Is Brick, New Jersey Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Brick, New Jersey, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Brick Township's municipal offices, as New Jersey municipalities have varying short-term rental requirements and Brick may require business licenses or special permits for vacation rentals. Contact the Brick Township Zoning Department at 732-262-1000 to confirm current regulations, obtain necessary permits (typically a Certificate of Occupancy and potentially a business license), and ensure your property complies with fire safety codes and health department standards. Find a suitable property in residential zones that allow short-term rentals, considering proximity to Jersey Shore beaches and local attractions like Windward Beach Park. Purchase essential furnishings including quality mattresses, linens, towels, kitchen appliances, WiFi equipment, and safety items like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, budgeting approximately $3,000-$8,000 for a complete setup. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting beach proximity and local amenities, set competitive pricing based on seasonal demand (higher rates during summer beach season), and write detailed descriptions mentioning nearby attractions like Point Pleasant Beach and Manasquan Inlet. Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guest communications, coordinating cleaning between stays, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes including New Jersey's 6.625% sales tax and potential local occupancy taxes that may apply to short-term rentals in Ocean County.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Brick, New Jersey, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of the Jersey Shore beaches, particularly near Mantoloking Road and areas close to Brick Beach and Normandy Beach, as proximity to water drives 60-70% higher occupancy rates. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhouses built after 1980 with parking for 4+ cars, outdoor spaces like decks or patios, and modern amenities including central air, updated kitchens, and WiFi infrastructure, as these features command $200-350 per night during peak summer season. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties, aiming for properties under $400,000 that can generate $45,000-65,000 annually with 65-75% occupancy rates during May-September peak season. Research competition within a 3-mile radius using Airbnb and VRBO searches, identifying gaps in amenities or pricing, while noting that Brick typically has 150-200 active STR listings with average daily rates of $180-280 depending on season and proximity to beach. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Realtor.com, while connecting with Brick Township's zoning department to ensure STR compliance, as Ocean County has specific regulations requiring registration and limiting occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Brick, New Jersey, you must first contact the Brick Township Planning and Zoning Department at 401 Chambers Bridge Road to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the township has strict regulations on STRs. You'll need to submit an application for a Certificate of Occupancy along with required documents including property deed, site plan, floor plan, proof of insurance (minimum $1 million liability), fire safety inspection certificate, and septic system certification if applicable. The application fee is typically $150-300 plus inspection fees of approximately $100-200. You must also register with the New Jersey Division of Taxation for hotel/motel tax collection and obtain a business license from Brick Township for around $50-75. The property must meet specific requirements including maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms and square footage, adequate parking (typically 2 spaces minimum), smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all rooms, and compliance with fire safety codes. The approval process generally takes 4-8 weeks depending on inspections and any required modifications. Once approved, you'll receive a Certificate of Occupancy specifically noting short-term rental use, and you must renew annually while maintaining compliance with all township ordinances and state tax obligations.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Brick, New Jersey operate under restrictive local regulations that effectively limit their operation in most residential areas. As of 2023, Brick Township has zoning ordinances that generally prohibit short-term rentals in single-family residential zones, which comprise the majority of the township, though some limited STR activity may be permitted in certain commercial or mixed-use districts with proper licensing and compliance with safety requirements. The township has implemented these restrictions due to concerns about neighborhood character, parking, noise, and the impact on permanent housing stock, following trends seen in many New Jersey shore communities. Property owners seeking to operate STRs must obtain special permits and meet stringent requirements including fire safety inspections, occupancy limits, and parking provisions, with violations subject to significant fines. Recent enforcement actions have targeted unpermitted STR operations, particularly in residential neighborhoods near the shore, as the township seeks to balance tourism revenue with quality of life concerns for permanent residents.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Brick, New Jersey are the Mantoloking Road corridor near Brick Beach and the neighborhoods surrounding Windward Beach, both offering prime access to the Jersey Shore coastline and attracting summer tourists from May through September. The areas near Brick Township's marinas along the Metedeconk River, particularly around Traders Cove Marina and Brick Beach III, are highly attractive due to their proximity to boating activities, fishing charters, and water sports that draw visitors year-round. The residential districts near Drum Point Sports Complex benefit from youth sports tournaments and events that bring families seeking nearby accommodations. Properties close to the Brick Memorial High School area and along Route 70 corridor attract business travelers and visitors to nearby Lakewood's growing commercial district. The neighborhoods near Windward Beach and Normandy Beach borders are particularly valuable due to their beach access, proximity to Point Pleasant Beach attractions, and the annual summer rental demand from New York and Philadelphia metropolitan area visitors seeking affordable shore alternatives to more expensive coastal towns.

In Brick, New Jersey, Airbnb hosts are subject to New Jersey's state sales tax of 6.625% on rental stays of less than 90 consecutive days, which applies to the total rental amount including cleaning fees but excluding separately stated taxes. Additionally, Ocean County imposes a 3% hotel/motel occupancy tax on short-term rentals under 30 days. Brick Township may also levy a local occupancy tax of approximately 2-3% on short-term rentals, though rates can vary by municipal ordinance. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking for properties enrolled in their tax collection service, with Airbnb remitting payments quarterly to the New Jersey Division of Taxation and applicable local authorities. Hosts not using Airbnb's collection service must register with the state, collect taxes from guests, and file returns monthly or quarterly depending on volume. Exemptions generally include rentals to permanent residents (90+ days), certain government employees on official business, and properties rented for 14 days or fewer per year in some cases, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria with local tax authorities as regulations updated around 2019-2021 have increased compliance requirements for short-term rental platforms.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Brick, New Jersey is approximately $485,000-$565,000. Property purchase costs around $400,000-$450,000 based on median home prices in Ocean County. Furnishing a 3-bedroom property requires $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations costs $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business registration, short-term rental permits, and potential township fees total $500-$1,500. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage adds $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $300-$400 monthly or $1,800-$2,400 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services ($150 per turnover), maintenance, supplies, platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing total approximately $8,000-$12,000 assuming 60% occupancy. Additional considerations include property taxes of roughly $8,000-$12,000 annually and potential HOA fees if applicable.

Airbnb properties in Brick, New Jersey typically generate annual revenues of $15,000-$35,000 for entire homes and $8,000-$18,000 for private rooms, with peak summer months (June-August) commanding $150-$300 per night due to proximity to Jersey Shore beaches like Point Pleasant and Manasquan. Operating expenses generally range from 40-60% of gross revenue, including property management fees (10-20%), cleaning costs ($50-$100 per turnover), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance premiums ($1,200-$2,500 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-$5,000 yearly). Net profit margins typically fall between 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts achieving higher margins by targeting families visiting nearby attractions like Jenkinson's Boardwalk and maintaining consistent 4.8+ star ratings. Properties within 2-3 miles of beaches and featuring amenities like pools, decks, or game rooms command premium rates, while three-bedroom homes near Route 35 corridor average $180-$220 per night during summer season. Success factors include professional photography, dynamic pricing strategies, quick response times under 1 hour, and partnerships with local cleaning services, with top-performing properties in Brick's Windward Beach and Normandy Beach neighborhoods achieving occupancy rates of 65-80% during peak season and 25-40% off-season.

Airbnb investments in Brick, New Jersey typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% based on the area's proximity to Jersey Shore beaches and seasonal tourism patterns. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 6-10% annually, with properties averaging $150-250 per night during peak summer months (June-August) and $80-120 during off-season periods. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with average property acquisition costs around $400,000-600,000 for suitable vacation rental homes. The market benefits from consistent demand from New York and Philadelphia metropolitan area visitors, with occupancy rates typically reaching 65-75% annually. Properties within 2-3 miles of Brick Beach or Mantoloking Road command premium rates, while those with amenities like pools, decks, or beach access can achieve the higher end of ROI projections at 10-12% annually.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment properties and provides comprehensive market analysis for Airbnb investors in Brick, New Jersey. Local real estate agents serving the Brick area include Keller Williams Shore Properties, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, and RE/MAX Central with agents who focus on investment properties near the Jersey Shore. National services like AirDNA and Mashvisor offer market analytics and property search tools specifically for Airbnb investments, while companies such as RedAwning and Awning provide full-service property management and investment guidance. Local property management companies including Shore Summer Rentals and Jersey Shore Vacation Rentals can assist with both acquisition advice and ongoing management of Airbnb properties in the Brick market. Additional national platforms like BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals, and companies such as Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature short-term rental investment opportunities in the New Jersey coastal region.