Is Manasquan, New Jersey Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Manasquan, New Jersey, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Manasquan Borough Hall, as the town requires short-term rental permits and has specific occupancy limits typically capped at 8-10 guests per property. Contact the Borough Clerk's office 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 downtown district where properties range from $400,000-$800,000 for purchase or $2,000-$4,000 monthly for rental arbitrage opportunities. Furnish the property with coastal-themed decor, essential amenities including linens, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and beach equipment like chairs and umbrellas to attract summer visitors. Create listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photography highlighting proximity to Manasquan Beach, the inlet, and local attractions like the Manasquan Reservoir. Set competitive pricing between $150-$400 per night depending on season and property size, with peak summer rates commanding premium prices. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services like Squeaky Clean NJ, maintenance contractors, and consider using property management companies such as RedAwning or Vacasa if you're not local, while maintaining compliance with New Jersey's 6.625% sales tax and Manasquan's local occupancy tax requirements.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Manasquan, New Jersey, focus on locations within 0.5 miles of the beach, particularly near Main Beach and Fisherman's Cove Beach, as well as properties close to the Manasquan Inlet and downtown area with restaurants and shops. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos with parking, outdoor space, updated kitchens, and beach gear storage, as these command premium rates of $300-600 per night during peak summer season (June-August). Analyze comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO to identify pricing gaps, noting that beachfront properties typically earn $80,000-120,000 annually while inland properties generate $40,000-70,000. Research competition density using AirDNA and Mashvisor, focusing on areas with fewer than 10 STRs per square mile to avoid oversaturation. Utilize tools like Rabbu, PriceLabs for dynamic pricing, and STR Helper for market analysis, while monitoring Monmouth County regulations and Manasquan Borough zoning requirements. Properties purchased between $600,000-900,000 typically achieve 8-12% cap rates when properly managed, with highest demand during summer months, spring/fall weekends, and holiday periods when families visit the Jersey Shore.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Manasquan, New Jersey, you must first contact the Manasquan Borough Clerk's office at Borough Hall located at 201 East Main Street to inquire about short-term rental licensing requirements, as the borough has implemented regulations around 2019-2020 following statewide trends. 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), fire safety inspection certificate, and a site plan showing parking availability. The application fee is estimated at $200-400 annually, with additional inspection fees of approximately $100-150. You must also register with the New Jersey Division of Taxation for hotel/motel tax collection and obtain a Certificate of Authority. Manasquan specifically requires properties to maintain adequate off-street parking (typically 2 spaces minimum), comply with occupancy limits based on bedrooms and square footage, maintain 24/7 contact information for guests, and adhere to noise ordinances with quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 8 AM. The approval process generally takes 4-8 weeks after submission of complete documentation, and you must renew the permit annually while maintaining compliance with all borough zoning regulations and state tax requirements.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Manasquan, New Jersey are generally prohibited in residential zones under the borough's zoning ordinances, which restrict rentals of less than 30 days in most residential areas to preserve neighborhood character and prevent transient occupancy issues. The borough has maintained strict regulations since approximately 2018-2019, when many New Jersey shore communities began implementing STR restrictions in response to growing concerns about noise, parking, and housing availability. Current regulations typically allow STRs only in commercial zones or specific overlay districts, with property owners required to obtain special permits and comply with occupancy limits, parking requirements, and registration procedures. Recent enforcement efforts have focused on identifying unpermitted STR operations, particularly during peak summer months, with violations subject to fines and cease-and-desist orders. Property owners seeking to operate STRs must navigate zoning compliance, obtain proper licensing, and may face additional restrictions during summer months when the borough experiences its highest population density.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Manasquan, New Jersey are the beachfront neighborhoods along the Atlantic Ocean, particularly the areas near Manasquan Beach and Inlet, which attract summer tourists from May through September seeking beach access and water activities. The historic downtown district around Main Street offers year-round appeal with its proximity to restaurants, shops, and the Manasquan Train Station, making it attractive for both leisure visitors and business travelers commuting to New York City via NJ Transit. The residential neighborhoods between Route 35 and the beach, especially those within walking distance of Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area, provide a quieter alternative while maintaining beach proximity. Properties near the Manasquan River and inlet areas are particularly valuable due to fishing enthusiasts, boating activities, and the annual Manasquan Farmers Market events. The Brielle Road corridor offers good investment potential due to its central location and accessibility to both beach areas and major transportation routes, attracting visitors attending events at nearby venues like the Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan or those exploring the broader Jersey Shore region including Point Pleasant Beach and Spring Lake.

In Manasquan, 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 the state occupancy tax of 5% on room rentals. Monmouth County may impose a county hotel/motel tax of approximately 3%, though this varies by municipality. Manasquan itself may have local lodging taxes ranging from 2-4% depending on municipal ordinances. These taxes are typically collected by the host from guests at the time of booking and must be remitted to the New Jersey Division of Taxation on a monthly or quarterly basis depending on the volume of transactions, with returns due by the 20th of the following month for monthly filers. Hosts must register for a Certificate of Authority with the state to collect sales tax and may need separate registrations for local taxes. Exemptions generally apply to rentals of 90 days or longer, which are considered residential rather than transient accommodations, and some exemptions may exist for certain government or charitable organization bookings, though these are rare for short-term rentals.

To start an Airbnb in Manasquan, New Jersey, the total initial costs would be approximately $875,000-$950,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $800,000-$850,000 based on median home prices in this desirable shore town. Furnishing costs for a complete 3-4 bedroom beach house would run $25,000-$35,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, outdoor furniture, and coastal decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing optimization, and welcome amenities total around $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $1,500-$3,000 for short-term rental licenses, business registration, and municipal approvals. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage average $3,000-$4,000 annually. Utility deposits and connections cost approximately $1,000-$2,000. First six months operating costs including utilities ($2,400), cleaning services ($3,600), maintenance ($2,000), property management fees if applicable ($6,000), marketing ($1,500), and supplies ($1,500) total around $17,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and a cash reserve for unexpected repairs or vacancy periods.

Airbnb properties in Manasquan, New Jersey demonstrate strong seasonal profitability with average nightly rates ranging from $150-300 during peak summer months (June-August) and $80-150 in off-season periods. A typical 3-bedroom beach house generates approximately $35,000-50,000 in annual gross revenue, with expenses including property taxes ($8,000-12,000), utilities ($3,000-4,000), cleaning fees ($150 per turnover), maintenance ($2,000-3,000), and Airbnb service fees (3% host fee plus 14-16% guest fee). Net profit margins typically range from 25-40% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts achieving $15,000-20,000 annual profit per property. Key success factors include proximity to Manasquan Beach and Inlet, professional photography showcasing ocean views, competitive pricing during Belmar and Point Pleasant events, and maintaining high cleanliness standards for repeat bookings. Properties within 2-3 blocks of the beach consistently outperform inland locations by 30-50% in occupancy rates, with summer weekend bookings often secured 3-6 months in advance at premium rates exceeding $400 per night for luxury accommodations.

Airbnb investments in Manasquan, New Jersey typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the town's proximity to popular beaches and seasonal tourism demand. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties averaging $200-400 per night during peak summer months (June-September) and $100-200 during off-season periods. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, assuming a 20-25% down payment on properties valued between $600,000-$1,200,000. The market benefits from consistent demand from New York City vacationers and weekend visitors, with occupancy rates typically reaching 65-75% annually. Properties within walking distance of Manasquan Beach or the inlet command premium rates and faster profitability timelines of 12-18 months, while inland properties may require 24-36 months to reach full profitability due to lower nightly rates and seasonal fluctuations.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Manasquan, New Jersey. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Diane Turton Realtors with offices in nearby Point Pleasant and Manasquan, Century 21 Action Plus Realty, and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New Jersey Properties, all of whom have experience with shore rental properties since the early 2000s. National services include Awning (founded 2017) which offers full-service Airbnb property management and investment guidance, Mashvisor for rental property analytics, and BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing. RedAwning provides vacation rental market analysis, while local property management companies like Shore Summer Rentals and Jersey Shore Vacation Rentals offer insights into profitable rental markets along the New Jersey coast. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock and Arrived Homes have expanded into short-term rental markets, and platforms like AirDNA provide market data specifically for vacation rental investments in shore communities like Manasquan.