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Smart Buying Tips for Vacation Rentals

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Smart Buying Tips for Vacation Rentals

To maximize your investment returns, look for properties in prime destinations that offer high-demand features like pools, hot tubs, or scenic views. Prioritize locations with lower overhead to boost your capitalization rate.

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To maximize your investment returns, look for properties in prime destinations that offer high-demand features like pools, hot tubs, or scenic views. Prioritize locations with lower overhead to boost your capitalization rate.
It’s also crucial to team up with a real estate agent who knows the short-term rental landscape and local laws. Property managers such as Vacasa can offer guidance before buying by providing rental forecasts and market analysis.

1. North Myrtle Beach, SC

Relaxed Coastal Living with Steady Demand
Where: At the northern tip of South Carolina’s Grand Strand.
Property Highlights: Sought-after condos with Atlantic views, direct beach access, and oceanfront amenities including pools and hot tubs.
Guest Trends: Roughly 78% of travelers come for beach time, followed closely by food experiences.
By the Numbers:
  • Cap Rate: 8.10%
  • Average Revenue: $27,603
  • Median Home Price: $360,747

2. Dauphin Island, AL

Charming Island with Big Group Appeal
Where: A barrier island south of Mobile, Alabama.
Property Highlights: Spacious homes with wrap-around decks, open layouts, and multiple bedrooms ideal for families.
Guest Trends: Nearly half of visitors are either couples or large groups.
By the Numbers:
  • Cap Rate: 8.00%
  • Average Revenue: $53,293
  • Median Home Price: $645,330

3. Okaloosa Island, FL

Emerald Coast Gem with Strong Occupancy
Where: Nestled between Destin and Fort Walton Beach on Santa Rosa Island.
Property Highlights: Condos with expansive pools and easy beach access dominate the rental landscape.
Guest Trends: 60% of bookings stretch beyond four nights.
By the Numbers:
  • Cap Rate: 7.70%
  • Average Revenue: $50,292
  • Median Home Price: $654,494

4. Hatteras Island, NC

Secluded Shores with Long-Term Visitors
Where: Part of North Carolina’s Outer Banks barrier islands.
Property Highlights: Larger rentals with private pools and hot tubs are popular due to limited hotel options.
Guest Trends: A majority of guests stay for a week or longer.
By the Numbers:
  • Cap Rate: 7.30%
  • Average Revenue: $58,862
  • Median Home Price: $805,585

5. Girdwood, AK

Mountain Escape with Weekend Appeal
Where: Approximately 45 minutes from Anchorage, Alaska.
Property Highlights: Slope-side condos with panoramic mountain views are in high demand.
Guest Trends: 61% of bookings are short getaways of two to three nights.
By the Numbers:
  • Cap Rate: 7.20%
  • Average Revenue: $34,797
  • Median Home Price: $485,429

6. Navarre, FL

Underrated Gulf Coast Sanctuary
Where: Between Pensacola and Destin on Florida’s Emerald Coast.
Property Highlights: Condos with ocean views and pools are in high demand—though “oceanfront” is the keyword travelers search for.
Guest Trends: Most visitors travel in pairs or small families, favoring condos over homes.
By the Numbers:
  • Cap Rate: 7.10%
  • Average Revenue: $43,439
  • Median Home Price: $618,863

7. Gatlinburg, TN

Gateway to the Smokies with Year-Round Appeal
Where: In Eastern Tennessee, near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Property Highlights: Rustic cabins with fireplaces, hot tubs, and large porches are a hit with family groups.
Guest Trends: Short getaways are the norm—63% of bookings are for 2–3 nights.
By the Numbers:
  • Cap Rate: 6.90%
  • Average Revenue: $42,708
  • Median Home Price: $633,162

8. North Topsail Beach, NC

Peaceful Coastal Living for Larger Groups
Where: The northern end of Topsail Island, near Wilmington, NC.
Property Highlights: Expansive beachfront homes designed for larger families or groups, with premium ocean views.
Guest Trends: 33% of stays involve seven or more guests, and nearly half are for a week or longer.
By the Numbers:
  • Cap Rate: 6.70%
  • Average Revenue: $54,864
  • Median Home Price: $831,397

9. Corolla, NC

Upscale Outer Banks Destination
Where: In northern Outer Banks, between Currituck Sound and the Atlantic.
Property Highlights: High-end houses with beach access, pools, and luxurious touches are common.
Guest Trends: Multi-family groups are typical, and 88% of bookings exceed five nights.
By the Numbers:
  • Cap Rate: 6.60%
  • Average Revenue: $80,785
  • Median Home Price: $1,219,361

10. Truro, MA

Quiet Cape Cod Charm for Couples
Where: The Outer Cape region, at Cape Cod’s northern edge.
Property Highlights: Homes nestled in the woods or near the Cape Cod National Seashore with bay views are highly desirable.
Guest Trends: Mostly couples—about 65% of stays are for two guests.
By the Numbers:
  • Cap Rate: 6.60%
  • Average Revenue: $41,252
  • Median Home Price: $636,400

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