Whether you're on your first property or your 100th, having the right market data is crucial to starting and scaling your short-term rental business. Join Travel Economist Jamie Lane as he provides trusted insights and delves deep into the numbers that drive this multi-billion dollar industry.
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The Rise of Midterm Rentals: Why the “Missing Middle” Is the Fastest-Growing STR Opportunity
Episode 165
Thursday, January 15, 2026 • Duration 46:00
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.
The STR Industry Is Normalizing: What That Means for Growth, Profitability, and Tech in 2026
Episode 164
Friday, January 9, 2026 • Duration 50:19
Is the short-term rental industry struggling — or simply growing up? In this episode of The STR Data Lab, AirDNA Chief Economist Jamie Lane sits down with Simon Lehmann to unpack what “normalization” really means for STR operators, investors, and property managers heading into 2026. After years of explosive growth, the industry is entering a new phase — one defined less by expansion and more by execution.
Simon shares why demand hasn’t collapsed the way headlines suggest, why strong operators are still thriving, and why the biggest shift happening right now is in expectations. Growth rates, margins, and valuations are resetting — but that doesn’t spell trouble. Instead, it’s forcing a long-overdue focus on discipline, systems, and unit-level profitability. As competition intensifies and margins compress, professionalism is no longer optional.
The conversation also dives into technology and AI, exploring why the future isn’t about more tools, but fewer — and better — ones. From fragmented tech stacks and data silos to the elusive “source of truth,” Jamie and Simon explain why operators who master their data will be best positioned to survive (and win) in the next chapter of STRs.
You don’t want to miss this episode if you’re planning for 2026 and beyond.
Key Takeaways from This Episode
Normalization ≠ downturn: The STR industry isn’t collapsing — growth expectations and return profiles are simply resetting.
Execution now beats expansion: We’ve moved from a growth story to a selection story, where strong operators pull ahead.
Professionalization means discipline: Systems, process rigor, and unit-level economics matter more than portfolio size.
Margins are under pressure: Rising costs and regulation make revenue management and cost control essential skills.
Tech stacks must simplify: The next wave of STR tech will focus on integration, AI-driven insights, and a single source of truth — not more point solutions.
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Why AI and Local Hosts Are Redefining the STR Industry
Episode 155
Thursday, October 23, 2025 • Duration 30:07
What happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas this time. Jamie Lane and Scott Sage are back from the VRMA conference with powerful insights shaping the future of short-term rentals—from the rise of AI tools to why “national is dead and local is king.” They unpack the data behind what’s really driving property manager success today—and what’s holding others back.
In this episode, Jamie reveals new AirDNA research showing a major divide between top-performing property managers and the rest: those with review scores above 4.7 are keeping clients, while those below are losing nearly a quarter of their portfolio. They also explore why small, hyper-local co-hosts are thriving while national brands stall, and how a well-designed loyalty program can win repeat guests without relying on Airbnb or Vrbo.
Later, they dig into the latest STR data—muted summer demand, shifting guest behavior, and the surprising 40% surge in New Year’s bookings driven by holiday timing. Plus: a PSA every host using a PMS on Airbnb needs to hear before October 27th.
Key Takeaways
AI is already transforming hosting: Innovative tools are boosting communication scores and guest experiences, even before Airbnb or Vrbo roll out their own versions.
The 4.7 Rule: Property managers with review scores below 4.7 now face double the churn rate (24%) of top performers—quality is retention.
Local > National: Hyper-local operators managing 6–20 properties are growing fastest, proving proximity and personal touch beat big-brand scale.
DIY Loyalty Works: Local managers can build profitable loyalty programs that attract repeat guests—no need to wait for OTA initiatives.
Holiday & Market Insights: Expect strong end-of-year demand, a 40% New Year’s Eve surge, and higher bookings in World Cup host cities next summer.
A Reflection on 2023 and a Look Ahead to 2024 with Bram Gallagher
Thursday, January 18, 2024 • Duration 26:09
In this edition of the STR Data Lab podcast, Jamie Lane, chief economist at AirDNA, is joined by Bram Gallagher, fellow economist at AirDNA, to discuss the year-end numbers for 2023 in the U.S. short-term rental industry. They analyze the December figures, noting a 4.3% increase in demand compared to the same month last year, with supply growth cooling down to 10.8%. The occupancy rate settled around 49.9%, reflecting a return to pre-COVID levels. The Average Daily Rate slightly improved, signaling pricing adjustments amid changing occupancy.
The conversation delves into the supply dynamics in the STR market, exploring the impact of new listings and regulations. Gallagher expresses confidence in the forecast for a 10.9% increase in supply for 2024, emphasizing the industry's adaptability to changes in demand. The discussion also touches on the broader economic landscape, considering factors such as the Federal Reserve's monetary policy and its potential effects on interest rates. Gallagher anticipates a more conservative approach to rate cuts in 2024, aligning with the strong economic indicators.
The podcast concludes with insights into the international travel sector, identifying it as a growth area for 2024. The conversation highlights opportunities for the STR industry to cater to international travelers, particularly in urban locations. Overall, the podcast provides a comprehensive overview of key trends and factors shaping the STR market and its intersection with the broader economy.
Welcoming Uplisting to the AirDNA Family: Leveraging Property Management Systems in Short-Term Rentals
Tuesday, January 9, 2024 • Duration 35:51
In this episode of STR Datalab, Jamie Lane is joined by Demi Horvat, CEO of AirDNA, and Vinny Breslin, founder of Uplisting, as they dive into the exciting news of AirDNA's recent acquisition of Uplisting, marking a significant union of two major players in the short-term rental industry. Vinny shares the journey of Uplisting, from its early days in London to becoming a powerhouse in the Airbnb software space. The discussion covers the challenges faced, milestones achieved, and the pivotal role Uplisting plays in streamlining property management for hosts.
Demi sheds light on the strategic rationale behind the acquisition, emphasizing the desire to bridge the gap between property acquisition and operations. The goal is to simplify the lives of short-term rental hosts by offering a comprehensive suite of tools under one umbrella. The episode delves into the key differentiators of Uplisting, such as reliability and customer support, and explores why a Property Management System (PMS) is crucial, especially as hosts expand beyond platforms like Airbnb.
The episode wraps up by highlighting the vision for the combined forces of AirDNA and Uplisting, envisioning a streamlined experience for hosts, catering to a wider market, and addressing the unique needs of smaller operators. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the short-term rental space, offering insights into industry dynamics, the power of acquisitions, and the evolution of property management systems.
Unraveling Unique Hospitality Niches with Michael Golden
Thursday, January 4, 2024 • Duration 37:27
In Episode 63 of STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, is joined by Michael Goldin, co-host of Good Morning Hospitality and an experienced professional in the hospitality industry. Michael shares his journey in the vacation rental industry, from his beginnings at Rented and NoiseAware to his current roles as Co-Founder of Nook and Storied Collection, as well as an advisor to various companies. His focus is on exploring unique hospitality niches.
Michael discusses the creation of 'Storied', a co-branded collection of Castle and Manor homes offering luxury retreat experiences. He describes Storied Collective as a soft brand company, similar in scale to hard brands like Marriott and Hyatt, but with more autonomy for its properties. Their aim is to bring professional hospitality to markets that previously lacked it. In the past year, they have added 12-14 properties to their portfolio and are actively expanding.
Michael also delves into his latest venture, 'Nook', a high-end outdoor hospitality brand that provides luxury experiences in nature. He offers his perspective on the merging of the hotel and short-term rental industries and discusses the impact of branding on niche categories, ultimately enhancing the traveler experience.
Housing Market Outlook and Investment Strategies for 2024 with Dave Meyer
Thursday, December 28, 2023 • Duration 40:35
In Episode 62 of STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, welcomes Dave Meyer, Vice President of Data and Analytics at BiggerPockets, to share insights on the real estate market outlook for 2024. BiggerPockets is a community of 2.5 million people dedicated to achieving financial freedom through real estate investing, offering tools to track macroeconomic trends and long-term rental data.
They take a close look at Dave's Year-End Report, which reviews the real estate market in 2023 and anticipates future trends. They explore the possibility of a recession and its potential effects on the housing market. The episode addresses the current market paradox where housing prices rise amidst recession fears. Dave clarifies this by explaining how affordability constraints are dampening demand.
Dave shares several investment strategies, including house hacking and investing in new construction. He also discusses policy changes that might influence investment decisions and suggests resources for keeping track of the housing market.
Don't miss this insightful episode for a deeper understanding of the real estate market's future trajectory!
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Dave’s 2024 State of Real Estate Investing Report:
Navigating the 2024 STR Landscape: Insights from AirDNA's Outlook Report with Bram Gallagher
Thursday, December 21, 2023 • Duration 32:05
In Episode 61 of STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane sits down with Bram Gallagher, fellow economist at AirDNA, to review this year's performance and forecast the 2024 outlook for the U.S. short-term rental industry.
2023 brought challenges for STR operators, with a 4.9% drop in RevPAR — the first annual decline since AirDNA began tracking data in 2014. Yet, the industry saw remarkable milestones, with record-high demand in July and over 1.6 million listings by September. The economic landscape showed resilience, with unemployment remaining below 4% and a trend of declining inflation. However, these positive economic indicators, along with a growth in property supply, led to a leveling off in occupancy gains. STR operators experienced reduced pricing flexibility, as travelers showed a growing preference for more budget-friendly accommodation options.
The absence of a recession in 2023, thanks to effective Federal Reserve measures, paves the way for a stable economic outlook in 2024. Factors such as declining inflation, strong employment, and excess savings are expected to fuel consumer spending. While the Fed may maintain high-interest rates, a potential rate cut by the end of 2024 could influence mortgage rates. The housing market, currently grappling with affordability issues, faces potential risks, with projections indicating a 2% decrease in home prices by 2024. The economic scenarios discussed include moderate downside, upside, and severe downside, each impacting revenue growth.
The AirDNA 2024 Outlook Report predicts a positive shift in the market. Economic recovery is expected to boost demand growth to 10.7%, a rebound from 6.7% in 2023. Supply growth, moderated by high mortgage rates, is likely to align with demand, estimated at 10.9%. Occupancy rates are projected to stabilize at 54.7%, similar to 2023 levels. Average Daily Rates are expected to increase by 2.1%, leading to a 1.9% rise in RevPAR. Despite some economic uncertainties, the market outlook is cautiously optimistic. Bram concludes with a positive note on strong labor market growth as a promising sign for the coming year.
You don’t want to miss this episode!
Scaling Success in the Vacation Rental Industry with Julie George
Thursday, December 14, 2023 • Duration 37:55
In Episode 60 of STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane welcomes Julie George, a successful vacation rental manager, author, coach, and all-around industry expert. Julie recounts her impressive journey in the short-term rental industry, where she scaled her business from a single property in Cairns, North Queensland, to a portfolio of 130 properties within three years, generating over 8 million dollars on Airbnb. In 2019 she sold her entire portfolio and transitioned her focus to education and mentoring, guiding property managers worldwide in scaling their businesses and navigating unforeseen challenges.
Julie shares her unique business approach of relying on co-hosts for managing properties in various geographical locations, the importance of dynamic pricing, and the trends she sees burgeoning in the industry. She stresses the importance of implementing efficient systems and the philosophy of 'keeping it simple' to avoid overcomplicating growth, especially with the plethora of new technologies available. Jamie and Julie also explore the industry's shift toward mid-term rentals and boutique hotels, highlighting the need for a clear understanding of target markets.
Julie also sheds light on the upcoming STR wealth conference, painting it as a high-energy meeting hub for industry enthusiasts. Julie also offers free ebooks of her book 'Million Dollar Host' and a 15-minute Zoom call to the first five listeners who connect with her on social media.
Don't miss this informative episode filled with valuable insights and tips for success in the vacation rental industry!
Growing Your Vacation Rental Business with Brooke Pfautz from Vintory
Thursday, November 30, 2023 • Duration 30:36
In Episode 59 of STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane welcomes Brooke Pfautz, Founder and CEO of Vintory, who brings over 16 years of industry experience. Brooke shares his journey in the vacation rental sector, emphasizing his passion for numbers and metrics. He explains that Vintory focuses exclusively on the supply side, helping property managers in expanding their portfolios. He also discusses the concept of co-hosting and property management, noting that many short-term vacation rental managers began their careers as co-hosts.
Jamie and Brooke dive into critical concepts like customer acquisition cost and the lifetime value of new properties. Brooke outlines key growth strategies, including leveraging referrals, providing value to realtors, participating in community activities, and using direct mail—an effective technique in the sector. He highlights the importance of consistency and patience in marketing to attract and retain customers, drawing parallels between customer acquisition costs and lifetime value metrics in both the vacation rental and SaaS industries.
The episode also explores the potential benefits of diversifying into different markets. Brooke talks about Vintory's operational strategies and how his innovative approach to idea-sharing on LinkedIn led to his book, "Vacation Rental Secrets." This book offers insights from 52 top vacation rental managers, each sharing their top 10 industry mistakes, making it a valuable resource for investors.
Don't miss this episode for a deep dive into effective strategies for growth in the vacation rental industry.
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