Vacation Rental Mastery Series Part 2: Maximize Your Rental Income
We're back again! And if you're reading this, that means you are, too. So, welcome back to Part 2 of our series: Rental Property Investment and Ownership. If you missed our first post on the current state of the rental market, you can catch up here.
In this installment, we're focusing on helping owners maximize their rental income in 2025. With many new owners entering the 30A vacation rental market, now is the perfect time to optimize your property to generate the highest return. Whether you’re using your beach retreat as a second home or as a pure investment, these best practices will help you boost your rental potential and guest satisfaction.
Let's explore the best ways to maximize rental income!
Maximize Your Rental Income in 2025
To stand out in a competitive market, it’s essential to understand that guests look for vacation properties that are nicer than their own homes—especially on 30A. Here are the top 5 strategies to help you maximize your rental income in 2025.
Bright and Inviting Spaces
When guests are searching for a vacation rental, they want spaces that feel bright, updated, and modern. A fresh coat of paint and light, airy décor can dramatically change the feel of a room. Opt for light-colored or white furniture and fixtures to make the space feel open and inviting. Consider updating your light fixtures and swapping out old bulbs for brighter, energy-efficient options.
Pro tip: Think about what comes to mind when you envision a “beach house” – sunshine, clean white walls, and bright natural light. Creating this aesthetic will appeal to vacationers seeking a coastal escape.
A Well-Equipped Kitchen Wins Hearts
Our Walking on Sunshine Emerald Coast Vacation Rental has a well-stocked kitchen, as well as plenty of seating room for guests!
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and for vacationers, a well-stocked and stylish kitchen can elevate their stay. Consider upgrading to high-end appliances, adding convenient tools like Keurig coffee makers, and ensuring the kitchen has all the essentials for a stress-free meal experience. Luxury touches such as a wine fridge or ice maker can be added value.
At Benchmark, we take a full inventory of your home and provide personalized recommendations based on guest feedback. This way, your kitchen can offer a first-class experience without requiring extravagant investments.
Bigger, Smarter TVs = Happier Guests
The TV in the living room of The Palm House, one of our Emerald Coast Vacation Rentals, allows guests to relax and watch their favorite shows and movies.
Rainy days happen, even at the beach. Guests want entertainment options, and a large, high-quality TVs in the living room is a must. For happy guests, make sure the living room has a TV big enough for the whole family to watch together, and offer Smart TVs with access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+. Some homes have TVs in bedrooms, as well, to give guests even more opportunities to kick back and watch their favorite show. While it isn't necessary to have a TV in every single room, our general rule of thumb is the more, the merrier!
Bonus Tip: Having a Blu-Ray player or some family-friendly DVDs available is a nice touch, especially for families with younger children.
Make Convenience Your Top Priority
Guests choose vacation rentals for comfort and convenience. Make their stay as easy and enjoyable as possible by providing features that make family vacations stress-free. Private pools, screened-in porches, and thoughtful touches like a welcome basket with snacks or beach toys are all ways to stand out.
However, avoid providing items that can break or get lost easily (e.g., beach wagons or expensive towels). Instead, offer simple but memorable gestures, like a basket of local wine, beach toys, or snacks upon arrival.They'll remember your thoughtfulness when they go to book their vacation next year!
Pro Tip: If you're listing with Benchmark, we can handle the delivery and setup of these thoughtful touches for your guests.
Increase Sleeping Capacity
Check out the cleverly placed bunk beds in our Emerald Coast Vacation Rental 3 By the Sea. Kids will love setups like this, and your property opens up to large groups and famlies.
One of the easiest ways to boost rental income is by increasing the sleeping capacity of your home. Bunk beds, sleeper sofas, and larger beds are great options to make the most of your space. If you have two rooms with full-size beds, upgrading to king beds and adding a bunk bed or sleeper sofa can instantly raise your occupancy and appeal to larger families or groups.
Maximize Flexibility: A home with a bunk room for kids, multiple king rooms for adults, and a sleeper sofa in the living room offers flexibility and can accommodate up to 10 guests or more. Plus, don’t underestimate the importance of mattress quality—guests always appreciate a good night’s sleep!
Ready to Take Your Emerald Coast Vacation Rental to the Next Level?
These strategies are designed to help you make thoughtful updates that will have a big impact on your rental income in 2025. Every little upgrade you make has the potential to increase both guest satisfaction and your rental revenue.
If you have any questions or would like personalized advice, we’re here to help! Contact us at listwithus@benchmark30a.com for a rental projection. Our projections are based on deep knowledge of our portfolio, as well as outside data from across 30A. Additionally, check out our Property Management Page to explore even more ways we strive to help our owners have the best experience possible.
Follow along to Part 3: "Our Onboarding Process" as we walk you through the step-by-step process of onboarding your rental property. Part 4 will help you decide which Property Management company is the best fit for you!