Austin Short-Term Rentals Market Outlook: April 2025
Austin remains a top destination for music lovers, foodies, and outdoor enthusiasts — from the iconic SXSW Festival and the scenic Lady Bird Lake to the bustling nightlife along Sixth Street. As travel rebounds and demand for unique stays grows, Austin short-term rentals continue to attract both visitors and savvy investors seeking rewarding opportunities in this vibrant city.
Quick Takeaways
- Active STR Listings: Over 15,000 active properties
- Average Daily Rate (ADR): $225 in April 2025
- Occupancy: 58% in April; recent growth up to 67.7%
- Monthly Revenue: $2,794 per listing in April; annual revenue up to $3,639
- Booking Trends: Longer lead times, strong summer Q1, sharp decline in Q3
- Cancellation Policies: Strict options favored, consider flexibility for off-season gains
Core Market Highlights and Trends
Austin’s short-term rental market shows strong performance in April 2025. The average daily rate (ADR) stands at $225, attracting steady bookings. Occupancy rates hover around 58%, indicating consistent demand. Total revenue reaches nearly $2,794 per listing for the month. These key metrics highlight Austin’s resilience and growth potential for investors. In this report, we’ll analyze what these numbers mean for market opportunities and future trends.
From April 2024 to March 2025, ADR decreased slightly from $244 to $245, showing stability. Occupancy declined from 65.5% to 67.7%, indicating increased demand. Revenue rose from $3,388 to $3,639, reflecting growing market strength. Overall, despite minor ADR fluctuations, consistent occupancy gains and revenue growth suggest a positive outlook for the market’s continued recovery.
Understanding Seasonal Demand in Austin
Austin’s short-term rental market exhibits a clear summer peak in guest demand, with Q1 seeing strong bookings that sharply decline through Q2 and Q3, indicating seasonal trends favoring warmer months. The substantial drop in booked nights in Q3 suggests a slowdown heading into fall, with Q4 showing minimal demand—highlighting the importance of timing for investor planning. Extended lead times in booking patterns are evident, emphasizing the need for strategic pricing and marketing to maximize occupancy during peak seasons and mitigate offseason lows.
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Strategies for Smarter STR Investing in Austin
Austin hosts favor strict and super strict cancellation policies, indicating risk-averse strategies. Most listings enforce minimum stays of one to two nights, with a significant portion accommodating longer-term guests. This pattern suggests cautious planning around seasonal demand and guest reliability. Investors should consider offering flexible options to attract more spontaneous travelers or target longer-term stays for stability during seasonal fluctuations.
Explore and Invest – Make the Most of Austin
To get a feel for the local market for Austin vacation rentals, explore stays in Austin and see how top-performing properties are positioned. Draw inspiration from the city’s dynamic culture — attend events at the LBJ Presidential Library, catch live music at Austin City Limits Music Festival, or visit the celebrated Blanton Museum of Art. These attractions fuel year-round vacation demand in Austin and add value to well-located short-term rental properties.
Conclusion: Stay Ahead in Austin’s Short-Term Rental Market
Austin’s STR outlook remains bright for investor-minded owners with an eye for timing and strategic pricing. High occupancy, solid revenue, and year-round tourism create ample opportunity — and the best insights go to those who track the data. Subscribe to our newsletter for monthly STR insights, actionable tips, and the latest local trends.
