News
Stay updated with the latest STR industry news and regulations
Alternative Accommodations Powered Booking.com’s Q3 2025, And the Trend Isn’t Cooling
Booking.com's alternative accommodations (AA) are booming, driven by growth in Asia, the U.S., and cross-border travel. This trend indicates a shift in traveler preferences, with homes providing stability and attracting diverse guest demographics, so hosts with listings on Booking.com may want to review their strategies.
What We’re Buying During This Housing Correction
This BiggerPockets blog post discusses the current housing market correction and its impact on real estate investors, including those in the rental business. It suggests that while the market is slowing down, experienced investors see it as an opportunity, and that STR hosts should focus on affordability and the potential for increased equity on the other side of the correction.
Local vs. Out-of-State Investing: Where to Buy Your First Rental (Rookie Reply)
This article from BiggerPockets discusses the pros and cons of investing in short-term rentals in your local market versus out-of-state. It also delves into using a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) for funding and the various loan options for BRRRR strategies, emphasizing the importance of aligning your investment strategy with your financial goals.
Lodgify Lowdown (November ’25): From Agentic AI to Tourist Taxes
This Lodgify Lowdown from November 2025 covers the evolving role of technology in travel planning, including agentic AI, platform updates, and policy shifts. Hosts should stay informed about these technological advancements and any potential policy changes that could impact their business.
Why Booking.com Suddenly Sounds More Confident Than Airbnb (and Vrbo)
Booking.com is showing strong growth in the short-term rental market, especially in the US, due to its multi-vertical travel ecosystem, loyal guest base, and diversification. Hosts should consider diversifying their distribution channels to include Booking.com to tap into this growing platform and its loyal guest base.
Lake.com Is Betting Big on AI Discovery: What Property Managers Can Learn
Lake.com, a new OTA focused on lakefront rentals, is betting heavily on AI-driven search and structured content. Hosts should optimize listing descriptions and amenities data for natural-language search to improve visibility and consider the potential of AI-driven booking channels.
Vacation Rental Growth: Evolve Expands Portfolio with Guestworks Acquisition - Travel And Tour World
Evolve is expanding its portfolio by acquiring Guestworks. This indicates growth in the vacation rental market and could mean increased competition or new opportunities for hosts. Hosts may want to monitor market trends and consider how this acquisition might affect their local market.
Arizona appeals court: Sedona can't bar vacation rentals in mobile home parks - KJZZ
An Arizona appeals court ruled that Sedona cannot ban vacation rentals within mobile home parks. This means hosts in Sedona, Arizona operating within mobile home parks may be able to continue their STR operations. Hosts should review local ordinances and any existing restrictions.
Need to Send a Vrbo Receipt? Here’s the Free Template Every Host Should Use
This article discusses the importance of providing Vrbo receipts to guests and offers a free template for hosts to use. It's crucial to provide these receipts for transparency and possibly tax purposes, so hosts should consider downloading and using the provided template.
How to Set Up a Short Term Rental in Myrtle Beach
This episode of The Short Term Show focuses on setting up a short-term rental in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The hosts discuss essential hardware like smart locks and cameras, emphasizing considerations for condo buildings and the challenges of the salt air environment. They also cover software options for property management, including OwnerRez and Hospitable.
The “Great Stall” Has Begun
This BiggerPockets article discusses the current state of the housing market, forecasting a period called the "Great Stall" where home prices stagnate due to affordability issues and rising interest rates. The author suggests hosts consider how these trends may affect their investment strategies, focusing on the potential for various market scenarios, including a crash, a melt-up, or the most likely scenario, the Great Stall.
Rapid City committee advances first-ever vacation rental ordinance - NewsCenter1
A Rapid City committee is advancing its first-ever vacation rental ordinance. This means potential new regulations for hosts in the area. Hosts in Rapid City should stay informed about the developing regulations.
Property Maintenance Doesn’t Need to Be So Hard—Just Use AI
This article discusses how AI-powered maintenance tools can streamline the maintenance process for landlords and save time and money. Hosts should consider using AI tools like TurboTenant's new feature to automate maintenance requests and improve tenant communication.

Airbnb Growth in 2026: Is the Platform Peaking?
Airbnb's growth is expected to continue in 2026, though at a slower pace than in the past, with opportunities for hosts in emerging markets and premium stays. Hosts should focus on standing out through high-quality listings, strategic pricing, and diversification to thrive amidst increasing competition and evolving guest expectations.

How to List on Google Vacation Rentals in 2026
This article explains how to list your vacation rental on Google Vacation Rentals (GVR). It highlights that individual hosts can't list directly and should use property management software like iGMS to integrate, increasing direct bookings and control over listings.
Mortgage Rates Fall to a Three-Year Low—Will They Keep Dropping?
Mortgage rates have fallen to levels not seen since late 2022, and are expected to soften further in 2026. This could potentially increase investment in real estate, which may impact the STR market. Hosts should monitor interest rates and adjust their investment strategies accordingly.
The Complete Vrbo Amenities Checklist (Plus How to Update Your Listing Correctly)
This article from Lodgify will help you optimize your Vrbo listing by providing a checklist of essential amenities. By accurately reflecting your amenities, you can improve guest satisfaction and attract more bookings.
Park Township officials admitted in emails that short-term rentals were allowed - Michigan Capitol Confidential
Park Township officials in Michigan admitted in emails that short-term rentals were allowed. This news highlights the importance of understanding local regulations and ordinances for your STR business. Hosts should stay informed about their local government's stance on STRs.
User Profile: Stable View
This article profiles a host using OwnerRez to manage their equestrian and lodging venue. They highlight the benefits of automation, especially with automated messaging and calendar syncing, to streamline operations and enhance the guest experience. Consider how automation, such as that provided by OwnerRez, can improve your efficiency and guest communication.
Teacher to Six-Figure Real Estate Investor with This Quick Flip Formula
This BiggerPockets blog post shares the story of a teacher who became a successful house flipper using a HELOC and a keen eye for off-market deals. The article highlights the importance of networking and taking action to find deals, renovate quickly, and profit. Hosts can learn from the story, focusing on finding off-market opportunities, leveraging connections, and being proactive.