The Best Rental Property Markets in 2023 and How to Identify Them

May 29th, 2023 Josh Hatter
Real Estate, big buildings view

Despite witnessing rapid growth and evolution in the last couple of years, the short-term rental industry is presently in the ‘era of #airbnbust’ since Covid hit. As a property owner looking to maximize profit from your rental property, it’s critical to identify the best rental property markets that offer the highest return on investment (ROI).

This article will discuss evaluating different markets for rental housing and making an informed decision when selecting a short-term rental market for your business.

A Brief Overview of the Short-Term Rental Market Landscape

As a short-term rental owner with several years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how the market landscape can shift rapidly due to various factors. However, nothing has impacted the industry quite like the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As an owner, adapting to these changes has been crucial to success. Sometimes, it meant pivoting to cater to a different type of guest or offering special deals and promotions. In other cases, it required implementing new cleaning protocols and safety measures to put guests at ease. 

Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, I remain optimistic about the future of the short-term rental market. Nonetheless, one lesson I’ve learned through this experience is the importance of staying agile and adaptable, as market conditions can shift rapidly and unexpectedly. By monitoring trends and adjusting strategies accordingly, owners can position themselves and their investment properties for success even in uncertain times.

How Can I Maximize ROI In A Market Downturn?

Everyone wants to invest in a stable, sound market to ensure the long-term success of their investments. But during economically turbulent times, markets can become unpredictable. To ensure your investment property performs at its best regardless of market activity, it’s necessary to ensure your property is managed properly and strategically. 

StayCVP is a leading short-term rental (STR) management company with a focus on maximizing ROI and exceptional property maintenance. The team of experts has years of experience in the STR industry and understands the ever-evolving market dynamics. 

StayCVP offers personalized services to help property owners navigate the complex world of rental property investments, from market analysis and property selection to pricing strategies and marketing. Achieve long-term success and increase your revenue with a well maintained property that will keep guests returning.

Discover how StayCVP can transform your short-term rental property business. Find out more about our comprehensive STR management services!

BOOK A CALL NOW

Important Factors in Choosing the Right Rental Property Market

Rental Property Porch

Choosing the right rental property market is vital for maximizing ROI, ensuring property maintenance, and avoiding regulatory issues. 

Market Movement

First and foremost, understanding the demand and supply dynamics in the area is critical. Factors such as population growth, demographics, and existing housing inventory can all impact the availability and competitiveness of short-term rental properties. Analyzing data such as occupancy rates, Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADRs), and Airbnb search volumes can provide valuable insight into the potential demand for rental properties in a specific location.

Economy

Economic indicators and the local job market are also essential considerations. A strong economy with jobs growth and diversification can increase demand for short-term rental properties. Conversely, a stagnant local economy can negatively impact occupancy rates and rental income.

Seasonal Trends

Tourism and seasonal trends are other critical factors to consider. Properties located in popular tourist destinations or areas with high seasonal demand can command premium prices and attract a steady flow of guests. However, you must research and understand the ebbs and flows of tourism in the area to ensure that demand remains steady throughout the year.

Local Laws & Regulations

Finally, understanding the legal and regulatory environment for short-term rentals in the area is crucial. Some cities and states have strict regulations on short-term rentals, such as limits on the number of nights a property can be rented or requirements for permits and taxes. Familiarizing yourself with these regulations and ensuring compliance is essential to avoid costly fines and legal issues.

Determining the Future Viability of Short-Term Rental Markets

As an experienced short-term rental owner, I’ve found two major indices to study when evaluating the potential of a new market.

Identify Opportunities

Identifying emerging markets and opportunities is key to staying ahead of the curve. This requires keeping up-to-date with news and trends in the industry and conducting thorough market research to identify areas that are just beginning to attract short-term rental guests. Emerging markets are typically characterized by lower competition and lower prices than established ones, making them appealing to those looking to expand their portfolios or invest in a new location.

Evaluate Growth Prospects

Also, evaluate market stability and growth prospects. This involves researching economic indicators and employment data to determine whether a market is likely to experience growth in the coming years. The stability of a market can also be evaluated by looking at factors such as local regulations and the overall investment climate in the area.

Evaluating short-term rental demand and ADRs in the area may provide you with an insight into the potential revenue and profitability of investing in a new market. It’s also worth considering the area’s seasonal fluctuations and tourism trends to ensure that occupancy rates remain strong throughout the year.

Using Data and Analytics for Market Selection

Analytics Data

In today’s data-driven world, you can leverage data and analytics to gain a competitive advantage and maximize ROI. Utilizing market research and data tools is important in selecting the right market for your property.

One way to use data for market selection is by utilizing market research and data tools such as AirDNA or Mashvisor. These tools provide valuable insights into short-term rental performance in specific markets, including occupancy rates, ADRs, and demand trends. Property owners can use this data to evaluate the potential profitability of investing in a new market and compare it to other markets they may be considering.

Analyzing historical data and trends can also provide a better understanding of the performance of a specific market over time. This includes looking at factors such as average occupancy rates, seasonality, and local events that may impact demand for short-term rental properties. Studying seasonal patterns can generate crucial insights into the feasibility of a new market. This information can help you identify seasonal changes in traveler behavior, peak periods, as well as potential opportunities and pitfalls to avoid.

Understanding the Impact of Local Regulations on Short-Term Rentals

As the popularity of short-term rentals (STRs) continues to grow, so does the need for local governments to regulate them. Local regulations can significantly impact the viability of STRs in any given area. STR owners and operators must stay up-to-date on changes in local regulations and market conditions to ensure their businesses remain profitable.

Regulations can range from zoning laws restricting the commercial use of residential properties to capacity limits and tax implications. Understanding the impact of local regulations on short-term rentals is essential for successful business operations. 

Selecting Property Types and Amenities for Maximum Returns

Single-family homes are typically more affordable than multi-unit properties but may offer a lower potential for returns. On the other hand, multi-unit properties can provide higher returns but require more capital investment.

Amenities are also crucial for maximum returns. Luxury amenities such as swimming pools, state-of-the-art facilities, and high-quality finishes can attract guests and help to increase occupancy rates. However, it would be best to balance luxury with affordability to maximize returns. Research neighborhood amenities also when choosing a market for maximum returns. Neighborhoods with good schools, parks, or entertainment venues can attract tenants and help increase occupancy rates.

Recognizing an area’s different real estate asset classes and rental property types can also help you make informed investment decisions. Class A properties are generally considered the highest quality in the housing market. Class B and C properties offer lower prices but also lower potential returns. 

Developing Effective Pricing Strategies for Different Markets

A successful pricing strategy should examine various factors, such as the demand for the rental property, competitive rates in the area, and costs associated with maintaining and operating the property. This is key to succeed in real estate investing.

Keep prices flexible depending on changing conditions like changes in demand or seasonality. Different markets may see higher or lower levels of demand during certain times of the year. Offering discounts during low-demand seasons or increasing prices during peak seasons can help maximize profits while remaining competitively priced within the local market.

Attracting Guests with Targeted Marketing Techniques

Targeted marketing techniques are an effective way to attract guests to a rental property. By understanding the needs and interests of potential guests, you can develop targeted campaigns that will reach the right people with relevant information. How do you go about this?

Identify Target Market

To successfully invest in real estate, the first step to creating a targeted marketing campaign is to identify the target audience for the rental property. This includes defining the demographic characteristics of potential guests, like age, location, and income level. Knowing this information will help inform which platforms should be used for advertising and what type of content should be used.

Create Valuable Content

Once the target audience has been identified, you need to create content that resonates with them. Content should reflect the values of potential guests and emphasize how staying in your property meets their needs or provides the experience they want. Images and videos are useful in helping potential guests envision themselves in the space they are considering renting. Using keywords that appeal to your target market can also help draw more attention to your content online and boost rental demand.

Leverage Existing Relationships

It is also necessary to leverage existing relationships when marketing a rental property. Current tenants or social media followers may be willing to share reviews and photos of their experiences in exchange for discounts or other rewards. This is especially beneficial if they have positive things to say about their time at the property being marketed. Working with local businesses can also help build relationships with potential customers while gaining exposure through cross-promotional campaigns and events.

Ensuring Long-Term Success with Property Maintenance

red and yellow wall decor

The importance of regular property upkeep cannot be overstated in real estate investing. You must stay on top of routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning, landscaping, and seasonal repairs to maintain the value of your property. Regular inspections should also be conducted to identify potential issues before they become major problems. This will help you avoid costly repairs down the line and keep your tenants happy.

Implementing a preventative maintenance plan is key for long-term success with your property. This plan should include regular inspections, scheduled maintenance tasks, and budgeted funds for any necessary repairs or improvements. Having a plan in place will help you stay organized and ensure that all necessary work gets done promptly.

Partnering with a reliable property management company can make the process easier and more efficient. A good property manager will have extensive experience dealing with local regulations, strategic pricing, and tenant relations. They can also provide valuable advice on how best to manage your property to maximize its value over time in the real estate market.

If you’re looking for a premier property manager to help you improve your ROI and property value regardless of the market you’re invested in, get in touch with Stay CVP today!

Monitoring and Assessing Your Short-Term Rental Portfolio

When managing properties in different markets, it is paramount for real estate investors to research the local laws and regulations governing short-term rentals. Knowing the legal landscape can help you avoid costly fines or other penalties that may arise from non-compliance with local ordinances. 

Researching the area’s real estate market can also help you determine what type of property will be most successful in each location and how much rent to charge for each unit. Assessing the performance of your STR properties on an ongoing basis is essential for maximizing their value over time. This includes tracking occupancy rates and revenue numbers to identify potential issues. Measuring customer satisfaction through regular surveys or reviews also helps ensure guests have positive experiences when staying at your properties.

Minimizing vacancy rates and optimizing occupancy are key for success with a short-term rental portfolio. This involves encouraging occupancy among long-term tenants while also providing flexible options for shorter stays or weekend trips. Offering amenities such as free Wi-Fi or laundry services can also attract more guests and increase the value of your property over time.

The Benefits of a Diversified Short-Term Rental Portfolio

brown and white concrete house near green trees during daytime

There are many ways to invest in real estate. Investing in a diversified short-term rental portfolio can be a great way to increase your returns and mitigate risk. You can maximize your profits while minimizing your losses with the right strategies.

When it comes to diversifying your portfolio, there are two main approaches: investing in multiple property markets or investing in different types of properties. 

Investing in multiple property markets allows you to spread out the risk of any one market crashing or suffering from an economic downturn. It also gives you access to different types of tenants and rental rates, which can help you maximize your returns.

On the other hand, investing in different types of properties can also help you diversify your portfolio. For example, investing in single-family homes and multi-unit buildings allows you to access different tenant pools and rental rates. You’ll also be able to take advantage of different tax benefits depending on your property type.

Whatever your chosen approach, it’s best to research before venturing into the short-term rental market. Ensure the area has a strong demand for rentals and the market is stable enough for long-term investments. Studying the local regulations around renting out properties is crucial so you don’t encounter any legal issues.

Why Remarkable Management is Fundamental To Success in the #airbnbust Era

We understand the importance of providing exceptional guest experiences and continuously adapting our approach to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving STR landscape. Our team of seasoned professionals is dedicated to maximizing your property’s potential through a combination of expert market analysis, innovative revenue-building strategies, and top-notch property maintenance. 

By choosing StayCVP,  you can expect personalized attention, data-driven decision-making, and a results-oriented approach to ensure the long-term profitability of your rental properties.

Ready to elevate your short-term rental property business? Partner with StayCVP and let our expertise drive your success. Reach out to us today and explore our comprehensive management solutions!

BOOK A CALL NOW

Conclusion

As the market changes, so must STR owners; adapting their strategies and staying up-to-date on new regulations and trends can help you to reach your investment goals.

Overall, staying informed and making educated decisions are essential for success in identifying the hottest real estate markets. With careful thought and strategic investments, you can create a profitable portfolio that will serve as a source of passive income for years to come.

Josh Hatter

By: Josh Hatter

Josh Hatter moved to Charleston from the Washington, DC area in 1999 to complete a Business Administration degree at the College of Charleston. He graduated from the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina with an MBA in 2010.

After spending nearly 20 years of his professional career growing businesses primarily supporting the US Navy, he decided to rent a single bedroom out of his home in 2016. Since that single bedroom nearly 6 years ago, he has grown his portfolio into several businesses owning investment short-term rentals both alone and with partners, as well as managing a portfolio of nearly 100 bedrooms for clients to help them meet their long-term investment property goals.

He loves supporting his clients, growing their investments and hosting thousands of guests as they visit Charleston through his property management company, Coastal Vacation Properties.