Why Everyone Is Selling Their Short Term Rentals (And Why Savvy Investors Are Still Buying)

The Short Term Shop
Published: November 26, 2025
Pricing & Profitability

Summary

This article discusses why some STR owners are selling, primarily due to unrealistic expectations stemming from the 2021 boom. It argues that now is a good time to buy STRs, highlighting opportunities for those who treat it like a business and leverage automation and tax benefits.

Key Insights

  • Many real estate investments, including STRs, are sold within two years due to underestimated realities of ownership, with some studies placing this at nearly half of all deals.
  • 2021 was an anomaly. Expecting every year to perform like 2021 is unrealistic. Real estate is cyclical, and hospitality demand fluctuates seasonally and economically.
  • Home sales across the U.S. hit their lowest levels in 30 years in 2023 and remain sluggish in 2025. Buyers have leverage and better opportunities to negotiate.

Action Items

  • Understand that STRs are hospitality businesses, not passive investments, and require systems for guest communication, cleanliness, and attention.
    Effort: medium
    Impact: high
  • Consider leveraging tax strategies, including the short term rental tax loophole and bonus depreciation, to increase profitability.
    Effort: medium
    Impact: high

Tools & Resources

  • STS Plus: At The Short Term Shop, they train clients and provide resources like STS Plus.

Common Mistakes

  • Mistake: Buying without a plan to treat STRs as a business, leading to early sales.

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