%201.webp){kind=small}
Sturgis, South Dakota, is a unique Airbnb market, characterized by its seasonal fluctuations and a clientele with a strong affinity for outdoor and motorcycling activities. The city is globally renowned for hosting the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, an annual event that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors, creating a massive surge in demand for short-term rentals. Outside of the rally, Sturgis offers a gateway to the scenic Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, and the historic Deadwood, making it a popular destination for tourists year-round. However, the market requires a strategic approach to pricing and marketing, given the significant variance in occupancy rates between peak and off-peak periods.
In Sturgis, South Dakota, the Airbnb market experiences a significant surge during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which typically takes place in the first week of August. This event draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city, creating a high demand for short-term rentals. However, the rest of the year, especially during the harsh winter months, the demand significantly drops. Therefore, it's crucial for hosts to capitalize on the rally season and adjust their pricing strategy accordingly. Additionally, the beautiful Black Hills and nearby Mount Rushmore also attract tourists during the summer months, providing another peak season for Airbnb hosts.
In Sturgis, South Dakota, Airbnb hosts must be aware of the local regulations that govern short-term rentals. The city requires all hosts to obtain a Conditional Use Permit for operating a short-term rental property. This permit is subject to renewal every year and must be displayed prominently within the rental property. Additionally, hosts are required to collect and remit a 9% sales tax on all bookings, which includes a 4.5% state sales tax, 1.5% city tax, and a 3% tourism tax. During the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, special regulations apply, including additional permitting and increased tax rates. It's crucial to stay updated on these regulations to ensure compliance and avoid potential fines or penalties.
Managing Airbnb properties in Sturgis, South Dakota, requires a keen understanding of the local market dynamics. The annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally significantly impacts demand, with a surge in bookings during this period. It's crucial to adjust pricing strategies accordingly to maximize revenue. However, this influx also presents challenges in terms of property maintenance and quick turnovers. It's advisable to have a reliable local cleaning service on standby to ensure properties are ready for new guests promptly. Additionally, maintaining good relationships with neighbors is essential due to the increased noise and activity during the rally. Offering incentives for positive neighbor relations can be a beneficial strategy.
In Sturgis, South Dakota, the Airbnb market thrives on the city's rich history, outdoor attractions, and the world-renowned Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Properties that offer amenities such as secure motorcycle parking, outdoor entertainment spaces, and BBQ grills often see a higher booking rate. Additionally, homes that highlight their proximity to popular attractions like the Black Hills, Bear Butte State Park, and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame are particularly appealing to guests. Given the city's small size, properties that offer a local experience, such as those located in historic neighborhoods or near local eateries and shops, are also in high demand.
Sturgis, South Dakota, is a unique Airbnb market, characterized by its seasonal fluctuations and a clientele with a strong affinity for outdoor and motorcycling activities. The city is globally renowned for hosting the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, an annual event that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors, creating a massive surge in demand for short-term rentals. Outside of the rally, Sturgis offers a gateway to the scenic Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, and the historic Deadwood, making it a popular destination for tourists year-round. However, the market requires a strategic approach to pricing and marketing, given the significant variance in occupancy rates between peak and off-peak periods.
In Sturgis, South Dakota, the Airbnb market experiences a significant surge during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which typically takes place in the first week of August. This event draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city, creating a high demand for short-term rentals. However, the rest of the year, especially during the harsh winter months, the demand significantly drops. Therefore, it's crucial for hosts to capitalize on the rally season and adjust their pricing strategy accordingly. Additionally, the beautiful Black Hills and nearby Mount Rushmore also attract tourists during the summer months, providing another peak season for Airbnb hosts.
In Sturgis, South Dakota, Airbnb hosts must be aware of the local regulations that govern short-term rentals. The city requires all hosts to obtain a Conditional Use Permit for operating a short-term rental property. This permit is subject to renewal every year and must be displayed prominently within the rental property. Additionally, hosts are required to collect and remit a 9% sales tax on all bookings, which includes a 4.5% state sales tax, 1.5% city tax, and a 3% tourism tax. During the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, special regulations apply, including additional permitting and increased tax rates. It's crucial to stay updated on these regulations to ensure compliance and avoid potential fines or penalties.
Managing Airbnb properties in Sturgis, South Dakota, requires a keen understanding of the local market dynamics. The annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally significantly impacts demand, with a surge in bookings during this period. It's crucial to adjust pricing strategies accordingly to maximize revenue. However, this influx also presents challenges in terms of property maintenance and quick turnovers. It's advisable to have a reliable local cleaning service on standby to ensure properties are ready for new guests promptly. Additionally, maintaining good relationships with neighbors is essential due to the increased noise and activity during the rally. Offering incentives for positive neighbor relations can be a beneficial strategy.
In Sturgis, South Dakota, the Airbnb market thrives on the city's rich history, outdoor attractions, and the world-renowned Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Properties that offer amenities such as secure motorcycle parking, outdoor entertainment spaces, and BBQ grills often see a higher booking rate. Additionally, homes that highlight their proximity to popular attractions like the Black Hills, Bear Butte State Park, and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame are particularly appealing to guests. Given the city's small size, properties that offer a local experience, such as those located in historic neighborhoods or near local eateries and shops, are also in high demand.
How It Works
.webp){kind=small}
Connect With Local Pros
Seamless Onboarding
Sit Back And Earn
With the right vacation rental property manager, your home is in good hands.
They'll handle the bookings, guests, pricing updates, and day-to-day operations while you enjoy stress-free earnings and more time for what matters most.
Who We Trust
Personalized Support
Each home and host is different. The best property managers work with you to find the services and support that make sense.
Demonstrated Earnings
Your investment is important. Our partners have proven they can substantially increase revenue on properties over market averages.
Tech-Forward Focus
The best property managers use data to make smart decisions, and technology to create seamless guest experiences.
Trusted Brand Reputation
We partner with property managers with Superhost status and high guest ratings, so guests always know what to expect.
Who’s a good fit for a professional manager?
You think your short-term rental can make more money
Your property is not beating market averages, getting enough bookings, or does not have visibility across the major rental platforms.
You want a partner where you are valued
Our preferred managers build personal relationships with all of their owners and care about each property like it's their own.
You want hassle-free hosting
Whether you're down the street or a flight away, dealing with guest inquiries, cleaning, and everything in between is too time consuming and challenging.
Get connected
FAQ
Answers to common questions
What is vacation rental property management?
Vacation rental property management is a service provider that maintains and improves a vacation rental on behalf of owners. They manage the ongoing operation, marketing, maintenance, and promotion of a vacation rental, short-term rental, or Airbnb property.
What services does a vacation rental manager offer?
Most managers offer partial or complete end-to-end management of vacation rental properties. Complete management includes all aspects of home maintenance, cleaning, guest and host communications, and marketing, pricing, and promotion of your property. In addition to these services, Summer connects owners and hosts with professional design and investing services for their vacation home.
Can they help me convert an existing home into a vacation rental?
Absolutely! Many property managers do onboard homes that were recently purchased or are being converted into vacation rentals. The best teams will provide advice, guidance, and services to help your home prepare for its short-term rental launch.
How long does the onboarding process take?
The onboarding process usually takes 2-4 weeks. This gives the manager and owner ample time to inspect the property, get it ready for guests, and get the listing live. In the event that owners need additional time to furnish or otherwise improve the property, the onboarding process can be extended.
Will I get a smart lock?
Yes, most managers provide a smart lock. This helps them operate the home and seamlessly let guests in. While there is some upfront expense associated with the lock and some additional time to set it up, there’s nothing worse than a guest not being able to access the property when they arrive.
Will they take updated photos of the property?
In most cases, your manager will hire a professional photographer to do a shoot at the home. This happens after the home is both cleaned and staged for photography. This helps the home stand out on vacation rental booking sites and results in better bookings overall. If you have really high-quality photos already, you can skip this step in the onboarding process.
How do I know my property will be safe with guests?
Professional managers put a number of security measures in place at the home to monitor noise and avoid unwanted guests in the property. Most also have built-in procedures for resolving any immediate guest issues involving parties, extra guests, and anything else in violation of the booking and local laws and requirements.
