What's Happening to Raleigh-Durham NC Short Term Rentals? Updated Airdna Data

[Benjamin Carver]

What's Happening to Raleigh-Durham NC Short-Term Rentals? Updated Airdna Data

Demand and Revenue Are Up

Demand for short-term rentals in Raleigh-Durham is seeing a strong uptick. Occupancy rates have risen to 55%, a 5% increase from the previous year, signaling that more guests are booking and staying in the area. Alongside this, Revenue per Available Listing (RevPAR) has also increased by 7%, bringing the average to $96.08. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) now sits at $173.45, up 2% year-over-year.

What does this mean for investors? More guests are booking, they’re paying slightly more for their stays, and listings are overall earning more. This highlights that the market is seeing stronger performance and increasing demand—especially as visitors flock to Raleigh-Durham for both leisure and business purposes with RTP. 

Is the Triangle TOO Saturated?

With 4,443 active listings in the Raleigh-Durham area, the market has seen a 13% increase in supply over the past year, indicating growing interest but also more competition. However, demand remains strong, evidenced by the data above, showing the market is absorbing new listings.

One key factor to consider is that 43% of listings are available for only 1-90 nights per year, suggesting many STRs are short-term and not year-round competitors.

While the market is growing, it's not overly saturated if investors are strategic about pricing, targeting the right guests, and offering a unique experience.

What Types of Rentals Are Working Best in Raleigh-Durham?

With over 4,443 active short-term rental listings in the Raleigh-Durham market, not all listings are created equal. Here’s what’s outperforming:

🏠 Entire Home Rentals Dominate

• 80% of listings are entire homes, and I believe rent by the room short term rentals are still widely underserved.

• Entire places generate $31.5K/year in revenue on average (vs. $22.4K for apartments or $27.9K overall).

• RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Rental): $96.08, up 7%

🛏️ 1–3 Bedroom Properties See the Most Activity

• 1-bedroom units: 39% of the market

• 2-bedroom: 23%

• 3-bedroom: 25%

These units hit the sweet spot for traveling professionals, couples, and small families—providing value and space without overwhelming costs.

📈 Property Management?

• Professionally Managed: $208.42 ADR (up 4%) vs. market avg $173.45

How STR Investors Can Still Win in Raleigh-Durham

1. Buy Right or Wait

With an Investability score of just 31, it’s clear cash-flowing deals are harder to find. Overpaying is a fast track to disappointment and you have to be much pickier about the property and the LOCATION.

2. Focus on Year-Round Utility

That Seasonality score of 93 is gold—capitalize by marketing your STR for both:

• Leisure travel (weekend getaways, events, family visits)

• Business/professional stays (hospitals, universities, tech & pharma)

3. Keep Your Listing Competitive

The average guest stay is just 3.3 days, with a 38-day booking lead time, so:

• Nail your pricing strategy with dynamic tools

• Use strong visuals, instant booking, and clear cleaning protocols

• Turnover needs to be FAST, Consistent, and same-day

• Final Thoughts

  The Raleigh-Durham STR market isn't dying—it's maturing. Investors who adapt to the data, optimize their operations, and stay sharp on regulations are still seeing cash flow and long-term upside.

  Want help evaluating an STR deal in Raleigh? Let's connect