Vacation Rental Mastery Series - Part 1

Vacation Rental Mastery Series Part 1: State of the Market

Are you thinking about buying an investment property? The benefits to making such an investment are huge: you can increase your income and have a second home to plan vacations in...sounds like a pretty sweet deal. While it may seem daunting, owning a vacation rental can be quite simple when you work with the right property management company! We wanted to start a series about property management to help owners and prospective owners better understand our process and the industry at large.

So, here we are! This piece is part one of our new 4-part blog series: Investment & Ownership. You've come in at a great time—with record-high sales prices and record-low inventories, it isn’t hard to notice how hot the real estate market is right now. Long-time owners are taking the opportunity to sell, and people looking to break into the rental game are making their first purchases (hey, that could be you!). Throughout this series, we'll be sharing our knowledge and providing expert insights and advice for this evolving rental market.

To kick off our Property Management Series, let's focus on the state of the rental market.

Post-COVID Trends and Market Shifts

We would be remiss not to mention the effect of COVID on the real estate/property management market. In the wake of the pandemic, vacation rentals became a lifeline for families seeking safe, private getaways. The surge in demand from 2021 through 2024 was driven largely by domestic travel, especially road trips to popular beach destinations like 30A, Destin, and Panama City Beach. For much of this period, short-term rentals consistently outperformed other sectors of the hospitality industry, with occupancy rates and ADR (average daily rate) reaching record highs. Let's take a look at some numners:

Emerald Coast Real Estate and Short-Term Rental Market Data (2024)

What to Expect in 2025: Consumer Trends and Forecasts

Guests appreciate luxury amenities like pools more than ever in the current market.This one is accessed from our 448 Beach Bike Way Rental.

Longer Stays:

Post-COVID, many travelers are opting for extended vacations, with families and remote workers seeking longer stays. This trend is likely to continue in 2025, which is great news! Long term renters are wonderful guests to have, and if we do our job right, they'll turn into loyal returning renters. 

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Amenities:

Eco-conscious travelers are looking for properties with sustainable features, such as solar energy systems and energy-efficient appliances. Investing in greener sources of energy is definitely the path forward, so if you need to make some upgrades in your vacation rental home, we recommend doing some research into the most energy-efficient options.

Luxury and Personalized Experiences:

Guests are willing to pay more for unique experiences, private pools, beach access, and concierge services. Personalized experiences will help properties stand out. They want a trip they'll remember for a lifetime, something unique that will stand out from their past hotel stays! Whatever you can do to make an experience personal goes a long way. Our luxury vacation rentals feature a wide range of amenities, with everything from private pools to golf carts guests can ride. 

How Benchmark Helps You Stay Ahead:

At Benchmark Management, we stay well-informed so that we can provide our owners with the most up-to-date information possible. It's not just a flurry of indeterminable numbers, we understand these market trends and use real-time data to provide our homeowners with the most accurate rental projections. While many companies rely on generic estimates, we take a personalized approach based on actual rental data from our portfolio and comprehensive market analysis.

Accurate, Data-Driven Projections:

We provide projections that reflect the true performance potential of each property, ensuring our clients make informed decisions.

Comprehensive Marketing Strategies:

Our marketing team creates high-quality listings and targeted campaigns across leading vacation rental platforms. Nearly 70% of our bookings come through direct channels.

Full-Service Property Management:

From onboarding to guest communications, maintenance, and cleaning, Benchmark offers a complete property management solution, tailored to your needs.

Planning for the Future

While the rental market is performing well now, it’s important for homeowners to prepare for potential shifts in demand. With new travel options and increased competition, staying adaptable is key to long-term success.

At Benchmark, we believe that being proactive and informed is the best way to navigate a dynamic market. Whether you’re a seasoned owner or new to the rental game, we’re here to help you succeed in 2025 and beyond.

Choose Benchmark Management For All of Your Property Management Needs!

Benchmark Management Emerald Coast Vacation Rental "A Lovely Day"

Alright, now that you’re becoming a master of the trade and learning all the ins and outs of property management, are you thinking about investing in a property? The Emerald Coast is a standout choice for a vacation rental home. With endless activities for guests to partake in and gorgeous ocean views, it’s no wonder why!

When it comes to property management on the Emerald Coast, we’re the experts. So let us help! With years of industry experience and the numbers to back up our word, you’re in good hands.

Interested in listing your property? Send us an email listwithus@benchmark30a.com and browse our full property management page here.

Follow along for Part 2: "Maximize Your Rental Income" where we’ll discuss actionable tips for optimizing your opportunities in 2025! Don't miss Part 3: "Our Onboarding Process" or Part 4: "Finding the Right Property Manager", either. You'll be a true master by the end of this series!