Is 2026 shaping up to be the most compelling year for short-term rental investing since the post-pandemic boom? In this episode of The STR Data Lab, AirDNA Chief Economist Jamie Lane and co-host Scott Sage break down the newly released 2026 Best Places to Invest report — and explain why smart investors may finally see the odds shifting back in their favor.

After several challenging years marked by high home prices, rising interest rates, and uneven STR performance, the data is starting to tell a more optimistic story. Jamie walks through the core metrics behind AirDNA’s rankings — including investability, demand momentum, revenue growth, and regulatory viability — and explains why yield, not hype, is driving today’s best opportunities. The result? A list that favors overlooked small and mid-sized cities, infrastructure-driven demand, and markets where affordability still creates room for returns.

The conversation also explores how investors can tailor their strategy using price-tier analysis and demand drivers like universities, national parks, and major infrastructure projects. Rather than chasing “vacation-only” destinations, this episode challenges listeners to rethink what makes a strong STR market — and how to build a repeatable investment thesis using data, not instinct.

You don’t want to miss this episode if you’re planning your next STR investment.

Key Takeaways

• 2026 may mark a turning point for STR investing as yields improve and financing pressures ease.

• Yield matters more than ever — especially in markets with lower home prices and steady demand.

• Small and mid-sized cities continue to outperform, driven by infrastructure, workforce, and extended-stay demand.

• Price-tier analysis unlocks opportunity, showing where returns change dramatically at different budget levels.

• Demand drivers like universities and national parks create resilient, diversified booking patterns beyond traditional vacation travel.

Best Places To Invest:

https://www.airdna.co/best-places-to-invest-in-vacation-rentals

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Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇

https://bit.ly/4s2G7tf

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Connect with Jamie on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane

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Connect with Scott on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott

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Connect with AirDNA on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co

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Episode 167

2025 was anything but predictable for short-term rentals. After a surprisingly strong start, the second half of the year told a very different story — and the December data brings that contrast into sharp focus. In this episode of The STR Data Lab, AirDNA Chief Economist Jamie Lane is joined by Bram Gallagher to break down the final U.S. performance numbers and what they reveal about the state of the STR industry heading into 2026.

From weakening occupancy to long-awaited ADR growth finally outpacing inflation, the conversation unpacks why topline stability masked huge disparities beneath the surface. While national averages ended the year nearly flat, many operators experienced dramatic wins or losses depending on where they operate, who they serve, and how they’re positioned. The episode also explores how broader economic forces — cooling labor markets, mortgage-rate volatility, and a K-shaped economy — showed up clearly in STR performance.

Looking ahead, Jamie and Bram dig into pacing data for early 2026, uncovering encouraging signs for spring break and summer travel, especially in resort markets. They also discuss what easing mortgage conditions and stabilizing occupancy could mean for investors considering their next move. Whether you’re managing one property or a growing portfolio, this episode helps cut through the noise to understand what really drove performance — and what to watch next.

You don’t want to miss this episode!

Key Takeaways for STR Hosts & Operators

• 2025 was a tale of two halves: Strong performance early in the year gave way to declining occupancy in the back half, despite modest ADR gains.

• Averages hide extremes: While national occupancy finished flat, nearly half of major markets saw meaningful gains — and others saw steep declines.

• Luxury outperformed across the board: Higher-priced listings consistently captured stronger (or less negative) occupancy than budget properties, reinforcing the K-shaped economy.

• Resort markets led the way: Coastal and mountain destinations posted the strongest occupancy and ADR growth, while urban markets continued to struggle.

• Early 2026 signals are improving: Spring break and summer demand are pacing well, lead times are stabilizing, and easing mortgage conditions may unlock new investment opportunities

Year End Review:

https://www.airdna.co/blog/us-review-december-2025

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Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇

https://bit.ly/3Yz8mlS

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Connect with Jamie on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane

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Connect with Scott on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott

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Connect with AirDNA on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co

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Episode 166

What if one of the biggest opportunities in rentals isn’t short-term or long-term — but everything in between? In this episode of The STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane sits down with Jeff Hurst, CEO of Furnished Finder and former President of Vrbo, to unpack why midterm rentals have quietly become one of the fastest-growing segments in the housing market — and why so many investors still misunderstand them.

Drawing on newly released AirDNA data and Furnished Finder’s on-the-ground experience, the conversation explores how demand for 30+ day stays has more than doubled since 2019, fueled by relocating families, healthcare professionals, construction crews, academics, and a growing need for flexible living. Jeff explains why midterm rentals aren’t just “discounted short-term stays,” but a fundamentally different asset class — with different pricing logic, tenant expectations, and operational realities.

From regulation and affordability to investor accessibility and tech gaps, this episode reframes how STR hosts and property managers should think about midterm rentals — not as a fallback, but as a durable, scalable third pillar of the rental economy that’s still early in its evolution.

You don’t want to miss this episode.

Key Takeaways You Can Apply Today

• Midterm demand is surging: AirDNA data shows stays of 28+ days are up 138% since 2019 — outpacing short-term rental growth by a wide margin.

• It’s a different business model: Midterm rentals price closer to long-term housing, prioritize functionality over flash, and often book one stay at a time with frequent extensions.The strongest demand drivers are practical, not leisure: Think hospitals, universities, construction corridors, and suburban job centers — not vacation hotspots.

• Lower capital, lower friction investing: Midterm rentals often require less upfront furnishing, fewer turnovers, and significantly less day-to-day management.

• The category is still early: With limited tech infrastructure and minimal institutional saturation, midterm rentals today resemble short-term rentals circa 2008.

Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇

https://bit.ly/4jcZdsL

—————Monthly Rentals: The Hidden Gem of Housing

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Connect with Jamie on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane

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Connect with Scott on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott

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Connect with AirDNA on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co

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Episode 165