Episode 201 - The STR Reset: Why 2026 Could Be the Best Entry Window in Years

🎙️ PEAK SEASON PODCAST


THE AIRDNA 2026 OUTLOOK: WHY THE NEXT STR BUYING WINDOW MIGHT BE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

In this episode, Luke Miller and Tyler K break down the latest AirDNA 2026 Outlook and what it means for short-term rental owners, investors, and operators heading into the next cycle.

We unpack a rare convergence of market forces—falling mortgage rates, stabilizing home prices, and recovering travel demand—that could create one of the most attractive entry points the STR industry has seen in years. If you’ve been feeling whiplash from the past couple seasons, this episode brings clarity, context, and a little calm to the chaos.

Spoiler: the sky isn’t falling… but the smart money is getting more selective.

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🔑 KEY TOPICS COVERED

Why AirDNA sees 2026 as a pivotal reset year for short-term rentals
What really happened in 2025 (and why it felt so weird)
How interest rates and housing affordability are quietly reshaping opportunity
The difference between headline doom and on-the-ground data
Where demand is strongest heading into the next growth cycle
Why some investors exiting the market may actually be good news for you


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📌 KEY TAKEAWAYS

📉 Mortgage rates easing + home prices stabilizing = real buying opportunities
📈 Demand rebounded in 2025, even as momentum softened late in the year
🏡 Occupancy is expected to rise modestly by the end of 2025
💰 ADRs have largely stabilized, with holidays propping up pricing
🚪 Some over-leveraged operators are exiting—creating less competition and better deals
🗓️ 2026 is shaping up as a prime entry window for disciplined investors
🌊 Mountain, lake, and coastal markets remain long-term demand winners
🔮 2027 could mark a broader economic and travel demand rebound


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⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 – Introduction to the AirDNA 2026 Outlook
01:44 – 2025 Recap: Demand, Occupancy, and Market Reality
06:09 – What 2026–2027 Could Actually Look Like
12:15 – The Economic Backdrop (Without the Doom Loop)
14:14 – Housing Affordability & Investor Opportunity
19:18 – How to Think About Timing the Market
25:45 – Final Thoughts: Positioning for the Next Cycle
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⚠️ DISCLAIMER

The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Luke Miller and Tyler K are not attorneys, accountants, or financial advisors, and nothing discussed on this show should be considered legal, tax, or investment advice. All investing involves risk, and listeners should conduct their own due diligence and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial or business decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.