If your property management strategy for a successful 2025 doesn’t include your homeowners, you might be falling behind. In fact, acquiring and retaining homeowners are two of the top priorities for property managers in 2025, according to Key Data’s 2025 Short-Term Rental Outlook.

The survey data reveals that 66% of property managers ranked owner retention as a top priority, and 74% ranked adding more property or owners to their inventory as a top priority. Therefore, homeowner relations accounted for two of the top three revenue management and marketing strategies to be employed in 2025 to help property managers achieve their goals.

Strategies that property managers plan to use to achieve their 2025 goals.

With many homeowners entering the short-term rental market in 2020 and experiencing record profits, expectations are higher than ever in many cases. To keep these homeowners happy and returning each year, property managers must take proactive steps to demonstrate long-term value and impress their homeowners.

Why homeowner retention matters

A strong homeowner base directly impacts your bottom line—more inventory generally means more potential to generate revenue. But, with evolving market conditions, homeowners need reassurance that their properties are performing well or explanations about why they are not living up to their expectations. Without a strategic approach, you risk losing them to self-management or competitors.

On the other hand, homeowners have neighbors and neighbors talk. A happy homeowner’s referral is your best asset when you are looking to add new rental properties to your inventory. So, keeping your existing homeowners informed and impressed, not only helps with retention, it can also help you grow.

How to strengthen homeowner relationships

• Communicate regularly: Keep owners informed with detailed reports, scheduled calls, and surveys to address concerns and showcase performance. Proactive communication about notable performance helps build trust.
• Provide market insights: Show homeowners the bigger picture, including market trends, occupancy rates, and competitive pricing. Share homeowner reports from your Key Data dashboard regularly to show individual unit performance.
• Target the right owners: Focus on acquiring homeowners who align with your niche, ensuring a strong fit for your management style, your inventory, and what your guests are looking for.
• Suggest value-driven improvements: Recommend upgrades like keyless entry, refreshed outdoor spaces, or amenity enhancements, backed by data to show expected ROI.
• Leverage technology for better management: Using platforms like Breezeway help streamline property operations, ensuring homes are well-maintained and guest-ready at all times. Showing this level of care builds trust with homeowners and enhances their long-term commitment to your management.

The key to long-term success

Building strong homeowner relationships requires consistent communication, market expertise, and strategic planning. Property managers who prioritize homeowner engagement will retain more properties while attracting the right owners and increasing profitability. By integrating data-driven insights and operational efficiencies, managers can ensure top-tier service and lasting partnerships with homeowners.

Ready to meet your goals in 2025? Start the year with a strong emphasis on your homeowners and set your business up for continued success. Learn more about how Breezeway's smart automation can streamline your business and impress your homeowners or how you can leverage Key Data's insights to keep your owners informed.

About Key Data

Key Data’s platform sources and analyzes the most accurate, real-time vacation rental data available to the industry. Trusted by property owners, professional managers, investors, and DMOs globally, it offers business intelligence tools to help drive better-informed pricing and marketing decisions. For additional information, visit keydatadashboard.com.