Highlands, New JerseyHighlands, New Jersey

Vacation Rental Management in Highlands, New Jersey

Discover the best vacation rental management companies in Highlands, New Jersey to maximize your revenue and create incredible guest experiences

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Highlands, New Jersey Airbnb Management Overview

Highlands, New Jersey, is a vibrant coastal town that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban convenience, making it an attractive market for Airbnb hosts. The town's proximity to Sandy Hook Bay and the Atlantic Ocean draws a steady stream of tourists, particularly during the summer months, who are looking for beachfront rentals and properties with ocean views. The local dining scene, featuring fresh seafood and a variety of international cuisines, also adds to the appeal for short-term renters. Additionally, Highlands' location just an hour away from New York City makes it a popular choice for city dwellers seeking a weekend getaway, further bolstering the demand for Airbnb properties. However, it's important to note that the market is competitive, with a high standard for quality and amenities among available rentals.

In Highlands, New Jersey, the Airbnb market experiences significant seasonality, largely influenced by the area's coastal location and its appeal as a summer vacation destination. The peak season typically begins in late spring, around May, and extends through the summer months until early September. During this period, demand for short-term rentals increases dramatically, driven by tourists seeking beach getaways and the charm of the Jersey Shore. Conversely, the off-peak season, which spans from late fall to early spring, sees a noticeable dip in rental demand. However, there are opportunities to attract guests during this period, such as those interested in quieter retreats or off-season fishing. Understanding these seasonal trends is crucial for hosts in setting competitive pricing and occupancy strategies.

In Highlands, New Jersey, Airbnb hosts must be aware of and comply with a variety of local regulations. The Borough of Highlands requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a rental license, which includes an inspection of the property for safety and compliance with local codes. Additionally, hosts are required to collect and remit a 6.625% state sales tax and a 5% occupancy fee on all bookings. It's also important to note that Highlands has strict zoning laws, and short-term rentals are not permitted in all residential zones. Therefore, hosts should ensure their property is located in a zone where such rentals are allowed before listing their property on Airbnb.

Managing Airbnb properties in Highlands, New Jersey, presents unique challenges and opportunities. The seasonal fluctuations in demand, driven by the area's popularity as a summer destination, require careful planning and dynamic pricing strategies. It's crucial to ensure properties are well-maintained and ready for peak season, while also finding ways to attract off-season bookings. Local events, such as the annual Clam Fest, can also drive demand, so staying informed about community happenings is key. Additionally, fostering good relationships with neighbors can help mitigate any potential issues related to noise or parking, common challenges in this market.

In Highlands, New Jersey, the Airbnb market thrives on the area's coastal charm and proximity to both natural beauty and urban convenience. Properties that offer amenities such as beach access, outdoor spaces, and views of the Atlantic Ocean or Sandy Hook Bay are particularly appealing to guests. Additionally, amenities that cater to the area's popular activities - such as fishing gear for the abundant local spots or binoculars for bird watching at the nearby Hartshorne Woods Park - can set a property apart. Given Highlands' easy ferry access to New York City, properties that also provide amenities for business travelers, such as reliable high-speed internet and dedicated workspaces, can attract a wide range of guests.

Market Overview

Highlands, New Jersey, is a vibrant coastal town that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban convenience, making it an attractive market for Airbnb hosts. The town's proximity to Sandy Hook Bay and the Atlantic Ocean draws a steady stream of tourists, particularly during the summer months, who are looking for beachfront rentals and properties with ocean views. The local dining scene, featuring fresh seafood and a variety of international cuisines, also adds to the appeal for short-term renters. Additionally, Highlands' location just an hour away from New York City makes it a popular choice for city dwellers seeking a weekend getaway, further bolstering the demand for Airbnb properties. However, it's important to note that the market is competitive, with a high standard for quality and amenities among available rentals.

Airbnb Seasonality

In Highlands, New Jersey, the Airbnb market experiences significant seasonality, largely influenced by the area's coastal location and its appeal as a summer vacation destination. The peak season typically begins in late spring, around May, and extends through the summer months until early September. During this period, demand for short-term rentals increases dramatically, driven by tourists seeking beach getaways and the charm of the Jersey Shore. Conversely, the off-peak season, which spans from late fall to early spring, sees a noticeable dip in rental demand. However, there are opportunities to attract guests during this period, such as those interested in quieter retreats or off-season fishing. Understanding these seasonal trends is crucial for hosts in setting competitive pricing and occupancy strategies.

Short Term Rental Regulations

In Highlands, New Jersey, Airbnb hosts must be aware of and comply with a variety of local regulations. The Borough of Highlands requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a rental license, which includes an inspection of the property for safety and compliance with local codes. Additionally, hosts are required to collect and remit a 6.625% state sales tax and a 5% occupancy fee on all bookings. It's also important to note that Highlands has strict zoning laws, and short-term rentals are not permitted in all residential zones. Therefore, hosts should ensure their property is located in a zone where such rentals are allowed before listing their property on Airbnb.

Best Practices for Management

Managing Airbnb properties in Highlands, New Jersey, presents unique challenges and opportunities. The seasonal fluctuations in demand, driven by the area's popularity as a summer destination, require careful planning and dynamic pricing strategies. It's crucial to ensure properties are well-maintained and ready for peak season, while also finding ways to attract off-season bookings. Local events, such as the annual Clam Fest, can also drive demand, so staying informed about community happenings is key. Additionally, fostering good relationships with neighbors can help mitigate any potential issues related to noise or parking, common challenges in this market.

Locations and Amenities

In Highlands, New Jersey, the Airbnb market thrives on the area's coastal charm and proximity to both natural beauty and urban convenience. Properties that offer amenities such as beach access, outdoor spaces, and views of the Atlantic Ocean or Sandy Hook Bay are particularly appealing to guests. Additionally, amenities that cater to the area's popular activities - such as fishing gear for the abundant local spots or binoculars for bird watching at the nearby Hartshorne Woods Park - can set a property apart. Given Highlands' easy ferry access to New York City, properties that also provide amenities for business travelers, such as reliable high-speed internet and dedicated workspaces, can attract a wide range of guests.

How It Works

Meet with membership

Connect With Local Pros

Summer matches you with top vacation rental managers who know the Highlands, New Jersey market and can help you maximize your revenue and improve guest experiences. 

We'll make sure to introduce you to Airbnb managers who offer the right services for your needs.

Get Onboarded

Seamless Onboarding

Your manager can handle everything—from listing setup and pricing optimization to guest communication and maintenance.

They’ll take care of professional photography, lockbox installation, profile setup, and everything you need to get your Highlands, New Jersey property guest-ready.

Collect Revenue

Sit Back And Earn

With the right vacation rental property manager, your home is in good hands.

They'll handle the bookings, guests, pricing updates, and day-to-day operations while you enjoy stress-free earnings and more time for what matters most.

Who We Trust

What makes our partners stand out from other short-term rental property managers in Highlands, New Jersey

Access to the Summer Network

Personalized Support

Each home and host is different. The best property managers work with you to find the services and support that make sense.

Best in class revenue Optimization

Demonstrated Earnings

Your investment is important. Our partners have proven they can substantially increase revenue on properties over market averages.

Accuracy with our technology

Tech-Forward Focus

The best property managers use data to make smart decisions, and technology to create seamless guest experiences.

Trusted brand reputation

Trusted Brand Reputation

We partner with property managers with Superhost status and high guest ratings, so guests always know what to expect.

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Who’s a good fit for a professional manager?

You think your short-term rental can make more money

Your property is not beating market averages, getting enough bookings, or does not have visibility across the major rental platforms.

You want a partner where you are valued

Our preferred managers build personal relationships with all of their owners and care about each property like it's their own.

You want hassle-free hosting

Whether you're down the street or a flight away, dealing with guest inquiries, cleaning, and everything in between is too time consuming and challenging.

Ready To Get Started Form

Get connected

We'd love to hear about what you're looking for, and we’ll connect you with top vacation property managers in your area!

FAQ

Answers to common questions

What is vacation rental property management?

Vacation rental property management is a service provider that maintains and improves a vacation rental on behalf of owners. They manage the ongoing operation, marketing, maintenance, and promotion of a vacation rental, short-term rental, or Airbnb property.

What services does a vacation rental manager offer?

Most managers offer partial or complete end-to-end management of vacation rental properties. Complete management includes all aspects of home maintenance, cleaning, guest and host communications, and marketing, pricing, and promotion of your property. In addition to these services, Summer connects owners and hosts with professional design and investing services for their vacation home.

Can they help me convert an existing home into a vacation rental?

Absolutely! Many property managers do onboard homes that were recently purchased or are being converted into vacation rentals. The best teams will provide advice, guidance, and services to help your home prepare for its short-term rental launch.

How long does the onboarding process take?

The onboarding process usually takes 2-4 weeks. This gives the manager and owner ample time to inspect the property, get it ready for guests, and get the listing live. In the event that owners need additional time to furnish or otherwise improve the property, the onboarding process can be extended.

Will I get a smart lock?

Yes, most managers provide a smart lock. This helps them operate the home and seamlessly let guests in. While there is some upfront expense associated with the lock and some additional time to set it up, there’s nothing worse than a guest not being able to access the property when they arrive.

Will they take updated photos of the property?

In most cases, your manager will hire a professional photographer to do a shoot at the home. This happens after the home is both cleaned and staged for photography. This helps the home stand out on vacation rental booking sites and results in better bookings overall. If you have really high-quality photos already, you can skip this step in the onboarding process.

How do I know my property will be safe with guests?

Professional managers put a number of security measures in place at the home to monitor noise and avoid unwanted guests in the property. Most also have built-in procedures for resolving any immediate guest issues involving parties, extra guests, and anything else in violation of the booking and local laws and requirements.