Airbnb & VRBO Performance in Del Mar California.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Del Mar, California for 2024

Key Regulations

1. Cap on Short-Term Rentals

• The city has set a cap of 129 short-term rental (STR) units, which is 5% of Del Mar's total housing stock.

2. Registration and Permit Requirements

• Owners of existing STRs must register their units with the City by December 31, 2024.
• Owners must apply for a short-term rental permit within 60 days once the ordinance takes effect after California Coastal Commission certification.

3. Primary Residence Requirement

• New STRs must be used as the primary residence of the owner, meaning the owner must live there for at least six months of the year.

4. Limit on STRs per Owner

• There is a limit of one STR per owner.

5. Minimum Stay Requirement

• STRs are subject to a minimum three-night stay requirement.

6. Operational Requirements

• Short-term rental use is allowed year-round, but owners must comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including life safety standards.
• Owners must complete and sign a self-certification document attesting to compliance with all regulations.

7. Transient Occupancy Taxes and Enforcement

• Owners must pay transient occupancy taxes.
• The city will establish protocols for permit issuance, operations, and enforcement, including procuring third-party vendors for implementation and enforcement.

8. Grandfathering Existing STRs

• Owners who registered their STRs before December 31, 2024, or filed an STR permit application within 60 days of the ordinance going into effect will be grandfathered in from the cap.

9. Coastal Commission Approval

• The ordinance requires certification by the California Coastal Commission, which is expected to take between 18 months to a year.

10. Good Neighbor Policy and Other Regulations

• The ordinance includes a Good Neighbor Policy and requirements for disclosing recycling, organics, and trash regulations to tenants.

11. Zoning Restrictions

• STRs are only permitted in the Residential-Commercial (RC) zone, the Visitor Commercial (VC) zone, and where otherwise provided by development entitlement.

Top Neighborhoods for Airbnb Revenue in Del Mar, California

While specific neighborhood-level data for Del Mar, California, is not provided in the sources, we can infer the appeal and potential revenue-generating areas based on the broader context of Del Mar and its popular attractions.

1. Downtown Del Mar

• Appeal: Downtown Del Mar is known for its vibrant atmosphere, boutique shops, and a variety of dining options. Guests can easily walk to the beach, visit the Del Mar Farmers Market, and enjoy the local events.
• Revenue Potential: High foot traffic and central location make it an attractive spot for short-term rentals, with potential for high occupancy rates and daily rates.

2. Beachfront and Coastal Areas

• Appeal: Properties with ocean views or direct beach access are highly sought after. Guests can enjoy surfing, beach walks, and the scenic views of the Pacific Ocean.
• Revenue Potential: Beachfront properties typically command higher daily rates and have high occupancy rates due to their desirable location.

3. Del Mar Heights

• Appeal: This area offers a more residential and quiet atmosphere while still being close to the beach and downtown amenities. It is ideal for families or those seeking a more relaxed stay.
• Revenue Potential: The balance between tranquility and proximity to attractions makes it appealing for a wide range of guests, ensuring steady occupancy.

4. Hilton Head Area (near the Del Mar Fairgrounds)

• Appeal: This area is close to the Del Mar Fairgrounds, which hosts various events throughout the year, including the San Diego County Fair. It is also near the Del Mar Racetrack.
• Revenue Potential: The proximity to event venues can drive high demand during event seasons, leading to increased revenue for Airbnb hosts.

5. Camino del Mar and Surrounding Streets

• Appeal: This area is central to Del Mar's main street, offering easy access to shops, restaurants, and the beach. It is a prime location for those who want to be in the heart of the action.
• Revenue Potential: The central location and high demand for accommodations in this area can result in higher revenue due to consistent bookings.

General Metrics for Del Mar

• Average Daily Rate: Around $460
• Occupancy Rate: Approximately 59%
• Annual Revenue Potential: About $12,782 per month, translating to around $153,384 per year

These neighborhoods are appealing due to their combination of accessibility, amenities, and the desirable coastal lifestyle that Del Mar offers.

Designing an Inviting Airbnb in Del Mar, California: Tips and Considerations

Durable and Easy-to-Clean Surfaces

• Use durable materials and easy-clean surfaces throughout the property to withstand the wear and tear from guests. This includes smooth concrete floors, which are durable and easy to clean, although they can be hazardous for breakable items.

Beach-Friendly Amenities

• Incorporate an outdoor shower for guests to rinse off sand before entering the house.
• Provide ample storage for beach items such as boogie boards, beach chairs, beach toys, sand mats, and umbrellas.

Practical Layout and Design

• Ensure the layout is straightforward and traditional, avoiding complex or hard-to-navigate spaces. Include clear areas for dining, living, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
• Use under-counter drawers in the kitchen and bathroom instead of cupboards for easier cleaning.

Comfort and Luxury

• Furnish the space with custom-designed furniture that complements the sophisticated and beachy vibe of Del Mar.
• Include high-quality linens such as percale cotton sheets, Belgian linen quilts, and Turkish cotton towels to enhance the luxury feel.

Technology and Entertainment

• Install smart TVs with access to streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Video.
• Ensure wireless internet is available throughout the property and provide the WiFi code in an easily accessible location.

Safety and Accessibility

• Install safety gates at the beginning of any stairs to protect children and pets.
• Ensure electrical plugs are placed practically and avoid overloading circuits to prevent breakers from tripping.

Guest Convenience

• Provide a luggage rack next to the closet to discourage guests from placing luggage on the bed or furniture.
• Offer multiple options for hanging wet bathing suits and beach towels, such as drying racks on the balcony or in the backyard.

Outdoor Spaces

• Create an inviting outdoor area with a well-furnished deck or patio, including an outside table, grill, and comfortable seating for enjoying sunsets.
• Consider a well-sheltered veranda or panoramic sunroom to provide a comfortable space during rainy weather.

Compliance with Local Regulations

• Familiarize yourself with Del Mar's short-term rental regulations, ensuring your property complies with zoning requirements and good neighbor policies.
• Register your short-term rental with the city to align with the adopted STR Regulations ordinance.

Additional Amenities

• Offer a fully equipped kitchen with new appliances and necessary utensils.
• Include a washer and dryer or access to a laundry facility, and provide both bath and beach towels for guest use.

Discover Del Mar, California: Local Attractions and Insider Tips

Local Attractions

Beaches and Parks

• Del Mar Beach: Enjoy the pristine beaches, perfect for surfing, sunbathing, and relaxation.
• Fletcher Cove Beach Park: An expansive coastal park with a viewing deck, picnic tables, a basketball court, and a children’s playground.
• Powerhouse Park & Community Center: Features a playground, swing set, and large picnic areas.
• Seagrove Park: Another beachside park with grassy areas, public restrooms, and easy beach access.

Events and Activities

• Del Mar Racetrack: Experience thoroughbred horse racing, concerts, and family activities during the summer and fall seasons.
• San Diego County Fair: Held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, featuring carnival rides, food, and special events from mid-June to early July.
• Del Mar Farmers Market: A weekly market offering fresh produce, international cuisine, meats, seafood, and more, every Saturday from 1pm-4pm.
• Twilight Summer Concerts: Free concerts held during the summer months in Del Mar Village.

Outdoor Activities

• Hiking Trails: Explore trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, Crest Canyon, Scripps Bluff Preserve, and San Dieguito Lagoon.
• Hot Air Balloon Rides: Take a romantic ocean sunset balloon flight over Del Mar with Magical Adventure Balloon Rides.
• Golfing: Play at the renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course, just minutes away from Del Mar.

Shopping and Dining

• Del Mar Village: Stroll through the village to discover unique shops, upscale and casual restaurants, and boutique hotels.
• Del Mar Highlands Town Center: An outdoor shopping center with over 70 specialty shops, restaurants, and a luxury cinema.
• Del Mar Plaza: An upscale shopping and dining experience with palazzo-style terraces offering ocean views.
• Addison at Fairmont Grand Del Mar: A three-Michelin-starred restaurant offering a fine dining experience.

Insider Tips

Getting Around

• Walkable Village: Del Mar Village is easily navigable on foot, and many attractions are within walking distance.
• Bike-Friendly: The city is also bike-friendly, with bike racks available throughout the village.

Local Favorites

• Dog-Friendly Beach: The North Beach Area, known as "Dog Beach," is a popular spot for dog owners.
• Sunset Seat: A scenic spot for watching the sunset and taking Instagram-worthy photos.

Seasonal Events

• Summer Solstice: Celebrate the summer solstice with local events and festivities in June.
• Taste of Del Mar: Enjoy culinary delights from award-winning restaurants in September.
• Santa by the Sea: A family-friendly holiday event in December.

Practical Tips

• Parking: Be aware that some parks, like San Dieguito County Park, have a $3 parking fee.
• Reservations: Book reservations early for popular restaurants like Addison to ensure availability.

By sharing these attractions and tips, you can help your Airbnb guests make the most of their visit to Del Mar, California.

Practical Tips to Run a Successful Short-Term Rental Business in Del Mar, California

To ensure a smooth and profitable short-term rental business in Del Mar, California, several practical tips can be implemented:

Noise Regulations and Guest Communication

Inform your guests about the noise regulations and quiet hours in Del Mar. This can be done through a clear communication in the booking confirmation and a reminder in the house manual. Ensuring guests are aware of these rules helps maintain a good relationship with neighbors and avoids potential issues.

Comprehensive House Manual

Create both digital and physical house manuals that include essential instructions, such as Wi-Fi passwords, appliance usage, and emergency contact information. This manual should also outline the noise regulations, recycling and trash policies, and other important house rules to ensure guests are well-informed and respectful of the property.

Simplified Check-in Process

Utilize smart locks to streamline the check-in process, eliminating the need for physical key exchanges. Provide guests with detailed instructions on how to access the property, along with photos of the lock and any other relevant entry points. Additionally, include parking instructions with photos to help guests navigate the property easily.

Additional Tips

• Ensure compliance with Del Mar's specific regulations, such as the requirement for short-term rentals to be primary residences and the cap on the number of units.
• Partner with local property management companies that are well-versed in Del Mar’s regulations and market trends to maximize your property’s potential.

By following these tips, you can enhance the guest experience, reduce potential issues, and maintain a successful and compliant short-term rental business in Del Mar.

Here is a brief list of house cleaning providers in Del Mar, California:

House Cleaning Providers in Del Mar, CA

Aloha Maids

• Offers various house cleaning services including deep cleans and move-out cleaning.

Maggy Maid

• Provides house cleaning services in Del Mar Heights and San Diego area.
• Contact: (619) 734-7457, info@maggymaid.com.

Green Frog Cleaning

• Offers comprehensive house cleaning services including dusting, vacuuming, mopping, bathroom sanitization, and kitchen cleaning.

Absolutely Clean Agency

• Provides residential and commercial cleaning services.
• Contact: (858) 952-9402 for a free estimate.

Additional Providers

• Various other house cleaners listed on Angie's List, which includes reviews and ratings for multiple services in Del Mar, CA.

Del Mar, California: Understanding Short-Term Rental Management Fees

In Del Mar, California, the fees for managing short-term rentals can vary significantly, typically ranging from 10% to 30% of the rental revenue, depending on the level of service provided. Full-service management, which includes comprehensive services such as guest communication, marketing, and maintenance, tends to be on the higher end of this spectrum, often around 20-30% of the revenue.

Basic services, which might only include listing and booking management, can be less expensive but still incur additional fees. For instance, cleaning fees, repair costs, and design or amenities services can add to the overall expense. Local regulations, such as the requirement for a Short-Term Rental Permit and the collection of a 13% Transient Occupancy Tax, also need to be factored into the management costs.

Understanding these fees is crucial for property owners to ensure compliance with local laws and to maximize their rental income effectively.