Tucked along the Atlantic shoreline and nicknamed one of “The Quiet Resorts,” Bethany Beach invites visitors of all kinds to kick back and relax.
This Southern Delaware treasure flies a bit more under the radar than nearby tourist spots like Dewey Beach — but with a quaint boardwalk, well-kept golf courses, and a family-friendly atmosphere, its small-town feel and slower pace are exactly what make a Bethany Beach investment property worth exploring.
To help you understand the earning potential this coastal vacation rental market presents, we created a free, downloadable vacation rental market analysis — perfect for potential buyers.
Inside you’ll find:
- Rental income potential by property size
- Average occupancy by property size
- Average daily rate by property size
- Average days booked in advance
- Average length of stay
- Vacation rental inventory by property size
- Occupancy rate by month
The findings in this analysis are based on Evolve’s Bethany Beach market averages in the last year and provide a general baseline for performance potential. They’re designed to help inform smart buying decisions when buying a Bethany Beach investment property.
Download Our Complete Bethany Beach Vacation Rental Investment Analysis
Why Bethany Beach Is a Great Place to Own Vacation Rental Property
A true summer getaway with a focus on family entertainment, Bethany Beach travel starts to climb around Memorial Day and lasts through early fall — with a strong mid-summer surge.
This is when the beach is lifeguard-patrolled, the Boardwalk Bandstand Concert series begins, and local events like the Poseidon Festival, Seaside Craft Show, and Bethany Beach Arts Festival take place. It’s also an ideal time for guests to explore two of Delaware’s most-visited state parks — Delaware Seashore and Fenwick Island — which lie just north and south of Bethany Beach. This seasonality bell curve allows Bethany Beach investment property owners to take a dynamic approach to rates and revenue management, capitalizing on surge and shoulder seasons (when temperatures are still beach- and park-perfect).
Current Bethany Beach home prices hover around $806,000. According to our real estate experts, this figure is driven up by beachfront properties, which are generally listed at a premium. But buyers exploring their Bethany Beach investment property options can also look inland and at nearby Ocean View to find lower upfront costs without losing the area’s guest interest.
How Much Money Can You Earn with a Bethany Beach Vacation Rental?
Bethany Beach’s easygoing vibe sets it apart from other summer vacation destinations, which makes it a valuable consideration for investors. Before making your jump into this Delaware rental market, consider these important factors.
Property Size
Because Bethany Beach is a favored spot for multi-generational families and friends, five-bedroom homes tend to be the highest revenue earners. They make up the smallest portion of available inventory, though, so they can be harder to find on the market.
With that in mind, three- and four-bedroom properties can be great alternatives to consider. They still have the room for group getaways, but account for more local inventory at lower price points.
One- and two-bedroom homes might fit your investment needs, too. While their size means they may not net the highest average daily rates, our data shows they do grab the most nights booked on average — which can translate to more opportunity for five-star reviews and revenue.
Property Location
A beachfront property is often an Atlantic Coast traveler’s dream. But because Bethany Beach takes up such a small footprint on the map, beachfront availability is usually limited.
Still, if it fits in your budget, our experts say it’s a good idea to snag a property as close to the surf as possible. The local trolley system runs all day throughout summer guiding beachgoers to the sand, so a rental home near one of its stops provides a seamless commute for guests.
If the idea of a beach house sparks a wave of excitement, check out the best places to buy one across the U.S.
If you can’t find a spot in the heart of Bethany Beach, look at nearby Ocean View and its surrounding neighborhoods. This area is home to the famous Bear Trap Dunes golf course and is filled with resort-style communities, so guests can find luxe amenities for extra-special getaways.
Property Amenities
Summer vacations are where cherished family memories are made, so you’ll want to fill your investment home with kid-friendly amenities that make your guests’ experience breezy.
And with the beach calling, travelers look for homes that embrace the coastal atmosphere. Outfit outdoor spaces with shaded dining areas, a fire pit, and a grill. Provide beach essentials like towels and umbrellas, and consider adding bikes for easy trips to the shoreline.
A comfortable interior space where guests can escape the summer heat — with central A/C, ceiling fans, and breezy accents like sliding glass doors and large windows — is also essential. Don’t forget the inventory basics, either, as families are likely to spend evenings preparing recipes or popping in a favorite film.
When you’re ready to explore the market, make your search easier by starting with these homes for sale.
Download Our Full Bethany Beach, DE Vacation Rental Market Analysis
Bethany Beach is a one-of-a-kind location known for its welcoming, laid-back atmosphere — and it can be a great consideration for investors.
To better understand how to capitalize on this sandy spot, download our free Bethany Beach Vacation Rental Market Analysis today. Inside you’ll find:
- Average daily rate by property size
- Expected seasonality in vacation rental demand
- Average length of stay in high and low seasons
- Inventory breakdown based on property size
Go on and dip your toes in the Bethany Beach investment property waters. Our exclusive insights can guide you in the right direction like a calm, coastal breeze.