Is Harvey Cedars, New Jersey Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Harvey Cedars, New Jersey, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Harvey Cedars Borough Office, as the town requires short-term rental permits and has specific occupancy limits typically capped at 10 people per property. Contact the Borough Clerk at (609) 494-7211 to obtain the necessary Short-Term Rental License, which costs approximately $200-300 annually and requires property inspections for fire safety and building code compliance. Find a suitable property within residential zones that allow short-term rentals, focusing on areas near the beach or bay since Harvey Cedars is located on Long Beach Island, with properties typically ranging from $400,000-$2 million depending on proximity to water. Furnish the property with beach-appropriate amenities including outdoor furniture, beach chairs, umbrellas, and ensure adequate parking as required by local ordinances (usually 1-2 spaces per unit). Create your Airbnb listing highlighting the beach location, nearby attractions like Sunset Park and Harvey Cedars Bible Conference, and include professional photos showcasing ocean or bay views. For management, establish relationships with local cleaning services familiar with short-term rental turnovers, property maintenance companies experienced with coastal properties, and consider hiring a local property management company like those serving the LBI area, while maintaining compliance with Harvey Cedars' noise ordinances and occupancy limits, and ensuring guests understand local parking restrictions and beach access rules.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Harvey Cedars, New Jersey, focus on oceanfront or bay-front locations within walking distance to beaches, particularly properties near the Harvey Cedars Beach and Bay Avenue corridor where vacation demand peaks during summer months. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or duplexes built after 1980 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, parking, and beach equipment storage, as these command premium rates of $300-600 per night during peak season (June-August). Analyze pricing by studying comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO within a 2-mile radius, noting that oceanfront properties typically earn 40-60% more than bay-side locations, while properties more than 3 blocks from water see significant rate drops. Research competition using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify occupancy rates (typically 60-75% during peak months), average daily rates, and seasonal demand patterns, focusing on the limited inventory of approximately 150-200 active STRs on the island. Utilize Long Beach Island-specific Facebook groups, local real estate agents familiar with Harvey Cedars' rental market like those at Diane Turton Realtors or Coldwell Banker, and monitor the Harvey Cedars Borough website for zoning regulations and rental permit requirements, as the township has specific STR ordinances that limit rentals and require annual permits.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Harvey Cedars, New Jersey, you must first contact the Harvey Cedars Borough Clerk's office at Borough Hall located at 7606 Long Beach Boulevard to inquire about their short-term rental registration process, as the borough requires all STR properties to register annually. You'll need to submit a completed STR registration application along with proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), fire safety inspection certificate, and a site plan showing parking availability and property layout. The application fee is estimated at $200-300 annually, with additional inspection fees of approximately $100-150. Required documents also include a detailed floor plan, emergency contact information for a local representative available 24/7, and proof of compliance with maximum occupancy limits (typically 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional). Harvey Cedars specifically requires STR properties to maintain adequate off-street parking (minimum 1 space per bedroom), comply with noise ordinances, display the registration number in all advertisements, and maintain a guest registry. The approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks after submission of complete documentation, and properties must pass both fire safety and zoning compliance inspections before permits are issued, with renewals required annually by December 31st.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Harvey Cedars, New Jersey are generally legal but subject to local regulations and zoning restrictions. The borough typically requires STR operators to obtain proper permits and business licenses, comply with occupancy limits, maintain adequate parking, and follow noise ordinances to minimize impacts on residential neighborhoods. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress requirements. Harvey Cedars, like many shore communities, has implemented restrictions on the number of unrelated occupants and may require registration with the municipality. Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of STRs in New Jersey coastal communities due to concerns about housing availability and neighborhood character, with some municipalities tightening regulations around 2020-2023. The borough may restrict STRs in certain residential zones or require minimum rental periods, and operators must collect and remit state sales tax and local occupancy taxes where applicable.

The most attractive areas for Airbnb investment in Harvey Cedars, New Jersey are the oceanfront districts along Long Beach Boulevard and the bay-side neighborhoods near Sunset Boulevard. The oceanfront properties command premium rates due to direct beach access and stunning Atlantic Ocean views, attracting summer vacationers from May through September who are willing to pay $300-500+ per night for beachfront accommodations. The bay-side areas offer more affordable investment opportunities while still providing water access for fishing, kayaking, and sunset viewing, appealing to families and fishing enthusiasts who typically book 3-7 day stays. The central residential areas near the Harvey Cedars Bible Conference grounds benefit from religious retreat bookings and conference attendees throughout the year, providing more consistent occupancy beyond the peak summer season. Properties within walking distance of the beach access points at 79th Street and Sunset Avenue are particularly desirable as they eliminate parking concerns for guests, while homes near the Harvey Cedars Shellfish Company area attract culinary tourists and those seeking authentic Jersey Shore experiences.

In Harvey Cedars, New Jersey, Airbnb hosts are subject to New Jersey's state sales tax of 6.625% on lodging accommodations, which applies to rentals of less than 90 consecutive days. Additionally, hosts must collect Ocean County's hotel/motel occupancy tax of 3% on gross receipts from transient accommodations. The Borough of Harvey Cedars may impose a local occupancy tax of up to 3% under New Jersey statute, though the specific rate varies by municipal ordinance. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking and must be remitted to the New Jersey Division of Taxation monthly or quarterly depending on the volume of collections, with state sales tax due by the 20th of the following month and county taxes remitted through the state system. Hosts must register for a New Jersey tax identification number and file returns even if no tax is collected during a reporting period. Exemptions generally apply to rentals of 90 days or longer, accommodations for permanent residents, and certain government or charitable organization bookings, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria as they can change based on local ordinances and state regulations.

To start an Airbnb in Harvey Cedars, New Jersey, expect total costs around $850,000-$950,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $750,000-$800,000 for a median beachfront or near-beach property in this desirable Long Beach Island location. Furnishing costs typically range $25,000-$35,000 for a complete coastal-themed setup including beds, linens, kitchen appliances, outdoor furniture, and decor suitable for vacation rentals. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total around $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $1,500-$3,000 for business registration, short-term rental permits, and potential municipal licensing requirements. Insurance costs approximately $3,000-$5,000 annually for comprehensive coverage including liability and property protection specific to short-term rentals. Utilities including electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable average $400-$600 monthly or $2,400-$3,600 for six months. First six months operating costs encompass cleaning services ($200-$300 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($500-$1,000 monthly), marketing expenses ($200-$500 monthly), platform fees (3% of bookings), and miscellaneous supplies totaling approximately $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include potential property management fees if outsourced (20-30% of revenue) and seasonal fluctuations affecting both income and expenses in this beach community market.

Airbnb properties in Harvey Cedars, New Jersey, demonstrate strong seasonal profitability with average nightly rates ranging from $200-400 during peak summer months (June-August) and dropping to $100-180 in off-season periods. Properties typically generate annual revenues between $35,000-65,000 for 2-3 bedroom beach houses, with oceanfront properties commanding premium rates up to $500+ per night. Operating expenses generally consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-125 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($200-350 monthly), insurance ($2,000-4,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $3,000-6,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 25-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts achieving occupancy rates of 60-75% during the 16-week peak season. Success factors include proximity to beaches (properties within 2 blocks of ocean perform 40% better), professional photography, responsive guest communication, and amenities like outdoor showers, beach equipment, and parking. A case study of a 3-bedroom property purchased for $650,000 in 2019 generated $48,000 in 2022 revenue with $18,000 in expenses, yielding a 4.6% return on investment plus property appreciation, though performance varies significantly based on property condition, location within Harvey Cedars, and host management quality.

Based on Harvey Cedars, New Jersey market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% for beachfront and near-beach properties. Properties within 2-3 blocks of the ocean command premium rates of $300-500 per night during peak summer season (June-August), while off-season rates drop to $150-250 per night. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months, assuming 60-70% occupancy rates during high season and 25-35% during shoulder seasons. The Long Beach Island location drives strong demand from Philadelphia and New York metropolitan areas, with average property acquisition costs of $800,000-1.2 million requiring initial investments of $160,000-300,000 for down payments and renovations. Annual gross revenues typically range from $45,000-75,000 for well-positioned properties, with net operating income after expenses, management fees, and maintenance averaging $25,000-45,000, resulting in the stated ROI figures when calculated against total invested capital.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Harvey Cedars, New Jersey. Local real estate agents like those at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach Realtors and Coldwell Banker Preferred Properties have extensive knowledge of the Harvey Cedars market and can identify properties with strong Airbnb potential. National services include AirDNA for market analytics, Mashvisor for investment property analysis, and BiggerPockets for connecting with other investors and finding deals. RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services that can help investors maximize their rental income in Harvey Cedars. Local property management companies like Shore Summer Rentals and LBI Property Management specialize in the Long Beach Island area including Harvey Cedars and understand the seasonal rental market dynamics. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature properties in New Jersey shore communities, while platforms like LoopNet and Crexi can help find commercial or multi-family properties suitable for short-term rental conversion in the Harvey Cedars area.