Is Lakehurst, New Jersey Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Lakehurst, New Jersey, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Lakehurst Borough Hall, as many New Jersey municipalities require short-term rental permits and may have restrictions on residential properties used for commercial purposes. Contact the Borough Clerk's office at 732-657-8121 to inquire about specific permit requirements, which typically cost $100-300 annually and may require inspections, business registration, and compliance with fire safety codes. Find a suitable property by searching areas near Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for military personnel housing needs, or properties within 30 minutes of Six Flags Great Adventure for tourist appeal, with average property prices ranging $200,000-400,000 in the area. Obtain necessary permits including a Certificate of Occupancy for short-term rentals, business license from Ocean County, and ensure compliance with New Jersey's Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law. Furnish the property with essential amenities including WiFi, linens, kitchen supplies, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms as required by state law. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with competitive pricing around $80-150 per night based on local market rates, highlighting proximity to military base, Pine Barrens outdoor activities, and Atlantic City (45 minutes away). Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining 24/7 communication availability, collecting New Jersey's 6.625% sales tax plus Ocean County's 3.3125% hotel tax, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes while ensuring compliance with the state's 90-day annual limit for short-term rentals in residential zones.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Lakehurst, New Jersey, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for military personnel housing, near Lake Horicon for recreational appeal, and close to major highways like Route 70 for easy access to Atlantic City (45 minutes) and Philadelphia (90 minutes). Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhouses built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, parking, and outdoor spaces, priced between $150,000-$300,000 to ensure positive cash flow with nightly rates of $80-150. Analyze competition using AirDNA and Mashvisor to assess occupancy rates (typically 40-60% in this market), while researching similar properties within 5 miles on Airbnb and VRBO to understand pricing strategies. Utilize STR-specific tools like Rabbu and AllTheRooms for Lakehurst market data, check Ocean County zoning regulations and HOA restrictions, and consider seasonal demand fluctuations with higher rates during summer months when tourists visit nearby beaches and Pine Barrens attractions, while maintaining steady bookings from military families and business travelers year-round.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Lakehurst, New Jersey, you must first contact the Lakehurst Borough Clerk's office at Borough Hall located at 1211 Union Avenue to inquire about short-term rental licensing requirements, as the borough likely requires registration under their local ordinances established around 2019-2020. You'll need to submit an application form along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), floor plans showing maximum occupancy, contact information for a local responsible party available 24/7, and evidence of compliance with fire safety codes including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The application fee is estimated at $150-300 annually, with additional inspection fees of approximately $75-150. You must also register with the New Jersey Division of Taxation for state sales tax collection and remit the required 6.625% state sales tax plus local occupancy taxes. The approval timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks after submission of complete documentation, and properties are subject to initial inspection and periodic renewals. Lakehurst specifically requires STR operators to maintain guest registries, limit occupancy to posted maximums (usually 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional), provide adequate parking, maintain quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM, and ensure compliance with residential zoning restrictions that may limit the number of rental days per year to 180 days maximum.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Lakehurst, New Jersey operate under a complex regulatory framework that varies by zoning district and property type. As of 2023, the Borough of Lakehurst generally permits STRs in residential zones with specific restrictions including registration requirements, occupancy limits typically capped at 8-10 guests, mandatory safety inspections, and parking provisions for guests. Properties must comply with fire safety codes and maintain liability insurance, while operators are required to obtain business licenses and collect applicable taxes. STRs are generally prohibited in certain residential districts near Lakehurst Naval Air Station due to security concerns and noise ordinances. Recent changes in 2022-2023 have included stricter enforcement of noise violations, enhanced registration processes, and increased penalties for non-compliant operators, with the borough implementing a complaint-driven enforcement system. Properties used as STRs must also comply with Ocean County health department regulations and state tax collection requirements, making the legal landscape moderately restrictive but not prohibitive for compliant operators.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Lakehurst, New Jersey are primarily centered around the historic downtown district near the former Naval Air Station Lakehurst, which attracts history enthusiasts and aviation buffs interested in the Hindenburg disaster site and military heritage. The residential neighborhoods along Route 70 and near Lakehurst Elementary School offer good investment potential due to their proximity to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, generating consistent demand from military families, contractors, and visiting personnel. The areas near Lake Horicon and the surrounding lakefront properties are attractive for seasonal tourism and weekend getaways from New York City and Philadelphia, particularly during summer months. The neighborhoods close to the Pine Barrens and Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and nature lovers seeking rural retreats. Properties near the intersection of Route 70 and Route 547 benefit from easy highway access while maintaining the small-town charm that attracts visitors seeking a quiet escape from urban areas, with additional demand from business travelers visiting nearby industrial facilities and the military base.

In Lakehurst, New Jersey, Airbnb hosts are subject to New Jersey's state sales tax of 6.625% on lodging accommodations, which applies to short-term rentals under 90 days. Ocean County, where Lakehurst is located, imposes an additional 3% hotel/motel occupancy tax on transient accommodations. The state sales tax is collected through New Jersey's Division of Taxation, with hosts required to register for a sales tax permit and file monthly or quarterly returns depending on their volume, remitting taxes by the 20th of the following month. The county occupancy tax is administered separately through Ocean County's tax collection office and follows similar remittance schedules. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically for hosts in certain jurisdictions through their platform, but hosts should verify their specific obligations with local authorities. Exemptions typically include stays of 90 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and accommodations provided to certain government employees or during specific emergency situations, though hosts must maintain proper documentation to claim these exemptions.

To start an Airbnb in Lakehurst, New Jersey, the total costs would be approximately $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $200,000-$220,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing costs for a complete 2-3 bedroom property would range $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies would be around $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business registration, short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approvals would cost approximately $500-$1,500. Insurance for short-term rental coverage would be $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable would average $300-$400 monthly or $1,800-$2,400 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, maintenance, property management software, marketing, and miscellaneous expenses would total $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include potential property improvements or renovations which could add $10,000-$20,000 depending on the property condition and desired positioning in the market.

Airbnb properties in Lakehurst, New Jersey typically generate modest returns with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 depending on property size and amenities, resulting in monthly revenues of $1,800-3,200 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($100-150 monthly), and maintenance costs typically consume 45-55% of gross revenue, leaving net profit margins of 15-25% for most operators. Success factors in this market include proximity to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst which drives consistent military family demand, competitive pricing against local hotels like Holiday Inn Express, and properties featuring military-friendly amenities such as extended stay discounts and pet accommodations. A typical 3-bedroom property generating $2,400 monthly revenue with $1,320 in expenses yields approximately $1,080 monthly profit or $12,960 annually, representing a 12-18% return on investment for properties valued at $200,000-300,000, though seasonal fluctuations and military deployment cycles can impact consistency, with companies like Vacasa and RedAwning reporting that Lakehurst hosts generally outperform state averages due to stable military demand despite lower tourism traffic compared to coastal New Jersey markets.

Airbnb investments in Lakehurst, New Jersey typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, primarily driven by proximity to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst military installation and seasonal tourism from nearby Pine Barrens attractions. Properties averaging $200,000-$300,000 purchase price can expect monthly gross revenues of $1,800-$2,800 during peak summer months (May-September) and $1,200-$1,800 during off-season, with occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. After accounting for property management fees (20-25%), maintenance, utilities, insurance, and local taxes, net annual returns typically range $8,000-$15,000 on initial investments of $60,000-$80,000 down payments. Most investors achieve break-even within 18-24 months and full profitability by year 2-3, with properties appreciating 3-5% annually in the Lakehurst market, though performance varies significantly based on property condition, amenities, and proximity to the military base which drives consistent demand from visiting military families and contractors.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors in Lakehurst, New Jersey. Local real estate agents serving the area include Century 21 Action Plus Realty, Keller Williams Shore Properties, and RE/MAX Central with agents experienced in investment properties around Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. National services like Mashvisor, BiggerPockets, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification tools for the Lakehurst market. Regional companies such as Jersey Shore Real Estate Investors Group and Pine Barrens Property Solutions offer specialized investment property services. Additional national platforms include Awning, RedAwning, and Vacasa which provide end-to-end Airbnb investment services from property acquisition to management. Local property management companies like Ocean County Vacation Rentals and Shore Thing Property Management can assist with post-purchase operations, while national firms like AvantStay and Hostfully offer comprehensive investment and management solutions for the Lakehurst short-term rental market.