As a property investor, you want to get the best return on your investment. This is the goal that dictates all the other steps and decisions along the way. Often enough, deciding between the long term rental and short term rental strategies becomes a considerable stumbling block.
While the location is a crucial aspect of picking a rental property, you also have to think about your investment strategy. Some properties work better for long-term tenancies, others are great for short-term stays.
In the following paragraphs, we’ll cover the main pros and cons of both strategies. You’ll learn why some landlords prefer one over the other and get some food for thought before making your own strategic choices.
Advantages of Short-Term Rentals
Higher potential income
The nightly rates enjoyed by short-term rental providers can provide a significantly higher income compared to long-term rental properties. However, if your rental home is situated in a distinctly seasonal region, your losses during the low season are going to decrease the financial rewards.
Less wear and tear
Personal use
You can use the property for your own vacations. It’s easy to block off some dates in the calendar to enjoy some much-needed vacation time. You could save a considerable amount of money on accommodation that way.
Advantages of Long-Term Rentals
Fewer advertising needs
You need to constantly ramp up your marketing efforts in order to keep your short-term rentals occupied. But when you have a long-term rental property, you just need to find that one quality tenant for your financial needs.
Free from utility payments
When you have a long-term tenant residing in your property, this person will pay for their water and electricity. This is a luxury that you can’t enjoy when you have guests staying for a week or two.
Improved cash flow stability
Long-term rentals allow you to enjoy a peace of mind because your year-long lease will provide a steady income. You don’t have to stress over unexpected seasonal changes or travel restrictions.
When Is Long Term Better Than a Short Term Rental?
You need a stable rental income
Whenever you need to have a stable passive income from your rental properties, it’s a good idea to opt for the long-term tenancy strategy. That’s because short-term rentals usually see wild fluctuations based on the ebbs and flows of seasonal interest.
Keep in mind that you could have a sustainable short-term rental income in some major cities across the U.S. However, as the recent times have shown, unexpected travel restrictions could affect short-term rentals even in year-round destinations.
You want more time for yourself
It’s no secret that even long-term rentals demand a considerable amount of time and attention. But short-term rental properties require even more of your time due to the constant turnover of renters.
At least when you have chosen the long-term way of moving forward with your investment, you won’t have to constantly think about cleaning, marketing, and getting ready to host your next guests.
No legal challenges
Time and time again, short-term rentals have raised some legal concerns and even court battles across the country. Some people and local governments demand more regulation in this growing industry.
Traditional long-term rental properties represent a more established sector of the rental housing market. There is less friction between the municipalities and Airbnb-style rental homes.
Long-term rentals and short-term rentals have their respective pros and cons. Pick a long-term rental strategy if you want to have more time to yourself and choose income stability over the prospect of higher earnings. For even more time to yourself, invest in hiring a property management company like RPM Limitless for your property.