Is Longport, New Jersey Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Longport, New Jersey, begin by researching local regulations as Longport requires short-term rental operators to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy and business license, with properties limited to rentals of 7 days or more and maximum occupancy restrictions based on bedrooms. Contact Longport Borough Hall at 609-822-2731 to obtain the necessary permits, including a rental license ($100-200 annually) and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and parking requirements (typically 1-2 spaces per unit). Find a suitable property within 1-2 blocks of the beach for optimal rental potential, with 2-4 bedroom homes in the $400,000-800,000 range being most profitable. Furnish the property with coastal-themed decor, essential amenities like WiFi, air conditioning, beach equipment, and safety features including smoke detectors and first aid kits, budgeting $15,000-25,000 for complete furnishing. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and local rental sites like ShoreSummerRentals.com, highlighting proximity to beaches, restaurants, and Atlantic City (15 minutes away), with peak season rates of $200-400 per night and off-season rates of $100-200. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services ($75-150 per turnover), maintenance contractors, and consider hiring a property management company like Avalon Property Management or Shore Summer Rentals (15-25% commission) to handle bookings, guest communication, and maintenance while ensuring compliance with Longport's noise ordinances and occupancy limits.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Longport, New Jersey, focus on oceanfront or bay-view locations within walking distance to beaches, particularly properties near 32nd Avenue beach access or the bay side offering water activities. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos with modern amenities, outdoor spaces like decks or patios, parking availability, and updated kitchens since families comprise the primary market during summer months. Analyze pricing by reviewing comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO during peak season (June-August) when rates can reach $300-600 per night, while shoulder seasons (May, September) typically see $150-250 nightly rates. Research competition by examining occupancy rates and reviews of similar properties within a 5-block radius, noting that Longport's limited inventory of approximately 50-75 active STRs creates opportunities for well-positioned properties. Utilize AirDNA for market analytics, STR Helper for revenue projections, and monitor local Facebook groups like "Longport Community" for insider market knowledge, while ensuring compliance with Longport Borough's rental registration requirements and understanding that properties closer to the Margate border may face different regulations.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Longport, New Jersey, you must first contact the Longport Borough Clerk's office at Borough Hall located at 2305 Atlantic Avenue to inquire about their short-term rental registration requirements, as the borough implemented STR regulations around 2019-2020. You'll need to submit a completed short-term rental 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, contact information for a local representative available 24/7, and a signed affidavit acknowledging compliance with all borough ordinances. The application fee is estimated at $200-300 annually, with additional inspection fees of approximately $100-150. Required documents must also include proof of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguisher locations, and emergency contact information posted in the rental unit. Longport specifically requires that all STRs maintain adequate parking (typically 2 spaces per unit), limit occupancy to no more than 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, prohibit rentals of less than 7 consecutive days during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), and ensure quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM. The approval timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks after submission of complete application materials, and you must renew the permit annually by December 31st, with the borough conducting periodic inspections to ensure ongoing compliance with safety and zoning requirements.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Longport, New Jersey are generally prohibited for rentals less than 30 days under the borough's zoning ordinances, which classify such activities as commercial uses not permitted in residential zones. The borough has maintained strict regulations since approximately 2019-2020, requiring all rental properties to obtain rental licenses and comply with occupancy limits, safety requirements, and noise ordinances. Properties can only be rented for periods of 30 days or longer, effectively banning traditional Airbnb-style short-term rentals throughout all residential areas of Longport. Violations can result in fines up to $1,000 per day, and the borough actively enforces these regulations through code enforcement officers who monitor online platforms. The restrictions were implemented to preserve the residential character of the community and address concerns about parking, noise, and transient occupancy in this small barrier island borough, and there have been no recent changes to relax these prohibitions as of 2024.

The most attractive areas for Airbnb investment in Longport, New Jersey are the beachfront districts along Atlantic Avenue and Ocean Avenue, which offer prime oceanfront access and attract summer tourists from May through September seeking beach vacations and water activities. The residential neighborhoods near Longport Beach and the bay areas provide excellent opportunities due to their proximity to fishing, boating, and water sports that draw visitors year-round. Properties near the Longport Bridge area are particularly valuable as they offer easy access to both Atlantic City's casinos and entertainment venues (attracting business travelers and weekend visitors) while maintaining the quiet, family-friendly atmosphere that vacationers prefer. The historic district around 32nd Avenue appeals to tourists interested in the area's maritime heritage and those seeking a more authentic Jersey Shore experience away from the crowded boardwalks. Additionally, neighborhoods within walking distance of local marinas and yacht clubs attract boating enthusiasts and fishing charter customers, while areas near the Longport Dog Beach draw pet-owning families who struggle to find pet-friendly accommodations elsewhere along the shore.

In Longport, New Jersey, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the New Jersey state sales tax of 6.625% on short-term rentals, the state occupancy fee of $5 per room per night, and Atlantic County's hotel/motel tax of 3% on gross receipts. The City of Longport imposes an additional local occupancy tax of approximately 2-3% on short-term rental accommodations. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking for most properties, with Airbnb remitting payments quarterly to the New Jersey Division of Taxation and local authorities. However, hosts may need to register separately with the state for sales tax purposes and obtain a Certificate of Authority if Airbnb is not collecting on their behalf. The state occupancy fee and local taxes must be remitted monthly by the 20th of the following month. Exemptions generally apply to rentals of 90 days or longer, which are considered long-term leases rather than transient accommodations, and some exemptions may exist for properties rented fewer than 15 days per year, though hosts should verify current regulations with local tax authorities as requirements can change.

To start an Airbnb in Longport, 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-priced home in this coastal community near Atlantic City. Furnishing costs will run $25,000-$35,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor suitable for vacation rental guests. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials costs $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business registration, short-term rental permits, and potential municipal licensing total $1,500-$2,500. Insurance for short-term rental coverage adds $3,000-$4,000 annually. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable cost $1,000-$1,500. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,200), cleaning services ($2,400), maintenance reserves ($2,000), property management software ($300), and marketing ($1,000) total approximately $7,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees common in Longport's beachfront communities and seasonal fluctuations in both property values and rental demand typical of Jersey Shore markets.

Airbnb properties in Longport, New Jersey demonstrate strong seasonal profitability with average nightly rates ranging from $200-400 during peak summer months (June-August) and $100-200 in off-season periods. A typical 3-bedroom beach house generating approximately $45,000-65,000 in annual revenue faces expenses including property taxes ($8,000-12,000), utilities ($3,000-4,000), cleaning fees ($150 per turnover), maintenance ($2,000-3,000), insurance ($1,500-2,500), and Airbnb fees (3% host fee plus guest service fees), resulting in net profit margins of 35-45% for well-managed properties. Success factors include proximity to beaches (properties within 2-3 blocks of the ocean command 20-30% premium rates), modern amenities like updated kitchens and WiFi, professional photography, and responsive host communication. Properties owned by companies like Vacasa and RedAwning in the area have reported occupancy rates of 65-75% during summer months, with the most successful hosts offering amenities such as beach equipment, parking, and outdoor spaces. The market benefits from Longport's reputation as a quieter alternative to Atlantic City, attracting families and groups seeking upscale beach experiences, though profitability heavily depends on seasonal demand fluctuations and effective pricing strategies during the critical May-September period.

Airbnb investments in Longport, New Jersey typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the town's prime beachfront location and strong summer rental demand from Philadelphia and New York City markets. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties averaging $200-400 per night during peak summer months (June-September) and $100-180 during shoulder seasons. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with oceanfront and bay-view properties commanding premium rates and faster returns. The market benefits from Longport's upscale reputation, limited inventory of short-term rentals, and consistent demand from families seeking luxury beach accommodations, though investors should expect seasonal fluctuations with 60-70% of annual revenue concentrated in the May-September period.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Longport, New Jersey, using data analytics and market insights. Local real estate agents specializing in Airbnb investments in the Longport area include Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach Realtors, Coldwell Banker Realty, and RE/MAX Properties, with agents like those at Margate and Ventnor offices who understand the Shore rental market dynamics. National services include AirDNA for market analysis and revenue projections, Mashvisor for investment property analysis, and BiggerPockets for networking with other investors. RedAwning and Awning provide property management and optimization services for short-term rentals, while companies like Vacasa and AvantStay offer full-service management solutions. Local property management companies such as Shore Summer Rentals and Atlantic City Area property managers can help optimize rental performance. Investment-focused real estate companies like Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature properties in the New Jersey Shore market, and platforms like Fundrise offer indirect real estate investment opportunities in the region.