Raleigh’s Airbnb market is thriving in 2025. Here’s what you need to know:
- Occupancy Rates: Average 65%, ranging from 58% to 70.6%. Top-tier properties exceed 85%.
- Revenue Growth: 26.5% year-over-year, with average annual revenue of $29,532 per property.
- Seasonality: High demand in spring and summer (April–July), with May being the most profitable month. January sees the lowest occupancy.
- Listings: 1,721 active properties as of March 2025, making Raleigh the second-largest market in North Carolina after Charlotte.
- Property Types: 80.1% are entire homes, with 3-bedroom properties being the most popular (26.7%).
To succeed, focus on dynamic pricing, professional management, and compliance with local regulations. Hosts in Raleigh have strong opportunities for growth by aligning strategies with seasonal trends and guest preferences.
What Are Airbnb Occupancy Rates
Airbnb occupancy rates show how often your rental property is booked compared to the total nights it’s available. Essentially, it’s the percentage of time your listing is earning money instead of sitting empty.
This metric is a big deal for your earnings. As Daniela Andreevska from Mashvisor points out:
The Airbnb occupancy rate is one of the crucial factors for the success of a vacation rental as it directly affects revenue and ROI.
When your occupancy rate goes up, so do your rental income and return on investment.
For hosts in Raleigh, understanding occupancy rates is key. It helps you see how your property stacks up against the local market and highlights areas where you might improve.
How to Calculate Occupancy Rates
Figuring out your Airbnb occupancy rate is simple. Here’s the formula:
(Booked Nights ÷ Available Nights) × 100%.
For example, if your property was available for 300 nights last year and booked for 180 nights, the calculation would be:
(180 ÷ 300) × 100% = 60%.
This calculation only factors in paid bookings.
There’s also an adjusted occupancy rate, which looks at the percentage of nights booked based on the nights you actually made your property available. This gives a clearer view of how well your listing is performing.
Once you know your occupancy rate, it’s easier to analyze what’s driving it and make adjustments.
What Affects Occupancy Rates
Several factors play a role in how often your Raleigh rental gets booked.
Seasonality is a major influence. In Raleigh, demand tends to peak during spring and summer. Events like the Dreamville Festival and Brewgaloo in April, Artsplosure in May, Out! Raleigh Pride in June, and GalaxyCon Raleigh in July draw visitors and boost bookings.
Location within Raleigh also makes a difference. For example, properties in Downtown Raleigh often see occupancy rates as high as 78%. Check out the table below for a breakdown of occupancy rates and average daily rates by neighborhood:
| Neighborhood | Average Occupancy Rate | Average Daily Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Raleigh | 78% | $165 |
| Glenwood South | 72% | $130 |
| North Hills | 68% | $180 |
| Oakwood | 65% | $120 |
| Cameron Village | 70% | $110 |
Amenities are another big factor. Listings with features like pools, hot tubs, air conditioning, self-check-in options, and pet-friendly accommodations tend to attract more guests. Properties offering these perks often enjoy higher occupancy rates.
Finally, your pricing strategy is crucial. If your rates are too high, you might scare off potential bookings. On the other hand, setting prices too low can hurt your overall revenue, even if your occupancy rate looks good. Striking the right balance between occupancy and revenue is key.
In the short-term rental market, an occupancy rate of 55% or higher is generally considered solid. With Raleigh’s market often exceeding this benchmark, local hosts have plenty of opportunities to achieve strong, profitable occupancy levels.
Raleigh Airbnb Occupancy Trends for 2025
In 2025, Raleigh’s Airbnb market shows strong performance metrics. Listings average 226 booked nights annually, with an occupancy rate between 62% and 65%, and an impressive 26.5% year-over-year revenue growth. By March 2025, Raleigh had grown to 1,721 active Airbnb listings. These numbers provide a solid foundation for understanding how seasonality impacts performance.
Occupancy rates vary significantly depending on property quality. Top-tier properties in the highest 10% reach occupancy rates of 85% or more, while strong performers in the top 25% maintain rates of 72% or higher. Meanwhile, average properties hover around 53% occupancy, and entry-level listings see rates closer to 30%.
High and Low Season Patterns
Raleigh’s seasonal trends are consistent, making it easier for hosts to fine-tune pricing and availability. July sees the highest demand, while January marks the lowest occupancy rates.
The high season spans May through September, with peak months averaging $3,370 in monthly revenue, 54% occupancy, and $143 daily rates. Conversely, the low season runs from December through February, with January being the least profitable month. During these months, hosts typically earn $2,198 in monthly revenue, with occupancy dipping to 45%, though daily rates rise to $157.
Interestingly, while occupancy drops during the low season, daily rates climb. This suggests that winter visitors, often business travelers or event attendees, are willing to pay higher prices for accommodations. On the other hand, April sees the highest daily rates, while August offers the lowest, reflecting a summer focus on attracting higher volumes of guests rather than charging premium prices. As of May 2025, the average daily rate stands at $128, paired with a 65% occupancy rate.
Market Recovery After COVID-19
Raleigh’s short-term rental market has bounced back strongly post-pandemic, with seasonal trends reinforced by a broader recovery.
In 2023, visitor spending in Wake County hit a record $3.3 billion, an 11.4% increase from 2022. Hotel tax collections also reached an all-time high of $38.1 million, up 15.6% year-over-year.
Wit Tuttle, executive director at VisitNC, highlighted the rise of short-term rentals:
Probably the biggest change we’re seeing post-COVID is that short-term rentals have become a huge force in the industry. They’ve always been important in the mountains and on the coast, but they have grown across-the-board as many people experienced them for the first time during COVID. And it doesn’t look like they are slowing down.
The demand for vacation rental stays grew 62% from 2019 through 2022. While traditional hotels saw a 1.9% decline in 2023, short-term rentals rose by 3.5%.
With leisure travel hitting record levels in North Carolina and Raleigh’s reputation as a burgeoning tech hub, both business and leisure travel continue to fuel demand year-round. This steady demand helps Raleigh sustain solid occupancy rates, even during slower months.
The typical Raleigh Airbnb host now earns $30,000 in annual revenue, with guests booking an average of 34 days in advance. This advance booking window gives hosts better opportunities to optimize pricing and manage their properties effectively, ensuring continued growth for the market in 2025.
How to Increase Your Occupancy Rates
Raleigh’s 65% occupancy rate has room for improvement by focusing on three main strategies: smart pricing, professional property management, and strict adherence to local regulations. Let’s break down how each of these can help boost your numbers.
Set the Right Prices and Availability
Adjusting your pricing strategy can make a huge difference. Hosts who use dynamic pricing – adjusting rates based on market trends – tend to outperform those who stick to fixed rates. In Raleigh, the average daily rate is $128, and aligning your pricing with this benchmark while staying flexible can increase bookings.
Pricing expert Scott Sage explains:
Event pricing is about timing. Demand moves in waves, and knowing when to adjust prices is key to maximizing revenue without losing bookings.
To optimize your pricing, consider event-driven strategies. For example, adjust rates during early booking periods, mid-planning surges, and last-minute reservation windows. Seasonal pricing is also essential – higher rates during peak demand and lower rates during slower periods can help maintain steady bookings. Keep an eye on your booking pace; if similar properties are filling up quickly, it might be time to raise your rates. On the other hand, slow booking activity may signal the need for a price reduction to stay competitive.
Use Professional Co-Hosting Services
Professional co-hosting services can take your property management to the next level. While these services typically cost 20%-30% of your monthly income, they can significantly improve both your occupancy rates and overall revenue.
For example, NC Host Pro specializes in the Raleigh market, offering a range of services that include 24/7 guest communication, calendar and booking management, cleaning and maintenance coordination, and pricing optimization. Their fixed monthly fee model provides predictable costs while focusing on maximizing your property’s performance.
By partnering with a professional co-host, you can ensure dynamic pricing, quick guest responses, and consistent property upkeep. These factors lead to better reviews and higher occupancy. Plus, you’ll save time by leaving the time-consuming tasks – like scheduling cleanings and handling maintenance – to the experts.
Follow Raleigh Rental Rules
Staying compliant with local regulations is not only a legal requirement but also builds trust with your guests. In Raleigh, short-term rental hosts must obtain a zoning permit, which costs approximately $194 initially, with an annual renewal fee of around $86.
Your property must be in an approved zoning district, such as R-1, R-2, R-4, R-6, R-10, RX, OX, NX, CX, or DX. Use Raleigh’s iMaps tool to confirm your zoning before applying for a permit. Additionally, properties in residential zones are prohibited from hosting special events or gatherings, helping maintain good relationships with neighbors.
Beyond zoning, compliance includes keeping guest records for three years, meeting fire and building codes, installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and displaying your zoning permit number in advertisements and on-site. Raleigh also limits occupancy to two people per bedroom plus two additional adults. Following these rules not only avoids penalties but also reassures guests, leading to better reviews and increased bookings.
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Key Takeaways for Raleigh Airbnb Hosts in 2025
Raleigh’s short-term rental market thrives on strategy and attention to detail. Hosts who understand the data and adapt their approach can bridge the gap between average and high-performing properties.
Top-performing properties stand out with 85%+ occupancy rates and nightly rates of $263 or more. On the other hand, average properties see occupancy hover around 53% with nightly rates near $127. This stark difference highlights that success goes beyond just location – it’s about how well hosts execute their strategies.
Seasonal trends remain consistent, offering reliable opportunities for prepared hosts. Adjusting minimum stay requirements and running targeted promotions during slower months can help maximize revenue throughout the year.
Guest booking habits reveal key opportunities. With an average booking lead time of 34 days, hosts have ample time to fine-tune pricing and availability to align with demand. Additionally, extended stays are gaining popularity, particularly among professionals and students, making discounts for 30+ night bookings a smart tactic for securing steady reservations.
Compliance is non-negotiable but manageable. The cost of staying compliant is minimal compared to the penalties for violations. Following Raleigh’s regulations not only avoids fines but also builds guest trust – an important factor in boosting occupancy rates.
For hosts looking to rise above the competition, professional management services like NC Host Pro offer valuable support. Their fixed monthly fee model provides cost predictability, and their local expertise helps address the unique challenges of Raleigh’s market, giving hosts an edge in achieving better performance.
In short, Raleigh’s 2025 market favors hosts who are proactive. By leveraging professional management, dynamic pricing, and strict compliance, properties can consistently outperform the market average. These strategies can transform an average listing into a highly profitable investment.
FAQs
How can Raleigh Airbnb hosts use seasonal trends to boost occupancy and revenue?
How Raleigh Airbnb Hosts Can Leverage Seasonal Trends
Raleigh Airbnb hosts have a great opportunity to boost their earnings by aligning their approach with seasonal demand. For instance, during high-traffic times like holidays, local festivals, or major college events, adjusting nightly rates upward can help bring in more revenue. On the flip side, offering discounts or special deals during slower months can help fill your calendar with bookings.
To make your property stand out, emphasize its proximity to Raleigh’s top attractions or seasonal highlights. For example, mention spring activities at Pullen Park or the vibrant fall festivals downtown. Pair this with high-quality photos and clear, engaging descriptions to grab attention and encourage bookings. By staying flexible and responsive to seasonal trends, you can keep your occupancy rates steady throughout the year.
What makes top-performing Airbnb properties in Raleigh stand out from the rest?
Top-performing Airbnb properties in Raleigh shine by excelling in a few essential areas. Location plays a major role – listings near downtown Raleigh, business districts, or attractions like the North Carolina Museum of Art often enjoy higher occupancy rates.
Equally important is the quality of amenities. Guests are drawn to properties featuring modern furniture, fully stocked kitchens, and well-thought-out designs that enhance their overall experience. Lastly, exceptional guest service – like prompt communication, attention to detail, and personalized touches – can result in glowing reviews and loyal repeat visitors, giving these properties a strong competitive advantage.
Why is following local regulations important for Airbnb hosts in Raleigh?
Why Following Local Regulations Matters for Airbnb Hosts in Raleigh
If you’re hosting on Airbnb in Raleigh, sticking to local regulations isn’t just a box to check – it’s a key part of running a successful operation. Hosts need to secure the right zoning permits, adhere to occupancy limits, and ensure their property meets safety codes. These steps aren’t optional; they’re essential for avoiding fines, legal troubles, and potential disruptions to your hosting business.
But it’s not just about staying out of trouble. Following the rules shows guests that you prioritize safety and professionalism, which can lead to glowing reviews, repeat bookings, and higher occupancy rates. On top of that, being compliant helps keep the peace with your neighbors and supports the unique character of Raleigh’s neighborhoods. When everyone plays by the rules, it creates a better experience for hosts, guests, and the community as a whole.