rentals would need to pursue a zoning variance or await potential future ordinance changes, though the current municipal administration has expressed continued support for maintaining the prohibition to preserve the residential character of neighborhoods.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Bradley Beach, New Jersey are the beachfront district along Ocean Avenue and the blocks immediately west between 1st and 3rd Avenues, which offer prime proximity to the beach and boardwalk attracting summer tourists from May through September. The Main Street corridor near the town center provides excellent walkability to restaurants, shops, and the train station, appealing to both leisure travelers and business visitors commuting to New York City via NJ Transit. The residential neighborhoods between 4th and 6th Avenues offer more affordable investment opportunities while still maintaining easy beach access, particularly attractive to families and groups seeking larger accommodations. The area near Fletcher Lake Park appeals to visitors interested in fishing and water activities beyond ocean recreation. Bradley Beach benefits from its position between Asbury Park's revitalized music and arts scene to the north and Avon-by-the-Sea's upscale atmosphere to the south, creating spillover demand during peak events like Asbury Park Music Festival and Sea.Hear.Now Festival, while the town's own Lobster Festival and summer concert series drive additional rental demand throughout the season.

In Bradley Beach, New Jersey, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the New Jersey state sales tax of 6.625% on room rentals, the New Jersey occupancy fee of $5 per room per night, and a local Bradley Beach occupancy tax estimated at 3-5% of gross rental receipts. The state sales tax and occupancy fee are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests and remitted to the New Jersey Division of Taxation on behalf of hosts, while the local Bradley Beach occupancy tax may require separate registration and quarterly remittance by individual hosts to the borough's tax collector. Hosts must register with the New Jersey Division of Taxation for sales tax purposes and obtain any required local business licenses from Bradley Beach. Exemptions generally apply to rentals of 90 days or longer which are considered residential rather than transient lodging, and some jurisdictions exempt rentals where the host lives on-site and rents fewer than three rooms, though specific Bradley Beach exemptions should be verified with local authorities as regulations can change frequently.

To start an Airbnb in Bradley Beach, New Jersey, expect total costs around $650,000-$750,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $550,000-$650,000 for a median 2-3 bedroom home near the shore. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, appliances, linens, and decor suitable for vacation rentals. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials costs $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees include business registration ($125), short-term rental permits ($300-$500), and potential municipal licensing fees totaling $1,000-$2,000. Insurance for short-term rentals runs $2,500-$4,000 annually, with six months costing $1,250-$2,000. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable total $1,500-$2,500. First six months operating costs including utilities ($3,600), cleaning services ($3,000), maintenance reserves ($2,000), platform fees ($1,800 assuming $6,000 monthly revenue), supplies and amenities ($1,500), and property management software ($300) add approximately $12,200. Additional working capital of $5,000-$10,000 should be reserved for unexpected expenses and vacancy periods during the initial launch phase.

Airbnb properties in Bradley Beach, New Jersey typically generate annual revenues of $25,000-$45,000 for a 2-3 bedroom property, with peak summer months (June-August) commanding $200-$350 per night due to the town's proximity to popular Jersey Shore beaches. Operating expenses generally range from $12,000-$18,000 annually, including property taxes ($8,000-$12,000), utilities ($2,400-$3,600), cleaning fees ($150-$200 per turnover), maintenance ($1,500-$2,500), and Airbnb service fees (3% host fee plus guest fees). This results in net profit margins of 35-55% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts like those operating Victorian-style homes near the boardwalk reporting occupancy rates of 70-85% during peak season. Key success factors include proximity to the beach (properties within 3 blocks perform 40% better), professional photography, responsive communication, and amenities like parking, outdoor spaces, and beach equipment. Properties that cater to families and weekend getaways from New York and Philadelphia markets show the strongest performance, with some hosts reporting ROI of 15-20% annually when factoring in property appreciation alongside rental income.

Airbnb investments in Bradley Beach, New Jersey typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on the seasonal shore rental market dynamics. Properties within 2-3 blocks of the beach command premium rates of $200-350 per night during peak summer months (June-August), while shoulder seasons yield $120-180 nightly. A typical 3-bedroom property purchased for $600,000-800,000 with 25% down can generate $45,000-65,000 in gross annual rental income, achieving profitability within 18-24 months after accounting for furnishing, maintenance, and platform fees. The market benefits from consistent demand from New York and Philadelphia metropolitan areas, with occupancy rates of 70-85% during summer and 40-55% off-season, though investors should factor in Bradley Beach's seasonal restrictions and local rental regulations that may limit rental periods to minimum 7-day stays during peak season.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Bradley Beach, New Jersey. Local real estate agents like those at Diane Turton Realtors, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, and RE/MAX Properties have extensive knowledge of the Bradley Beach market and can help identify properties with strong Airbnb potential near the beach and boardwalk areas. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and property recommendations, AirDNA for market data and revenue projections, and Awning, a full-service platform that helps investors find, finance, and manage short-term rental properties. Local property management companies such as Shore Summer Rentals and Jersey Shore Vacation Rentals can provide insights into which properties perform best as Airbnb investments in the area. Additional national platforms like Roofstock, BiggerPockets, and RedfinNow also offer tools and services for identifying profitable short-term rental opportunities, while local mortgage brokers and investment advisors familiar with the Jersey Shore market can provide financing guidance specific to vacation rental properties in Bradley Beach's seasonal tourism market.