What's Happening with Short-Term Rentals and Film Industry Rentals in Atlanta?
The short-term rental (STR) industry in Atlanta has been on a rollercoaster over the past few years. From the boom of travel demand post-COVID to a more cautious, correction-oriented market today, the city's STR landscape is shifting—and many operators are feeling it.
According to AirDNA’s 2025 U.S. Short-Term Rental Outlook Report, the national market is expected to gradually recover throughout 2025. Occupancy is projected to climb back toward pre-pandemic levels of 56% by the end of the year. While we’re not anticipating the explosive demand growth of 2024, steady economic conditions and modest supply increases should support continued improvement.
But Atlanta is a unique market—and one big variable that’s impacting our city more than most is the film industry.
The Film Industry Slump—and What It Means for Mid-Term Rentals
Georgia’s film and TV industry has been a massive demand generator for mid-term rentals (30–90 day stays), especially in Atlanta. Crew members, actors, and production teams often book furnished homes for weeks or months at a time.
But the numbers tell a different story lately.
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In Fiscal Year 2022, film productions spent $4.4 billion in Georgia.
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In Fiscal Year 2024, that number dropped to $2.6 billion—a 37% decrease.
This decline, largely triggered by the writers’ and actors’ strikes in 2023, rippled throughout the housing market. With fewer productions in town, demand for mid-term rentals plummeted. Many owners who had tailored their properties specifically for the mid-term audience found themselves with months of vacancies.
As a result, a large number of my clients—mid-term rental operators—have exited the business. Some converted their homes to short-term rentals. Others decided to sell entirely.
Selling a Furnished Rental: A Niche Skill Set
Selling a home that’s been used as a furnished rental isn’t quite the same as listing a primary residence. There are additional layers to consider:
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Marketing Strategy: Should you position it as a short-term rental opportunity? A furnished mid-term rental? Or as a primary residence with optional furnishings?
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Furniture Sale: Timing is everything. Do you sell the furniture with the house? Separately? Wait until under contract? These decisions impact both logistics and your bottom line.
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Occupancy Status: If the property is still being rented or has future bookings, that affects showings and closing timelines.
This is where I come in.
I've owned and self-managed my own short-term and mid-term rental properties, so I understand firsthand the challenges of navigating a shifting market. As an agent who has worked closely with investors and operators, I know how to identify the highest and best use of the property—whether that’s continuing its rental life or maximizing value through a sale. I also help my clients navigate transitions into other income-producing properties, including 1031 exchanges, which can allow you to defer taxes and keep your capital working for you.
Let’s Talk About Your Next Move
If you’ve been operating a mid-term or short-term rental and are unsure what to do next, I can help you run the numbers, weigh your options, and make a smart transition. Whether you're ready to cash out or roll your equity into a new investment, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Let’s connect and talk through your property strategy for 2025.
David Holcombe
david.holcombe@kellerknapp.com
