Looking to buy a short term rental in the St Augustine area

[Alan C.]

I was looking to purchase a STR in the St Augustine area. I am seeking guidance on what type of homes do best and which locations generate the best rental returns. I read that finding good cleaners and handymen are more challenging here. Any advice would be much appreciated.

[Nancy Bachety]

St. Augustine is a year round destination because of its history, easy to get to location for most  of the population, wedding venues and the ocean. Lots of reasons bringing diverse folks for various reasons year round. I can't speak for other owners but here's our experience. 

We have a 4 br house walkable to the city and we just put a pool in. Our guests stay for a week minimum in the summer and holidays easily, and we just had a two week stay for Christmas. Jan Feb and September have slower demand. We could fill it every weekend year round for 3 nights with people like John because they can walk over the bridge  of Lions to their wedding. Beachfront is harder to justify in the off-season for a week but not in the downtown area, from what I see.

Cleaners aren't a problem. Pay the good ones well. Find the right realtor too.

Great location either way, good luck.