The global vacation rental market continues to expand as short-term rental demand remains strong across major travel markets. According to The Business Research Company, the sector is expected to generate $101.06 billion in revenue in 2026, with further long-term growth still ahead.
Vacation Rental Data Categories in This Guide
- Vacation Rental Market Trends in 2026
- Global Vacation Rental Supply Trends in 2026
- United States Vacation Rental 2026 Update
- Vacation Rental Management Companies
- Vacation Rental Marketing Statistics
- Vacation Rental Market Data
- Vacation Rental Guest Statistics
- Short-Term Rental Trends to Watch in 2026
- Vacation Rental Tech Adoption: Tools Hosts Are Using in 2026
- Vacation Rental Regulation and Legal Statistics (U.S. + Global)
Vacation Rental Market Trends in 2026
In 2026, the U.S. vacation rental market is entering a steadier growth phase shaped by slower listing expansion, modest ADR gains, and a slight occupancy dip. Rather than a broad post-pandemic rebound, market performance is becoming more selective, with suburban, coastal, and mountain or lake destinations standing out as some of the strongest segments.
(Source: AirDNA’s 2026 Outlook Report)
- Supply Continues to Grow: In the United States, available short-term rental listings are projected to reach 1.77 million in 2026, up from 1.69 million in 2025.
- Demand Growth Moderates: Demand for short-term rentals is expected to grow by 4.1% year-over-year in 2026, slightly below the 4.7% growth recorded in 2025.
- ADR Keeps Rising: Average daily rates are forecast to increase by 1.5% in 2026, showing that pricing remains an important driver of revenue performance.
- RevPAR Stays Positive: Revenue per available rental (RevPAR) is projected to grow by 0.6% in 2026, indicating continued growth in a more normalized market environment.
Real Estate in the Short-Term Rental Market
- The short-term rental market remains substantial in 2026, with the global vacation rental market estimated at $109.4 billion.
- In 2026, Airbnb continues to hold a dominant position in the sector, with 9M+ active listings worldwide, over 5 million hosts, and more than 2 billion guest arrivals worldwide.
Global Vacation Rental Supply Trends in 2026

Global vacation rental supply is still growing, but expansion is no longer moving at the same speed across every region. By late 2025, year-over-year listing growth had slowed in all global regions, with Asia–Pacific down from 21.7% to 10.4%, Europe down from 13.9% to 7.0%, North America down from 4.6% to 2.7%, Latin America down from 11.2% to 6.9%, and Africa down from 23.1% to 19.0%.
That pattern points to a more mature market in 2026, where supply is still expanding, but at a slower and more uneven pace than before.
United States Vacation Rental 2026 Update
As the largest short-term rental market globally, the United States continues to shape industry trends in 2026. This section highlights how U.S. vacation rental performance is evolving in a more balanced market environment, including slower demand growth, slight occupancy pressure, steady ADR gains, and changing performance patterns across major market types.
Vacation Rental Outlook Report
1. United States Vacation Rental Demand & RevPAR Growth
By 2025 and early 2026, the U.S. short-term rental market had moved from rebound into a more balanced growth phase:
- In January 2025, demand increased by +7.2% year-over-year, while RevPAR rose by +8.1% YoY, marking the first January occupancy increase since 2021 (AirDNA – U.S. Review January 2025).
- In April 2025, demand grew by +10.1% YoY, and RevPAR surged by +12.7% YoY, as spring break travel lifted bookings and occupancy (AirDNA – U.S. Review April 2025).
- In December 2025, U.S. short-term rental occupancy averaged 51.0%, down 1.7% year over year (AirDNA – U.S. Review December 2025).
- Total nights booked rose by 5.5% year over year, RevPAR increased by 2.1% to $119.27, and ADR climbed 3.6% to $246.62, but occupancy fell 1.5% year over year to 48.4% as available listings increased 4.2% to 1.68 million, showing that supply was still outpacing demand in many markets (AirDNA – U.S. Review January 2026).

2. United States Vacation Rental Occupancy & Market-Type Trends, 2025–2026
– In 2025 and into 2026, U.S. short-term rental markets showed a more balanced occupancy pattern, with national occupancy expected to recover to 54.9% by the end of 2025, while market-type performance began to diverge more clearly by location and segment. (AirDNA Outlook via BusinessWire).
– Looking at national and market-type trends: (Sources: BusinessWire, AirDNA, PR Newswire)
- U.S. short-term rental demand was projected to grow by +4.9% in 2025, slightly ahead of +4.7% supply growth.
- By mid-2025, occupancy for the first six months of the year had reached 54.9% and was running at 55.5%.
- Small city and rural markets remained strong in 2025, but their supply growth is expected to slow from 9.3% to about 7.7% in 2026.
- Resort and suburban markets are expected to strengthen in 2026, while suburban areas of major U.S. cities and coastal and mountain/lake destinations show some of the most favorable conditions.
- Overall, U.S. STR occupancy is expected to ease by about 1% in 2026 as available listings rise 4.6%.
- Large City Suburban markets are projected to post 0.7% demand growth in 2026, up from 0.3% in 2025.

3. United States Vacation Rental Forecast (2025–2026)
(Sources: AirDNA, BusinessWire, PR Newswire)
– Luxury-tier properties are driving ADR expansion: average daily rates for upscale listings grew +5.23% YoY, while budget-tier ADRs declined –0.33%.
– Pet-friendly rentals command $17.41 higher ADR on average, and later analysis showed they could earn about 12% to 90% more than similar non-pet-friendly listings in top-tier markets.
– At the national level, STR demand was projected to grow by +4.9% in 2025 against +4.7% supply growth, pointing to a more balanced market than in the earlier rebound period.
– In 2026, available listings are projected to grow by 4.6%, ADR is forecast to rise by 1.5%, and occupancy is expected to ease by about 1% as supply-demand conditions continue to normalize.
– Market-type momentum is also shifting toward suburban and destination-led performance, with suburban areas of major U.S. cities and coastal and mountain/lake destinations identified among the most favorable conditions heading into 2026.
– Urban markets also remain uneven under local regulation and policy pressure, while suburban areas continue to outperform across many large metro markets, reinforcing the shift toward more resilient non-core urban segments.

4. United States Vacation Rental Booking Demand 2026 vs. 2025
– Nationwide booking demand started 2026 on a firmer footing, with total nights booked up 5.5% year over year in January (AirDNA U.S. Review January 2026).
– Large homes with 6+ bedrooms experienced the fastest booking growth at 12.61% YoY, driven by family and group travel (AirDNA LinkedIn page).
– Three-bedroom properties saw a strong 7.48% YoY growth rate, outpacing smaller listings.
– Luxury-tier listings led ADR-driven revenue gains in 2025, indicating that booking volume alone isn’t the sole driver of profitability.
– Pet-friendly rentals generated 5.4% more demand and earned $17.41 higher average daily rates than non-pet listings.
– Top-performing event-driven urban markets by booking growth included:
- Kansas City: Bookings jumped nearly 1,000% after the World Cup match schedule was released.
- Jersey City / Hoboken / Carlstadt: Bookings surged 500% around the final weekend.
- Philadelphia: Bookings rose 33% after the match announcement.
Vacation Rental Management Companies
Vacation rental management companies (VRMCs) play a growing role in helping property owners scale operations and improve profitability. In 2026, professional management is becoming more important as operators face tighter competition, heavier reliance on automation and pricing systems, and rising compliance pressure across local markets.
A 2026 industry outlook based on a survey of 244 property managers representing more than 43,000 vacation rentals found that 42% expected local or state regulations to limit their ability to meet 2026 targets, while 47% reported operating under strict permitting or licensing requirements. AI is also becoming part of day-to-day operations, with 61% of short-term rental operators using it in 2025 (Key Data).
Vacation Rental Company Market Size in 2026
(Source: Grand View Research)
The U.S. Market: Projected to reachUSD 76.46 billion in 2026, up fromUSD 72.00 billion in 2025, with a CAGR of 7.3% from 2026 to 2033.
European Markets: Generated USD 47.12 billion in 2025 and are expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.9% from 2026 to 2033.
Asia-Pacific & Emerging Markets: Generated USD 41.09 billion in 2025 and are expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.9% from 2026 to 2033, making Asia-Pacific the fastest-growing regional market in this dataset.
Well-known Large Companies in Leisure Real Estate Management (2026)
The 2026 leisure real estate management landscape is led by a mix of large international groups, strong regional operators, and premium rental specialists. Because companies disclose portfolio size using different terms, the table below uses the latest publicly stated figures available from company and corporate sources.
|
Company |
Number of Managed Properties |
Region / Market |
Features & Source |
|
110,000+ units |
Europe |
Europe’s largest vacation rental manager, active across 36 countries. |
|
|
40,000+ properties |
North America, Belize, Costa Rica, Caribbean |
Post-merger scale, full-service management model, Vacasa technology platform. |
|
|
40,000 holiday apartments and houses |
Europe, international |
Long-established European specialist with a local on-site service network. |
|
|
22,500 holiday homes |
UK and Ireland |
Major UK leisure rental agency with a broad domestic portfolio. |
|
|
3,000+ homes, villas, and chalets |
International luxury segment |
Premium full-service model with concierge-led guest experience. |
|
|
5,000+ private holiday homes |
Denmark |
Strong regional vacation rental specialist on Denmark’s west coast, with 2026 booking and rental pages already live. |
|
|
7,000+ properties |
USA |
Full-service U.S. vacation rental management company across resort markets. |
|
|
900+ rentals |
USA (North Carolina) |
Regional Outer Banks operator with a large local beach rental portfolio. |
|
|
500+ vacation homes |
USA (Cape Cod) |
Cape Cod regional operator and the company describe themselves as the area’s largest vacation rental company. |
Further reading: 10 Best Vacation Rental Automation Tools in 2026 and 31 Best Vacation Rental Marketing Software Platforms in 2026.
Vacation Rental Company Listing Practices (OTA Usage)

– In the latest available exact dataset, vacation rental companies managing 51–250 properties used an average of 2.6 OTA (Online Travel Agency) platforms to distribute their listings (BuildUp Bookings).
– Based on late-2024 Lighthouse data published in 2025, only 5.82% of rentals were listed on all major OTAs, while 28.8% appeared on more than one platform (Lighthouse).
– In 2024, direct booking sites accounted for nearly 34% of bookings, second only to Airbnb’s 46% (PR Newswire).
– According to AirDNA’s latest quantified Instant Book analysis, Airbnb listings with Instant Book generated nearly 10% more revenue than comparable listings without it (AirDNA).
Vacation Rental Software and Services (2026)
- The global vacation rental management software market is projected at USD 238.05 million in 2026 and is expected to reach USD 356.82 million by 2035, at a CAGR of 4.6% (Market Reports World).
- In the broader property management software category, the global market is expected to reach USD 3.81 billion in 2026 and USD 5.89 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 6.4% from 2026 to 2033 (Grand View Research).
- 61% of short-term rental operators used AI in 2025 (Hostaway).
- In the same 2026 industry data, 70% of operators had a direct-booking website, but 62% still generated less than 25% of bookings through direct channels, while 18% received no direct bookings at all (PhocusWire).
- The U.S. 2026 industry dataset analyzed more than 1.6 million bookings and included survey responses from 270 vacation rental hosts and property managers (Lodgify).
- In that U.S. 2026 dataset, direct bookings generated 45.2% longer stays and 51.3% longer booking windows than OTA bookings (ShortTermRentalz).
- Airbnb’s split-fee model generally charges hosts 3%, while its single-fee model typically falls in the 14% to 16% range and uses 15.5% as the standard example for software-connected listings (Airbnb).
- Vrbo’s pay-per-booking model charges 5% commission plus 3% payment processing, while software-integrated listings are generally charged 5% (Vrbo).
Vacation Rental Marketing Statistics (2025–2026)

- 61% of short-term rental operators used AI in 2025 ( Hostaway).
- In early 2026, 70% of operators had a direct-booking website, but nearly two-thirds still generated less than 25% of bookings through direct channels, while 18% received no direct bookings at all (Breaking Travel News).
- In data published for 2026, 74% of hosts already used a property management system, and 71% reported using AI for some business purpose in the past year (Phocuswright).
- In 2025, 37.5% of short-term rental operators reported higher direct bookings than a year earlier (Hostaway).
- In that 2025 U.S. dataset, direct bookings generated 45.2% longer stays and 51.3% longer booking windows than OTA bookings (ShortTermRentalz).
- In the EU, guests booked 951.6 million short-stay accommodation nights via major online platforms in 2025, up 11.4% year over year (Eurostat).
- Mobile channels accounted for 61.45% of the online accommodation booking market share in 2025, reinforcing the importance of a mobile-first booking experience (Mordor Intelligence).
Vacation Rental Market Data
Strong short-term rental decisions depend on trustworthy market intelligence. Pricing shifts, occupancy patterns, booking behavior, and local supply dynamics now shape performance more than before. In 2026, these signals will have become essential for understanding market direction, evaluating risk, and identifying real growth opportunities. This section brings together the latest vacation rental indicators to show how the sector is evolving and what matters most in an increasingly competitive environment.
Global Vacation Rental Revenue (2022–2035)
The global vacation rental market is projected to grow steadily over the forecast period. The table below presents the expected development of global vacation rental revenue over time. The table below presents the projected development of global vacation rental revenue from 2022 to 2035 (Source: PhotoAiD via Statista, Precedence Research).
|
Year |
Global Vacation Rental Revenue (USD billion) |
|
2022 |
88.00 |
|
2023 |
90.55 |
|
2024 |
93.27 |
|
2025 |
97.85 |
|
2026 |
101.37 |
|
2027 |
105.02 |
|
2028 |
108.80 |
|
2029 |
112.72 |
|
2030 |
116.78 |
|
2031 |
120.98 |
|
2032 |
125.34 |
|
2033 |
129.85 |
|
2034 |
134.26 |
|
2035 |
138.74 |

Global Vacation Rental Bookers by Year (2026–2030)
The global number of vacation rental users was estimated at around 890 million in 2026, continuing the broader upward trend in the travel and tourism market. Projections indicate that this growth will continue through 2030, when the global vacation rental user base is expected to reach approximately 1.11 billion, reflecting sustained worldwide demand for vacation rental stays (PhotoAiD).

Yearly Global ARPU in the Vacation Rental Market
The average revenue per user (ARPU) in the leisure rental sector is growing. According to the latest data, global ARPU reached approximately $117 in 2024 (Statista).
In the US, the average ARPU in 2024 stands at an estimated $315.88 (PhotoAiD).
Global Vacation Rental Market by Accommodation Type
- Home / Villa: Homes remained the leading accommodation type in the latest available market data, accounting for 41.7% of revenue in 2025. Demand in this segment is supported by preferences for more privacy, additional space, and greater flexibility, especially among families, groups, and longer-stay travelers (Grand View Research).
- Apartments / Condominiums: Apartments and condominiums accounted for 47.92% of bookings in 2025 in the short-term rental segment. Their position is supported by strong demand for centrally located stays with predictable amenities and broad appeal across both leisure and urban travel (Mordor Intelligence).
- Resort / Condominium: Resort-style and condominium properties continue to hold an important place in destination-driven travel, particularly where travelers prioritize comfort, convenience, and a more service-oriented stay environment. This format remains closely aligned with premium leisure demand and amenity-led accommodation choices (Fortune Business Insights).
- Others / Unique Stays: Alternative formats such as treehouses, houseboats, yurts, and other unique stays are projected to grow at a 14.32% CAGR through 2031. This points to rising interest in distinctive, experience-led accommodation rather than standard lodging formats (Mordor Intelligence).

Global Vacation Rental Market By Booking Mode
Online channels are projected to lead the global vacation rental market in 2026 as digital booking habits continue to strengthen across travel planning and accommodation discovery. At the same time, offline bookings are still expected to retain a meaningful share of the market, reflecting continued demand for traditional booking support and direct assistance (Coherent Market Insights).
- Offline bookings are projected to account for 33.8% of the market in 2026, based on the remaining share within the online and offline booking mode split.
- Online bookings are projected to lead with 66.2% market share in 2026, fueled by smartphone apps and platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com offering real-time availability and reviews.

Regional market distribution (2025–2026)
Europe remains the largest region in the global vacation rental market, accounting for 33.89% of global revenue in 2025. Regional growth continues to be supported by strong travel connectivity, high internet penetration, and mature demand across major markets such as Germany, France, the UK, Italy, and Spain (Grand View Research).
North America, led by the U.S., held 23.36% of global vacation rental revenue in 2025. The U.S. market is expected to grow at a 2.9% CAGR from 2026 to 2033, supported by demand for flexible, home-like stays, continued platform adoption, and steady leisure and drive-to travel demand (Grand View Research).
Asia Pacific was one of the largest regional segments in the global vacation rental market, accounting for 29.7% of global revenue in 2025, and the market is projected to grow at a 3.1% CAGR from 2026 to 2033. Growth is being supported by rising middle-class travel demand, higher disposable incomes, and broader use of online booking platforms across destinations in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Australia (Grand View Research).
Central & South America remained a smaller but active regional segment, holding 5.64% of global vacation rental revenue in 2025. Demand is concentrated in urban and leisure destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Cancún, Tulum, and Mexico City, where tourism appeal and platform-based booking continue to support growth (Grand View Research).
Middle East & Africa also remained a smaller regional segment, accounting for 7.4% of global vacation rental revenue in 2025, and the market is projected to grow at a 2.5% CAGR from 2026 to 2033. Expansion is being supported by tourism investment, rising leisure travel, and stronger demand for flexible accommodation in destinations such as Dubai, Cairo, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh (Grand View Research).

Summary table of key indicators
|
Indicator |
Value |
|
Global Vacation Rental Market Size (2025/2026) |
$101.69 billion in 2025, $106.47 billion in 2026 (Grand View Research) |
|
CAGR (2026–2033 / 2026–2035) |
3.7% for 2026–2033, 3.55% for 2026–2035 (Grand View Research, Precedence Research) |
|
Europe Market Size (2025) |
≈$34.46 billion (calculated from $101.69B global market size and 33.9% Europe share) (Grand View Research) |
|
U.S. Market Size (2025/2026) |
$20.08 billion in 2025, $20.34 billion in 2026 (PhotoAiD) |
|
U.S. Users (2025/2026) |
62.76 million in 2025; 62.89 million in 2026 (PhotoAiD) |
|
Online Sales Share, Global (2025/2026) |
73% in 2025; 74% in 2026 (PhotoAiD) |
|
Average U.S. ADR (2025) |
$338.83 in June 2025 (PhotoAiD) |
Top 7 Countries Leading the Global Vacation Rental Market in 2026
The global vacation rental market remains concentrated in a limited number of large and high-performing country markets. The table below outlines the leading countries in 2026 based on estimated market size, forecast growth, and overall market position.
|
Country |
Estimated 2026 Revenue (billion USD) |
CAGR (2026–2033) |
Notes |
|
United States |
19.61 |
1.2% |
Largest single market globally (Grand View Research) |
|
China |
13.33 |
3.5% |
2nd-largest market (Grand View Research) |
|
Japan |
6.42 |
2.2% |
Largest identified market in Asia after China (Grand View Research) |
|
United Kingdom |
5.27 |
1.9% |
Leading European market in this public country set (Grand View Research) |
|
Germany |
4.84 |
1.4% |
Among the top European markets (Grand View Research) |
|
Australia |
4.26 |
3.7% |
Major Asia-Pacific market with strong growth momentum (Grand View Research) |
|
France |
3.58 |
2.3% |
Important Western European market (Grand View Research) |
Key facts:
The global vacation rental market remains concentrated in a relatively small number of large and established markets. The strongest positions are still held by countries and regions with high travel demand, broad accommodation supply, and stable booking activity.
Europe continues to lead at the regional level, while North America remains one of the most important revenue-generating parts of the market. Asia Pacific is also strengthening its role as one of the most active growth regions in the global vacation rental sector.
At the country level, the market is led by a limited group of major destinations that combine scale, consistent traveler demand, and strong short-term rental activity. This shows that global market leadership is still concentrated, even as growth becomes more geographically diverse.
Global Vacation Rental Market Forecast (2025–2030)
According to PhotoAiD (February, 2026), the global vacation rental market is projected to continue growing from 2025 to 2030, with further expansion expected across revenue, user volume, and online sales share.
- Total market size in 2026: $99.24 billion.
- Projected CAGR: 3.4% (2023–2032).
- Estimated market volume by 2030: $113.66 billion.
- Number of users in 2026: 0.89 billion.
- Number of users by 2030: 1.11 billion.
- User penetration rate in 2026: 11.5%.
- User penetration rate by 2030: 13.6%.
- Average revenue per user: $119.31 in 2025.
- Online sales share in 2026: 74%.
- Top revenue-generating country in 2025: United States — $22 billion.
U.S. Vacation Rental Market Value
The United States remained the largest single-country market in the global vacation rental sector in 2025, generating $19.612 billion in revenue. The U.S. vacation rental market is projected to reach $22.1588 billion by 2033, reflecting a 1.2% CAGR from 2026 to 2033 (Grand View Research).

U.S. Vacation Rental Listing Density in Selected Cities (2025–2026)
- Fort Lauderdale, FL – 10,854 current listings, population 192,338, ≈56.4 listings per 1,000 inhabitants (AirDNA, Florida Population Estimates).
- Honolulu, HI – 10,407 current listings, population 343,229, ≈31.0 listings per 1,000 inhabitants (AirDNA, World Population Review).
- Las Vegas, NV – 22,139 current listings, population 694,501, ≈31.9 listings per 1,000 inhabitants (AirDNA, World Population Review).
- San Francisco, CA – 8,406 current listings, population 803,876, ≈10.5 listings per 1,000 inhabitants (AirDNA, World Population Review).
- Los Angeles, CA – 18,489 current listings, population 3,869,891, ≈4.8 listings per 1,000 inhabitants (AirDNA, World Population Review).
- New York City, NY – 27,022 current listings, population 8,585,000, ≈3.1 listings per 1,000 inhabitants (AirDNA, NYC Department of City Planning).

Vacation Rental Market Value by Country
- Global
– $101.69 billion in 2025.
– Projected to reach $121.94 billion by 2033 at a 3.7% CAGR from 2026 to 2033 (Grand View Research).
- United States
– $19.612 billion in 2025.
– Projected to reach $22.1588 billion by 2033 at a 1.2% CAGR from 2026 to 2033.
– Largest single-country market globally (Grand View Research).
- Europe (overall)
– Accounted for 33.89% of global vacation rental revenue in 2025, equal to roughly $34.46 billion based on the global market size.
– Largest regional market in 2025 (Grand View Research).
- Germany
– $4.8481 billion in 2025.
– Projected to reach $5.5674 billion by 2033 at a 1.4% CAGR from 2026 to 2033.
– One of Europe’s core vacation rental markets (Grand View Research).
- Japan
– $6.4204 billion in 2025.
– Projected to reach $7.8256 billion by 2033 at a 2.2% CAGR from 2026 to 2033.
– One of the largest vacation rental markets in Asia (Grand View Research).
- Australia
– $4.2644 billion in 2025.
– Projected to reach $5.8792 billion by 2033 at a 3.7% CAGR from 2026 to 2033.
– One of the strongest destination markets in the Asia Pacific (Grand View Research).
- Asia-Pacific (regional)
– China generated $13.3637 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $18.1072 billion by 2033 at a 3.5% CAGR from 2026 to 2033.
– The region remains one of the strongest growth areas in the global vacation rental market (Grand View Research).
- Latin America
– Brazil generated $2.3652 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $2.8365 billion by 2033 at a 2.0% CAGR from 2026 to 2033.
– The region is still smaller than Europe and North America, but continues to expand (Grand View Research).
- Middle East & Africa
– The regional market generated $7.4958 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $9.3764 billion by 2033 at a 2.5% CAGR from 2026 to 2033.
– It remains a smaller regional market, with Saudi Arabia expected to post the fastest growth in the region (Grand View Research).
Age-Based Patterns in U.S. Vacation Rental Demand
Recent 2026 survey data show that vacation rental preference in the U.S. is strongest among younger travelers and declines across older generations. The same survey also shows that younger age groups are more likely to plan friend trips, weddings, bachelor or bachelorette parties, concerts, professional sporting events, and work trips in summer 2026, which helps explain stronger vacation rental demand among Gen Z and millennials (Source: Nerdwallet).
Generational Preferences for Vacation Rentals and Hotels:
- Gen Z (ages 18–29): 62% prefer vacation rentals, 38% prefer hotels.
- Millennials (ages 30–45): 60% prefer vacation rentals, 40% prefer hotels.
- Gen X (ages 46–61): 51% prefer vacation rentals, 49% prefer hotels.
- Baby boomers (ages 62–80): 34% prefer vacation rentals, 66% prefer hotels.
Summer 2026 Travel Intentions by Generation:
- Will vacation with friends in 2026: Gen Z 39%, Millennials 26%, Gen X 15%, Baby boomers 16%.
- Will attend a wedding in 2026: Gen Z 14%, Millennials 11%, Gen X 5%, Baby boomers 3%.
- Will attend a bachelor/bachelorette party in 2026: Gen Z 11%, Millennials 5%, Gen X 4%, Baby boomers 0%.
- Will travel to a concert in 2026: Gen Z 20%, Millennials 18%, Gen X 10%, Baby boomers 6%.
- Will travel to a professional sporting event in 2026: Gen Z 22%, Millennials 19%, Gen X 8%, Baby boomers 4%.
- Will travel on a work trip in 2026: Gen Z 19%, Millennials 17%, Gen X 5%, Baby boomers 3%.

Vacation Rental Guest Statistics
In 2026, the U.S. short-term vacation rental market is projected to reach $76.46 billion and grow to $125.14 billion by 2033 at a 7.3% CAGR. Homes remain the largest accommodation type, accounting for 40.2% of market revenue, while online booking continues to dominate with a 96.0% share (Grand View Research).
The latest public U.S. guest research shows that 82% of short-term rental guests compare rentals with hotels when planning leisure travel. The main reasons for booking are more room or space (43%), better value for money (42%), access to a full kitchen and/or laundry (41%), multiple bedrooms (40%), and location (38%) (Expedia Group).
In 2026, the operating environment is expected to become more competitive, with U.S. STR occupancy projected to ease by 1%, available listings forecast to grow by 4.6%, and ADR expected to rise by 1.5% (AirDNA, via PR Newswire).
United States Vacation Rental Demand by Accommodation Type
By 2025, U.S. vacation rental demand was strongest across larger, pet-friendly, and higher-value accommodation segments rather than niche stay formats alone. Demand for 6+ bedroom properties increased by 12.61% year over year, while 5-bedroom properties grew by 10.65% and 3-bedroom properties by 7.48% (AirDNA LinkedIn page).
Pet-friendly listings also showed stronger pricing power, with average daily rates running $17.41 higher on average. At the same time, upscale listings outperformed budget properties on pricing, with ADR up 5.23% year over year for luxury-tier rentals, while budget listings saw ADR decline by 0.33% (AirDNA).
In 2026, the market is expected to remain competitive rather than return to another breakout phase, with available listings projected to grow by 4.6%, ADR by 1.5%, and occupancy easing by about 1% (PR Newswire).
Vacation Rental Booking Sites (OTAs) Statistics
Airbnb Statistics
(Source: Airbnb Newsroom, February 2026)
- Airbnb reports 9M+ active listings worldwide across 150K+ cities and towns in 220+ countries and regions.
- The platform says it has 5M+ hosts and 2.5B+ guest arrivals all-time.
Vrbo (HomeAway) Statistics
(Sources: Vrbo)
- Vrbo says it offers over 2 million bookable vacation rentals worldwide.
TripAdvisor Statistics
(Source: Tripadvisor)
- TripAdvisor says it has over 400 million loyal, active users across 190 countries every month.
- The platform also reports 8+ million locations and 1 billion reviews and opinions.
Vacation Rental Booking Site (OTA) Fees
Here’s a breakdown of the fees charged for using the following service providers to book vacation rental stays. Where platforms do not publish a single universal public fee, the table uses the official wording instead of unsupported fixed percentages.
|
Service Provider |
Fee Structure |
|
5% Commission Fee 3% Payment Processing Fee |
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TripAdvisor itself does not charge service fees to users. Applicable fees depend on the booking partner |
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Commission to hosts (rate varies) + 1%–3.1% payment processing fee |
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Hosts are charged 10-30% |
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Split fee: most hosts pay 3%, guests typically pay 14.1% to 16.5% Single fee: most hosts pay 15.5%, typically 14% to 16% |
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Commission varies by property location and sometimes by payment model |
Further reading: OTA Fees and Commission Rates: In-Depth Guide in 2026 and Best Vacation Rental Software in 2026: 40+ Tools Reviewed.
Short-Term Rental Trends to Watch in 2026
To provide a clearer view of how the vacation rental market is evolving, these are some of the top short-term rental trends shaping 2026.
- Guest expectations keep rising, making service quality, consistency, and personalization more important across the short-term rental market.
- Climate risk, natural disasters, and related operational pressures continue to influence pricing, cancellations, insurance exposure, and market resilience.
Customer Experience is Key for Vacation Rentals in 2026
While 2025 focused heavily on the listing of premium properties, 2026 is proving that high-value amenities and durable structures mean little without tailored experiences and positive reviews to back them up. Vacation rental users want more than just an attractive property with strong amenities. They want to enjoy a seamless, well-managed experience with clear communication and thoughtful service that makes their trip memorable. Expedia Group notes that guest expectations have evolved, and that strong reviews, listing quality, and the overall guest experience play a bigger role as standards keep rising.
As a result of this shift, travelers are becoming more selective about the stays they choose. The stronger signal in 2026 is not simply bigger homes or more amenities, but properties that feel distinctive, well-reviewed, and aligned with the purpose of the trip. Airbnb’s 2026 travel predictions point to growing interest in short international getaways, solo adventures, and nature-led travel, including a 35% increase in interest in U.S. national parks.
Before now, vacation rentals were often judged mainly by space, amenities, and the basic home-away-from-home experience, but the trend has shifted as travelers look for more than standard vacation homes. In 2026, guests are more likely to respond to properties that combine practical comfort with a memorable stay experience, strong positioning, and reliable hospitality rather than simply choosing the property with the most premium features.
Climate Change and Natural Disasters Continue to Play a Major Role
Vacation rentals are still considered by many to be a home-away-from-home option, but the reality in 2026 is that travelers do not want to stay just anywhere, especially if a destination is exposed to hurricanes, flooding, wildfires, or other climate-related disruptions. AirDNA continues to treat climate change as one of the forces shaping short-term rental markets, and this concern is also visible in traveler behavior. In Redpoint’s 2026 Traveler Risk Report, 69% of travelers said they would factor weather risks into future travel decisions.
This shift is not limited to travelers alone. Hosts and property managers in higher-risk markets are also paying closer attention to insurance terms, rebuilding costs, operating risk, and long-term exposure to severe weather events. In 2026, the clearer trend is not simply that guests are becoming more cautious, but that climate risk is playing a larger role in how short-term rental markets are evaluated, priced, and managed.
Vacation Rental Tech Adoption: Tools Hosts Are Using in 2026
Vacation rentals are a highly competitive market, which means hosts must take client management seriously, or they risk being swept away in a crowded space. Leading hosts now use different types of technology, such as smart locks, automation tools, and AI chatbots, to keep travelers happy and offer a seamless experience. Industry market analysis also notes that rapid advances in listing, booking, payment, and rental management technology are improving service quality and operational efficiency across the sector.
The global vacation rental market is estimated to be worth USD 84.02 billion in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 125.50 billion by 2033, growing at a 5.9% CAGR from 2026 to 2033. At the same time, technology adoption is becoming more visible at the operator level. A 2026 short-term rental industry report found that 60,7% of operators used AI in 2025, showing that digital tools are no longer just an added advantage for hosts. These trends underscore the importance of leveraging technology and innovation to meet the evolving expectations of high-value guests.
Vacation Rental Software
Digital solutions have made booking accommodation extremely convenient: travelers can find and book properties in just a few clicks via mobile apps and websites with interactive maps, filters, and reviews. At the same time, tools for owners offer centralized calendar management with two-way synchronization, automated guest communication, dynamic pricing based on market data, and the ability to create their own website and mobile apps for daily operations.
According to Grand View Research, the global property management software market was valued at $3.61 billion in 2025, is expected to reach $3.81 billion in 2026, and is projected to grow to $5.89 billion by 2033, at a 6.4% CAGR from 2026 to 2033.
WiFi Marketing
Wi-Fi marketing has become an important tool for short-term rental companies looking to collect guest contact information and increase direct bookings. StayFi allows property managers to capture contact details from guests who connect to the Wi-Fi network, not just the person who made the booking.
This is done through a branded login page that displays your logo or website instead of sending guests back to an OTA. StayFi integrates with PMS and email marketing tools, supports automated email and SMS campaigns, and provides analytics that help property managers track engagement and build more personalized offers for returning guests.
The system does not require guests to install an app and works with compatible Wi-Fi equipment, giving property owners a practical way to manage guest Wi-Fi while building a stronger direct marketing channel.
Want to capture guest emails automatically in 2026?
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is transforming short-term rental management by automating key processes such as demand forecasting, pricing optimization, and guest communication. Dynamic pricing systems analyze variables such as season, local events, and competitor occupancy rates, and adjust rates in real time. According to AirDNA’s 2026 outlook, U.S. short-term rentals are expected to see only about 0.5% RevPAR growth in 2026, which makes smarter pricing and faster revenue decisions more important for hosts.
AI also helps automatically respond to guest requests, identify potential issues, and segment messages for marketing campaigns. In a more competitive market, these tools are becoming more important not only for improving operational efficiency but also for helping hosts deliver faster, more consistent service across the guest journey.
Cloud-Based Integration
More and more short-term rental owners are choosing cloud platforms because they offer flexibility, ease of use, and scalability for businesses of all sizes. Working in the cloud allows property managers to oversee operations from anywhere, which is especially convenient for teams that work remotely or manage multiple locations. These systems provide centralized calendar management, integration with online booking platforms, payment automation, real-time reporting, and support for team collaboration.
According to DataHorizzon Research (forecast 2025–2033), the vacation rental software market was valued at approximately USD 20.14 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 45.84 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 8.57%. Cloud-based deployment models continue to play a central role in that growth because they offer scalability, cost-effectiveness, and easier remote accessibility for property managers.
Vacation Rental Regulation and Legal Statistics (U.S. + Global)
The global short-term rental market continues its steady rise. Industry estimates show that it reached approximately $101.69 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to about $106.47 billion in 2026. In the United States, the market was estimated at $72.00 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $76.46 billion in 2026.
In the United States, regulation remains one of the main forces shaping short-term rental supply. As reported by New York City’s Office of Special Enforcement, hosts offering stays of fewer than 30 days must register, stay in the unit, and comply with guest limits, while platforms cannot process transactions for unregistered listings. In 2025, the office said that more than 3,000 registrations had been granted and more than 14,000 property owners and managers had placed their buildings on the prohibited list.
In San Antonio, local regulations require every short-term rental inside city limits to have its own permit, and permits are valid for three years. Operators must also report hotel occupancy taxes every month, even if they had no revenue for the period. The current local tax structure includes a 9% city rate and 1.75% county rate, in addition to the 6% state hotel occupancy tax.
At the same time, the legislative framework in Europe is becoming more unified at the EU level. In 2025, guests spent 951.6 million nights in short-stay accommodations booked through major online platforms across the EU. A new EU-wide framework starts applying from 20 May 2026 and is intended to make host registration, property identification, and platform data-sharing more consistent across member states.
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FAQ
What is the outlook for the vacation rental market in 2026?
The vacation rental market is expected to keep growing in 2026, but at a steadier pace than in the earlier rebound period. The article shows slower supply growth in some regions, more moderate U.S. demand growth, modest ADR gains, and a slight occupancy dip, which points to a more mature and selective market environment.
Which vacation rental segments are performing best in 2026?
In the U.S., suburban, coastal, and mountain or lake destinations are among the strongest-performing market types heading into 2026. Larger homes, especially 6+ bedroom properties, are also showing some of the fastest booking growth, while pet-friendly and luxury-tier listings continue to outperform on pricing.
How important are direct bookings and technology for vacation rentals in 2026?
Direct bookings and technology are becoming more important in 2026 because operators need stronger margins, better guest data, and more control over the booking journey. The article notes that many operators now have direct-booking websites, AI use is rising, and direct bookings tend to generate longer stays and longer booking windows than OTA bookings.
What are the biggest risks shaping the vacation rental market in 2026?
The article highlights climate risk, natural disasters, regulation, and operating pressure as some of the biggest risks in 2026. It also shows that travelers are paying more attention to weather-related disruption, while hosts and property managers are watching insurance costs, rebuilding expenses, and local compliance rules more closely.



