Short-Term Rental Market Overview for Des Moines – April 2025
Des Moines short-term rentals are thriving, powered by steady tourism and vibrant local attractions like the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and annual events such as the Iowa State Fair. With the city’s historic East Village and nearby Des Moines Art Center drawing visitors year-round, vacation rentals in Des Moines present compelling opportunities for investors.
Quick Takeaways
- Active Listings: Robust activity with strong year-round demand
- Average Daily Rate (ADR): $149 in April 2025
- Occupancy Rate: 51.7%
- Revenue Trend: $1,800 per listing (latest 12 months)
- Cancellation Policies: Balanced approach across flexible to strict
- Strategy Tip: Capitalize on seasonal demand and adapt to booking trends
Core Market Metrics and Investor Insights
Des Moines’s short-term rental market shows strong potential in April 2025. The average daily rate stands at $149, reflecting solid pricing power. Occupancy is at 51.7%, indicating healthy demand. Total revenue approaches $1,800 per listing for the latest twelve months. These key metrics reveal promising opportunities for investors seeking stable returns. Our analysis explores what drives these numbers and future market trends.
From April 2024 to March 2025, ADR decreased slightly, while occupancy fluctuated with no clear trend. Revenue showed volatility, decreasing from April’s $1,737 to March’s $1,785. Despite inconsistent occupancy, rising ADR earlier in the period contributed to higher revenues, indicating recovery potential. The current trend suggests stability with room for growth as markets adapt. Overall, the data reflects a cautiously optimistic outlook for short-term rental performance in the upcoming months.
Seasonal Patterns and Booking Strategies
The quarterly booking trends in Des Moines reveal consistent guest demand throughout the year, with steady occupancy across all quarters. Summer and early fall show peak activity, highlighting seasonal peaks aligned with favorable weather and local events. The sustained availability in Q4 suggests strong year-round interest, with shorter booking lead times indicating proactive traveler planning. For STR investors, these patterns underscore the importance of capitalizing on seasonal peaks while maintaining occupancy in off-peak periods through targeted marketing and flexible pricing strategies.
Understanding Guest Preferences and Flexibility
Des Moines hosts exhibit a balanced approach to cancellation policies, indicating diverse guest preferences and caution. Nearly equal shares of listings impose flexible, moderate, or strict terms, revealing a strategic mix of offering flexibility while managing risk. The predominance of 1- and 2-night stays shows high short-term demand driven by seasonal or spontaneous travel. Savvy investors should consider flexible policies or targeting short stays to maximize occupancy and revenue amid evolving guest expectations.
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Explore Available Vacation Rentals
Market for Des Moines vacation rentals continues to expand, with a diverse range of properties meeting various guest needs. To see available rental inventory and analyze the competition, check out this curated selection: browse listings in Des Moines.
Conclusion: Why Invest Now?
Vacation demand in Des Moines remains steady, with solid returns and dynamic traveler behavior presenting attractive opportunities for STR investing in Des Moines. Stay ahead of market trends and local insights—subscribe below for monthly updates, market reports, and actionable tips!
