AirDNA Survey Shows STR Buying Activity Concentrated Among Scaled Operators

3/2/2026

AirDNA’s initial Short-Term Rental Investor Survey shows US acquisition activity is increasingly concentrated among experienced, multiproperty operators, signaling a maturing and more selective market rather than a downturn. Based on responses from more than 650 participants in late 2025, the survey found investors with five or more properties—especially those with 10 or more—are far more likely to buy again in the next year, while single-property owners show limited appetite. STR supply grew a measured 3.3% in 2025, reflecting disciplined expansion. Rising prices, interest rates, operating costs, and regulation remain key hurdles, yet many seasoned operators still plan to acquire, often using DSCR loans, portfolio loans, or private financing instead of traditional mortgages, according to AirDNA.

ShortTermRentalz (02/25/26) Priya Khaira