Is Keansburg, New Jersey Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Keansburg, New Jersey, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Keansburg Borough Hall, as the municipality may require short-term rental permits or business licenses, and check with Monmouth County for any additional requirements. Contact the Keansburg Building Department to obtain necessary permits, which typically include a Certificate of Occupancy for rental use and potentially a business registration with the New Jersey Division of Revenue. Find a suitable property near Keansburg's waterfront attractions or close to NYC ferry connections, ensuring it meets safety codes and has adequate parking since the area attracts seasonal visitors to the Raritan Bay beaches. Furnish the property with coastal-themed decor, essential amenities, high-speed internet, and safety equipment including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers as required by New Jersey law. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to beaches, boardwalk, and easy NYC access via Seastreak ferry, setting competitive rates based on seasonal demand patterns typical to Jersey Shore communities. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors familiar with coastal property challenges, and consider hiring a local property management company experienced with Keansburg's tourism patterns, while maintaining compliance with New Jersey's short-term rental tax obligations and any local occupancy limits that may apply during peak summer months.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Keansburg, New Jersey, focus on waterfront locations within walking distance of Keansburg Amusement Park and the beach, as these areas command premium rates during summer months from May through September. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1980 with parking, outdoor space, and modern amenities, as properties near the boardwalk can generate $150-300 per night during peak season compared to $75-150 in off-season. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties in nearby Highlands and Atlantic Highlands, while researching competition through Airbnb and VRBO searches within a 2-mile radius of the beach. Utilize STR-specific tools like Rabbu and AllTheRooms for market analysis, monitor Monmouth County tourism data, and consider properties priced 20-30% below comparable long-term rental investments since Keansburg's seasonal nature creates opportunities for undervalued acquisitions. Focus on areas zoned for short-term rentals and ensure compliance with local regulations, as the proximity to NYC (45 minutes by ferry from nearby Highlands) attracts weekend visitors year-round, making properties with easy transportation access particularly valuable.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Keansburg, New Jersey, you must first contact the Keansburg Borough Clerk's office at Borough Hall located at 26 Beachway Avenue to inquire about short-term rental regulations, as the borough may require a business license and zoning compliance. Submit an application for a business license along with required documents including property deed or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), fire safety inspection certificate, and completed rental registration form. Pay the estimated application fee of $150-300 plus annual renewal fees of approximately $100-200. Schedule required inspections with the building department and fire department, which typically cost $75-150 each. Ensure compliance with zoning requirements as some residential areas may restrict short-term rentals, and verify parking requirements (usually one space per bedroom). The approval process typically takes 4-8 weeks from submission of complete application. Once approved, register with the New Jersey Division of Taxation for sales tax collection, obtain a Certificate of Authority, and comply with state occupancy tax requirements. Display permit numbers in all online listings and maintain guest registries as required by local ordinances.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Keansburg, New Jersey operate in a complex regulatory environment where the borough has not established comprehensive STR-specific ordinances as of 2023, leaving operators to navigate existing zoning and rental regulations. The borough's residential zoning codes generally permit rental activities, but STRs must comply with standard property maintenance codes, fire safety requirements, and may be subject to business licensing requirements. Keansburg does not currently prohibit STRs outright, but operators should be aware that the borough reserves the right to enforce existing nuisance ordinances and may require properties to meet specific safety standards for transient occupancy. The legal status remains somewhat ambiguous due to the lack of specific STR legislation, and property owners are advised to consult with local zoning officials before operating, as enforcement can vary and the borough may implement new regulations similar to other Monmouth County municipalities that have begun addressing STR operations more directly in recent years.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Keansburg, New Jersey are the Beachfront District along Raritan Bay, particularly near Keansburg Amusement Park and the boardwalk area, which attracts summer tourists and families visiting the historic amusement park that has operated since 1904. The Central Keansburg neighborhood around Main Street offers good investment potential due to its proximity to NYC Ferry services and NJ Transit connections, making it attractive for business travelers commuting to Manhattan who seek more affordable accommodations than NYC hotels. The residential areas near Ideal Beach and the fishing pier are excellent for vacation rentals targeting weekend visitors, fishing enthusiasts, and families attending local events like the annual Keansburg Fire Department Carnival. Properties within walking distance of local restaurants along Carr Avenue and near the municipal marina perform well due to the area's appeal to boaters and water sports enthusiasts, while homes closer to Route 36 offer convenience for guests attending events at nearby Monmouth Park Racetrack or visiting Six Flags Great Adventure, both within reasonable driving distance.

In Keansburg, New Jersey, Airbnb hosts are subject to New Jersey's state sales tax of 6.625% on short-term rental accommodations, which applies to stays of less than 90 consecutive days. Additionally, hosts must collect the state occupancy fee of $5 per room per night for the first 90 days of occupancy. Monmouth County may impose a local hotel/motel tax of approximately 3-5% on short-term rentals, though specific rates can vary by municipality. Keansburg itself may have local lodging taxes ranging from 2-4% depending on municipal ordinances. These taxes are typically collected by the host at the time of booking or check-in and must be remitted to the New Jersey Division of Taxation monthly or quarterly depending on the volume of transactions, with returns due by the 20th of the following month for monthly filers. Hosts must register for a New Jersey tax identification number and may need to obtain local business licenses. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 90 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and certain government or charitable organization bookings may qualify for exemptions with proper documentation.

To start an Airbnb in Keansburg, New Jersey, expect total costs around $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase costs approximately $250,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property runs $15,000-$25,000 including beds, sofas, dining sets, appliances, linens, and decor. Initial setup costs $3,000-$5,000 covering professional photography, listing optimization, welcome materials, and basic renovations. Permits and fees total $1,500-$2,500 including business registration with New Jersey, local short-term rental permits, fire safety inspections, and potential zoning approvals. Insurance adds $2,000-$3,000 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utilities average $200-$300 monthly including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable. First six months operating costs reach $8,000-$12,000 covering utilities ($1,800), cleaning services ($2,400), maintenance ($1,500), property management software ($300), marketing ($1,000), and miscellaneous expenses ($2,000). Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes averaging $8,000-$12,000 annually, and maintaining 3-6 months of mortgage payments as reserves for vacancy periods during slower tourism seasons.

Airbnb properties in Keansburg, New Jersey typically generate modest profitability due to the area's proximity to beaches and New York City, with average nightly rates ranging from $80-150 during peak summer months and $50-90 in off-season. A typical 2-bedroom property can generate approximately $18,000-28,000 in annual revenue, while expenses including mortgage payments, property taxes ($8,000-12,000 annually), utilities ($2,400), cleaning fees ($3,600), maintenance ($2,000), and Airbnb fees (3% host fee plus guest service fees) total roughly $16,000-20,000 per year. This results in net profit margins of 10-25% for well-managed properties, with higher margins achieved by hosts who handle their own cleaning and maintenance. Success factors include proximity to Keansburg Amusement Park and beaches, competitive pricing during summer peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), professional photography, and maintaining high cleanliness standards. Properties within walking distance of the waterfront or amusement park command premium rates, while those requiring guests to drive to attractions see lower occupancy rates of 40-60% compared to 65-80% for prime locations. The market faces seasonal challenges with significantly reduced demand from October through April, making year-round profitability dependent on attracting business travelers and weekend visitors from the New York metropolitan area.

Airbnb investments in Keansburg, New Jersey typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, primarily driven by the town's proximity to Sandy Hook Bay and seasonal summer tourism demand. Properties within walking distance of the waterfront or Keansburg Amusement Park command higher nightly rates of $80-120 during peak season (May-September) and $50-75 in off-season months. Initial investment costs average $200,000-350,000 for suitable 2-3 bedroom properties, with investors typically reaching profitability within 18-24 months after accounting for renovation costs, furnishing, and initial marketing expenses. The market benefits from overflow demand from nearby Highlands and Atlantic Highlands, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually, though investors should factor in New Jersey's relatively high property taxes and seasonal revenue fluctuations that can impact cash flow during winter months.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Keansburg, New Jersey, using data analytics and market insights. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Keansburg Realty Group, Bayshore Investment Properties, and Century 21 Monmouth County, who have expertise in the area's rental market dynamics. National services like AirDNA provide market analysis and revenue projections, while Mashvisor offers investment property analysis tools specifically for short-term rentals. RedAwning and Awning.com assist with property management and optimization services. Local property management companies such as Jersey Shore STR Management and Monmouth County Vacation Rentals help investors maximize their Airbnb returns. Additional national platforms include BiggerPockets for networking with local investors, Roofstock for turnkey rental properties, and HomeUnion for investment property acquisition services, all of which have expanded their services to include short-term rental investment opportunities in the New Jersey coastal market since 2018-2022.