LBI Real Estate Rental Searches: When Do Families Search for Summer Rentals on Long Beach Island?
- Nathan Colmer
- 20 hours ago
- 3 min read
LBI Real Estate Rental Investment and Tenant Search Patterns
If you’re considering purchasing a rental investment property on Long Beach Island (LBI), understanding when families search for summer rentals is essential to maximizing your booking potential and return on investment in the LBI real estate rental market. Here’s what the seasonal trends reveal about LBI real estate rental searches.
By: Nathan Colmer | LBI Real Estate Agent | The Van Dyk Group
Cell: 609-290-4293 | Office: 800-222-0131 | ncolmer@vandykgroup.com
LBI Real Estate Rental Searches By Season
1. Early January: The Market Is Just Warming Up
By the beginning of January, comparatively few tenants have started looking for next summer’s rental. The majority haven’t even begun their search! While January can be a busy month, the rental season extends well beyond this single month in the LBI real estate market. So if you expect to be fully booked by now, that’s overly optimistic. This is normal—January is the start of the rental season, not the finish line.
2. January & February: Busy Months Ahead
While searches happen year-round, January and February are strong months for rental inquiries. Families begin planning their summer vacations early in the year, and this is when your property should be visible online with updated photos and competitive rates. A well-prepared listing during these months can capture early planners looking for LBI vacation rentals.
3. Summer Surge: June Through August
Search activity spikes again in June, July, and August for two reasons:
Last-Minute Bookings: Many families wait until the last minute to secure a rental.
Early Planning for Next Year: Believe it or not, families start searching for the following summer during peak season. This is why we recommend setting your rates for next year by May—getting ahead of the curve can lock in early bookings for 2027.
4. Memorial Day & Beyond: High Demand, Low Inventory
By the time Memorial Day arrives, most prime weeks are already booked. However, if you still have availability, don’t worry—there’s still strong demand for last-minute rentals. Inventory is low while demand is high, giving you an excellent opportunity to fill remaining weeks at competitive rates.
What This Means for LBI Real Estate Investment Buyers
Owning a rental property on Long Beach Island isn’t just about location—it’s about timing and strategy. Here’s how these trends impact your investment:
Maximize Occupancy: By understanding peak search periods, you can plan marketing campaigns and adjust pricing to attract early and last-minute renters.
Set Competitive Rates Early: Establish next year’s rates by May to capture early planners during the summer surge.
Leverage High-Demand Periods: Use Memorial Day and peak summer months to fill any remaining weeks at premium rates.
Plan for Year-Round Visibility: While summer is the focus, families search throughout the year. Keeping your listing active and optimized ensures steady inquiries.
Boost ROI with Strategic Upgrades: Properties with modern amenities, proximity to the beach, and flexible booking options tend to perform best in the LBI vacation rental market.
Investing in Long Beach Island real estate offers strong rental income potential, but success depends on understanding these seasonal booking patterns and positioning your property to meet demand. Understanding LBI real estate rental searches can help you price your home and gauge activity to gauge activity accordingly and ensure your rental investment is profitable!
If you are looking to buy, sell, or invest in the LBI real estate market, contact me, Nathan Colmer, for expert guidance backed by years of local experience, deep market insight, and a proven track record in helping clients navigate LBI's unique market. My experience extends over 20 years of selling homes on Long Beach Island, with a special focus on second homes and investment properties. In addition to representing buyers and sellers, I personally invest in the LBI real estate market and can share my firsthand knowledge of this investment strategy. Whether you are searching for a vacation home, planning a wise investment, or ready to list your property, I can offer you personalized strategies and unmatched knowledge to help you succeed.
By: Nathan Colmer | LBI Real Estate Agent | The Van Dyk Group
Cell: 609-290-4293 | Office: 800-222-0131 | ncolmer@vandykgroup.com
