Is Long Branch, New Jersey Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Long Branch, New Jersey, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Long Branch Planning and Zoning Department, as the city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy and business license, with properties needing to comply with fire safety codes and maintain liability insurance of at least $1 million. Contact the Long Branch Building Department at City Hall (344 Broadway) to obtain necessary permits including a short-term rental permit (approximately $200-400 annually) and ensure your property meets health and safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress windows. Find a suitable property by focusing on areas near the beach, downtown, or Pier Village, with average property prices ranging $400,000-800,000 for condos and $600,000-1.2 million for single-family homes as of 2023. Furnish the space with beach-themed decor, essential amenities like WiFi, air conditioning, full kitchen appliances, quality linens, and outdoor furniture if applicable, budgeting $15,000-30,000 for a complete setup. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photography highlighting ocean proximity and local attractions like Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park and the boardwalk, setting competitive rates of $150-400 per night depending on season and property size. Manage your listing by implementing a 24-hour check-in system, hiring local cleaning services (budget $75-150 per turnover), partnering with local maintenance contractors, and maintaining communication with the Long Branch Code Enforcement Office to ensure ongoing compliance with municipal regulations and seasonal occupancy limits that may apply during peak summer months.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Long Branch, New Jersey, focus on locations within 0.5-1 mile of the beach, particularly near Pier Village, Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, and the downtown area where foot traffic and tourist attractions are concentrated. Target 2-4 bedroom properties built after 1980 with parking spaces, outdoor areas like decks or patios, and modern amenities including updated kitchens, air conditioning, and WiFi capability, as these features command premium rates of $150-300 per night during peak summer season. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to evaluate average daily rates, occupancy rates (typically 60-75% in Long Branch), and seasonal demand patterns, with summer months generating 40-50% of annual revenue. Research competition by analyzing similar properties within a 2-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, noting their pricing, amenities, and guest reviews to identify market gaps and positioning opportunities. Utilize tools like Rabbu, STR Helper, and local MLS data to assess property values, rental potential, and zoning compliance, while consulting Long Branch's municipal codes regarding short-term rental regulations and required permits, and consider properties near the NJ Transit station for year-round appeal to business travelers visiting nearby Red Bank or commuting to NYC.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Long Branch, New Jersey, you must first contact the Long Branch City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 344 Broadway to inquire about their short-term rental registration process, as requirements were established around 2019-2020. You'll need to submit a completed STR 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 plan of the rental unit, and contact information for a local representative if you're an absentee owner. The application fee is estimated at $150-300 annually, with additional inspection fees of approximately $100-150. Long Branch specifically requires STR properties to maintain off-street parking, comply with occupancy limits based on bedrooms (typically 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional), display the permit number in all advertisements, and maintain a guest registry. Properties must also meet fire safety requirements including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and cannot operate in certain residential zones without special approval. The timeline for approval typically takes 30-60 days after submitting a complete application, pending inspections and zoning compliance review. You must also register with the New Jersey Division of Taxation for state tax collection purposes and may need to obtain a Certificate of Authority for sales tax if stays are less than 90 days.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Long Branch, New Jersey are generally legal but subject to local regulations and zoning restrictions. The city requires STR operators to obtain proper business licenses and comply with local zoning ordinances, which typically limit short-term rentals to certain residential zones while prohibiting them in some multi-family districts. Properties must meet safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire safety standards, and operators are generally required to register with the city and pay applicable taxes. Long Branch has implemented occupancy limits based on property size and requires adequate parking for guests, while also establishing quiet hours and behavioral standards to minimize impacts on residential neighborhoods. Recent changes around 2022-2023 have included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced registration requirements, with the city taking a moderate approach that allows STRs while ensuring they don't negatively impact permanent residents or neighborhood character. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance and obtain all necessary permits before operating short-term rentals, as violations can result in fines and cease-and-desist orders.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Long Branch, New Jersey include the Oceanfront/Beachfront District along Ocean Avenue, which attracts summer tourists and beachgoers from May through September with its proximity to Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park and the historic Pier Village development. The West End area near Monmouth Park Racetrack offers strong potential during racing season (May-October) and major events, drawing horse racing enthusiasts and gamblers. The Broadway Corridor and downtown district benefits from business travelers visiting local companies and government offices, plus visitors to the Count Basie Center for the Arts which hosts year-round performances. The Elberon section, with its historic mansions and upscale atmosphere, appeals to luxury travelers and those attending weddings or events at venues like the Shadowbrook. Areas near Monmouth University in nearby West Long Branch also generate demand from visiting families, prospective students, and academic conference attendees, making properties within a 10-minute drive particularly attractive for consistent bookings throughout the academic year.

In Long Branch, New Jersey, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the state Hotel and Motel Occupancy Fee of $5.00 per room per night, New Jersey Sales Tax of 6.625% on the rental amount, and a local Transient Accommodation Tax of approximately 3% administered by Monmouth County. The state occupancy fee and sales tax are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests and remitted to the New Jersey Division of Taxation on behalf of hosts, while the local transient tax may require separate registration and quarterly remittance by hosts to the Monmouth County tax collector depending on local agreements with Airbnb. Hosts must register for a New Jersey tax ID number and may need to file quarterly returns even when Airbnb collects taxes, with exemptions generally limited to stays exceeding 90 consecutive days which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations. The combined effective tax rate for short-term rentals in Long Branch is approximately 9.625% plus the $5 per night fee, though hosts should verify current collection arrangements with both Airbnb and local tax authorities as agreements and rates can change.

To start an Airbnb in Long Branch, New Jersey, expect total costs around $650,000-$750,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $550,000-$600,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom property including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials run $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $1,500-$2,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential homeowner association approvals. Insurance costs increase significantly for short-term rentals, adding $3,000-$5,000 annually compared to standard homeowner's insurance. Monthly utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $300-$400 per month. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($2,400), cleaning services ($3,600 assuming $150 per turnover), maintenance and supplies ($2,000), platform fees and marketing ($3,000), and property management if outsourced ($6,000) total approximately $17,000. Additional considerations include potential property taxes around $12,000-$15,000 annually and emergency repair funds of $5,000-$10,000.

Airbnb properties in Long Branch, New Jersey typically generate annual revenues between $25,000-$45,000 for oceanfront units and $15,000-$28,000 for inland properties, with peak summer months (June-August) accounting for 60-70% of total bookings due to proximity to Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park and the Jersey Shore. Operating expenses generally range from $8,000-$15,000 annually including property taxes ($6,000-$12,000), utilities ($1,800-$2,400), cleaning fees ($2,000-$3,500), and maintenance costs ($1,500-$2,800), resulting in profit margins of 35-55% for well-managed properties. Success factors include proximity to the beach (properties within 0.3 miles command 40-60% higher rates), professional photography showcasing ocean views, competitive pricing at $150-$280 per night during summer and $80-$140 in off-season, and maintaining super-host status through consistent 4.8+ ratings. A typical 2-bedroom beachside condo generating $38,000 in revenue with $12,000 in expenses yields approximately $26,000 in net profit annually, while inland properties averaging $22,000 revenue and $9,500 expenses produce roughly $12,500 profit, making Long Branch a moderately profitable market for investors willing to actively manage seasonal demand fluctuations and maintain high property standards.

Airbnb investments in Long Branch, New Jersey typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% based on the area's proximity to beaches and seasonal tourism patterns. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 6-10% annually, with properties within walking distance of Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park and the boardwalk commanding premium rates of $150-250 per night during peak summer months (June-September) and $80-120 during off-season. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, assuming a 20-25% down payment on properties averaging $400,000-600,000 in the beachfront areas. The market benefits from consistent demand from New York City visitors seeking weekend getaways, with occupancy rates typically reaching 65-75% annually. Properties requiring significant renovations may extend the profitability timeframe to 30-36 months, while turnkey beachfront units can achieve positive cash flow within 12-15 months due to Long Branch's ongoing redevelopment initiatives and improved transportation links to Manhattan.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Long Branch, New Jersey, offering market analysis and property recommendations. Local real estate agents specializing in Airbnb investments in the area include Keller Williams Shore Properties agents who focus on investment properties, Coldwell Banker Riviera agents with vacation rental expertise, and RE/MAX Central professionals experienced in shore rental markets. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning) which provides end-to-end Airbnb investment services, Mashvisor offering property analysis tools for Long Branch rentals, AirDNA providing market data and revenue projections for the Jersey Shore market, and Roofstock which occasionally features short-term rental properties in the region. Local property management companies like Shore Summer Rentals and Jersey Shore Vacation Rentals can provide insights into profitable properties, while investment-focused firms such as BiggerPockets marketplace and Fundrise may have connections to Long Branch opportunities. Additionally, local mortgage brokers like Atlantic Coast Mortgage and First Choice Loan Services specialize in investment property financing for vacation rentals in Monmouth County.