Sun Belt States Capture Nearly One-Third of 2025 Airbnb Investment Searches, Chalet Data Shows

New data from real estate technology platform Chalet indicates that nearly one-third of all 2025 Airbnb market searches were concentrated in just three Sun Belt states, demonstrating the region's enduring appeal for short-term rental investors. According to the findings, Florida, California, and Texas collectively accounted for 32.5% of investor searches on the platform throughout 2025, with these states maintaining their position as the most sought-after markets for vacation rental property investments.

The analysis reveals that regional vacation markets experienced higher engagement rates compared to major metropolitan areas when it came to property investment considerations. This trend suggests investors are increasingly looking beyond traditional urban centers and exploring opportunities in secondary markets and vacation destinations. The data shows that even the most-searched individual market represented only approximately 1.8% of total searches, indicating that investor interest remained widely distributed across numerous locations rather than concentrating heavily on any single market.

Chalet, which operates at www.GetChalet.com, provides free Airbnb market analytics and interactive performance data to help users analyze short-term rental markets. The platform's tools include ROI calculators and access to a nationwide network of agents and lenders specializing in short-term rental properties, all available without costs or paywalls. By offering transparent data through user-friendly interfaces, the platform supports data-driven decision-making for those interested in vacation rental investments.

The findings have significant implications for understanding current trends in the short-term rental investment landscape. The concentration of searches in Sun Belt states reflects broader demographic and economic shifts toward warmer climates, while the distributed nature of interest across many markets suggests investors are conducting thorough research across multiple potential locations. This data-driven approach to market analysis represents a shift toward more informed investment strategies in the vacation rental sector.

Looking ahead, Chalet plans to introduce an AI Copilot in 2026 designed to assist users with data interpretation and market trend comparisons. This development could further streamline the research process for potential investors and enhance their ability to identify promising opportunities in the evolving short-term rental market. The platform's continued focus on providing accessible analytics tools supports the growing demand for transparent market information in the vacation rental investment space.