Albany

As of May 2026, Albany, Saratoga Springs, Lake George have 2,011 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 5% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Albany generates $39K per year. High-performing properties earn $106K/year, while low-performing properties earn $17K/year. This significant performance gap highlights that revenue potential is heavily concentrated in a small segment of top-tier listings, suggesting that market returns are highly sensitive to specific asset positioning rather than uniform performance.

Average home prices in Albany vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $221K, 2-bedroom homes average $262K, 3-bedroom properties are around $333K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $427K. These prices reflect median home values across the Albany, Saratoga Springs, Lake George area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Albany, with an average gross yield of 11% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 30%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. The spread between average and peak yields suggests that while the overall market is moderate, optimized assets are capturing a disproportionate share of the available revenue pool.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Albany is 32%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $311, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $73 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Albany, with an average gross yield of 18% and annual revenue of $77K. These properties balance purchase price ($427K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Albany market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Albany area. Albany: Moderate. Registration required, zoning restrictions apply. Some enforcement through complaints but many operate without permits. Saratoga Springs: Strict. Owner-occupancy required for short-term rentals under 14 days, annual registration mandatory, 3% lodging tax. Active enforcement with violations prosecuted. Lake George: Lenient. Basic registration and safety inspections required. Light enforcement, primarily complaint-driven in village areas. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Albany Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 5% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 8%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The simultaneous contraction in both inventory and revenue performance suggests a market stabilizing as lower-earning units exit, potentially creating a more competitive landscape for the remaining active listings.

Launch around May, 2-3 months before peak summer season (August peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 7% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (April-March) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Albany listings include: Kitchen (95%), Air Conditioning (95%), Tv (88%), Heating (78%), Washing Machine (68%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pool, Hot Tub, Bbq, with Pool properties earning approximately 121% more ($106K/year vs $48K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Albany over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $3K, August: $3K, September: $2K, October: $3K, November: $2K, December: $2K, January: $2K, February: $2K, March: $1K, April: $2K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Albany is $311, up 18% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $163/night, 2-bedroom properties average $216/night, 3-bedroom properties average $313/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $701/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in March.

Guests in Albany book an average of 30 days in advance, down 21% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 24 days, 2-bedroom: 27 days, 3-bedroom: 33 days, 4+ bedroom: 41 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Albany Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 5%, revenue per listing decreased 8%, occupancy fell 9%, average nightly rates increased 18%, and lead time decreased 21%. The combination of rising rates and falling occupancy indicates a shift toward shorter, more expensive booking windows, signaling tighter margin pressures despite the reduction in overall market supply.

In Albany, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 59% higher occupancy than weekdays.