Lodgify Lowdown: 2025 in Review for the Vacation Rental Industry

TD Bank expresses cautious optimism for affordable housing growth in 2026, with multifamily, senior, and workforce housing showing the strongest demand. Hosts, especially those interested in workforce housing, should consider the impact of rising housing costs on potential guests and the possibility of public-private partnerships.

Keller Williams (KW) is focusing on supporting real estate teams in 2026 through education, coaching, and new programs. Hosts can learn from these team models, and KW is watching macroeconomic trends like employment and inflation which impact housing and thus the STR market.

This article provides a 90-day action plan for new investors looking to purchase a rental property, breaking down the process into manageable steps from market selection to closing. Hosts should use this as a guide to avoid analysis paralysis and navigate the complexities of purchasing a rental, focusing on structured steps to make the process more manageable.

An $18M investment is being made to convert an office building into housing in Muskegon. This could signify a shift in local real estate and potentially impact the availability of housing, including short-term rental opportunities. Hosts might want to stay informed about local development trends and their potential impact on the STR market.