Berlin, Maryland Short-Term Rental Market
Berlin requires owner occupancy in R-1 and R-2, Delmarva coast STRs hit $372 ADR, 42.6% occupancy, $4,269 revenue September 2026
Quick Answer: Berlin, Maryland is an active short-term rental market. average occupancy in the Delaware/Maryland Beaches market area is 43%. average monthly revenue in the Delaware/Maryland Beaches market area is $4,269. average daily rate in the Delaware/Maryland Beaches market area is $372. the top operator in the Delaware/Maryland Beaches market area is Vacasa with 2,346 listings. market score is 49/100 (grade D).
Market data reflects the Delaware/Maryland Beaches regional market, which includes Berlin. Regulations, taxes, and permit details below are specific to Berlin.
Market Score Breakdown
Five dimensions StaySTRA evaluates per market.
Market Overview
Berlin is a historic small town of 5,026 residents in Worcester County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, between Ocean City and Assateague Island National Seashore. Budget Travel named it the Coolest Small Town in America in 2014. The performance figures below describe the Delmarva Atlantic coast STR market, a shared regional series, rather than Berlin alone. In September 2026, the Delmarva Atlantic coast STR market recorded an average daily rate of $372, occupancy of 42.6%, and average monthly revenue of $4,269. Entire place listings averaged $374 per night, close to the all-listings figure. Year over year, occupancy rose 12.5%, ADR rose 5.2%, and revenue rose 11.9%, so the recent gain came more from filled nights than from price. On an annual basis, the seasonal months sum to $39,928 in revenue. Annual results have moved in a narrow band lately: 2024 averaged 43.9% occupancy at a $315 ADR, 2025 averaged 43.7% at $319, and the first nine months of 2026 are running at 48.2% and $337. Occupancy peaked in 2021 at 52.8%. Berlin draws visitors from the Washington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia areas who want a quieter base than Ocean City, with Main Street shopping, farm-to-table dining, Burley Oak Brewing, and events such as the Bathtub Races on July 4th weekend and Oktoberfest. Bedroom, channel, and listing-type counts and top operators are tracked at a shared regional level rather than uniquely for Berlin, so this profile omits them. Berlin also licenses every short-term rental and limits some zones to owner-occupied homes, which is covered in the regulatory section.
Seasonal Patterns
| Month | Occupancy |
|---|---|
| Jan | 25% |
| Feb | 35% |
| Mar | 39% |
| Apr | 39% |
| May | 46% |
| Jun | 70% |
| Jul | 79% |
| Aug | 77% |
| Sep | 45% |
| Oct | 26% |
| Nov | 25% |
| Dec | 31% |
Month-by-month nightly rates and revenue figures for Berlin are available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Top Short-Term Rental Operators in Delaware/Maryland Beaches market area
Ranked by total active listings. Useful for understanding the competitive landscape. Operator data is published for the Delaware/Maryland Beaches market as a whole, which includes Berlin, so these counts are not Berlin-only figures.
| # | Operator | Listings | Reviews | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vacasa | 2,346 | 60,626 | ★ 4.36 |
| 2 | Coastal Resort Rentals | 355 | 1,646 | ★ 4.39 |
| 3 | Shoreline Properties | 349 | 1,861 | ★ 4.28 |
| 4 | Central Reservations | 328 | 4,890 | ★ 4.53 |
| 5 | VacayHome Connect | 312 | 593 | ★ 4.18 |
What Kind of STR Should I Buy in Berlin?
Revenue and nightly-rate breakdowns by bedroom count, property tier, and dwelling type for Berlin are available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Booking Channel Mix
Distribution of bookings across major STR platforms.
| Channel | Share |
|---|---|
| airbnb | 17.3% |
| vrbo | 25.9% |
| both | 56.8% |
Home Value Trends (Berlin)
Typical home values, median sale prices, and the 10-year price trend for Berlin are available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Booking Insights
Booking-window and length-of-stay analysis for Berlin — how far ahead guests book and how to price around it — is available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Short-Term Rental Regulations
Short-term rentals are permitted in Berlin, but every operator must hold a town-issued Short-Term Rental License under Ordinance 2022-02, effective July 1, 2022. The initial application costs $350 and covers the inspection. Renewal is annual at $200, and licenses are non-transferable. STRs are allowed in residential zones R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 and in commercial zones B-1, B-2, and B-3. In R-1 and R-2, the property must be the owner’s principal residence for at least 180 days per year, shown by the Maryland Homestead Tax Credit designation. Commercial zones B-1 through B-3 have no primary-residence requirement. Each guest stay must be shorter than 28 consecutive days, and there is no stated cap on total nights rented per year. Operators must name a responsible agent available around the clock who lives within 30 miles of Berlin. Events and parties, including weddings, reunions, and corporate gatherings, are prohibited, and on-site signage is not allowed. Each rented bedroom beyond the base zoning requirement needs one additional off-street parking space, and sleeping areas need at least 70 square feet per occupant. Worcester County’s room tax rose from 5% to 6% on January 1, 2026, and Maryland’s 6% sales tax also applies, for a combined 12% on guests. Operating without a license carries a $600 fine per 30-day period. Code violations start at $100 and rise to $200 per day for repeat violations, and severe cases can lead to license revocation. Enforcement severity is rated moderate, and in May 2023 the town noted a need for more enforcement staff.
Market Comparison
The Delmarva Atlantic coast STR market shows a strongly seasonal mix. September 2026 occupancy of 42.6% sits just under the typical September level of 44.5%, while the $372 ADR is well above the typical September ADR of $291. The first nine months of 2026 averaged 48.2% occupancy at a $337 ADR. The summer months run far above the rest of the year, with July at 78.9%, August at 77.1%, and June at 69.8%. The winter months fall far below, with January at 25.1% and November at 25.3%. In short, this is a seasonal market, and annual results depend on how well a host captures the three summer months. Year over year growth of 12.5% in occupancy and 5.2% in ADR shows the market is improving. Top operators are tracked at a shared regional level rather than uniquely for Berlin, so this profile omits them. Buyers who want a quieter alternative to Ocean City should weigh Berlin’s licensing and owner-occupancy rules against that regional pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions About Berlin, Maryland
What is the average daily rate for Airbnb rentals near Berlin, Maryland?
What is the occupancy rate for short-term rentals in the Berlin, MD area?
Do I need a license to run a short-term rental in Berlin, Maryland?
Does Berlin require short-term rental owners to live on the property?
What taxes do guests pay on a Berlin short-term rental?
What is the best time of year for STR revenue in the Berlin area?
How much does a home cost in Berlin, Maryland?
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