Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Finger Lakes?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Finger Lakes market averaged 4,153 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 2% from a year earlier and up 29% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Finger Lakes?

Accepted Answer

An average Finger Lakes listing earns $45K/year. High-performing listings earn $100K, while low-performing listings earn $22K.

Question 3

How much does it cost to buy an Airbnb or VRBO property in Finger Lakes?

Accepted Answer

Median Finger Lakes home prices by size are 1-bedroom $204K, 2-bedroom $222K, 3-bedroom $245K, and 4+ bedroom $290K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Finger Lakes?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Finger Lakes is 32%, producing RevPAR of $92 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Finger Lakes?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Finger Lakes. Ithaca: Moderate. Registration required, safety inspections, owner-occupancy for whole-house rentals over 29 days. Moderate enforcement with complaint-driven inspections.
Geneva: Lenient. No specific STR regulations currently in place. Minimal oversight beyond general zoning and tax requirements.
Canandaigua: Lenient. No dedicated STR ordinance. Standard lodging tax collection expected. Light enforcement, mostly complaint-based.
Watkins Glen: Lenient. No specific STR regulations. General business licensing and tax compliance. Minimal active enforcement in tourist-heavy area. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Finger Lakes Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Finger Lakes Airbnb and VRBO market does not show clear signs of oversaturation. Supply has grown 2% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 18%, suggesting demand is outpacing available supply.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Finger Lakes?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in August and July; it is lowest in January and February.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Finger Lakes?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Kitchen (98%), Parking (97%), Internet (96%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Internet (+61%), Washing Machine (+51%), Bbq (+38%).

Question 9

What is the average nightly rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Finger Lakes?

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Finger Lakes is $357, up 21% year-over-year. Rates peak in July and are lowest in March.

Question 10

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb and VRBO stays in Finger Lakes?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Finger Lakes book an average of 44 days in advance, down 3% from last year. Booking windows range from 37 days for 1-bedroom listings to 55 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

Which days of the week perform best for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Finger Lakes?

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Tuesday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekend occupancy is 75% higher than weekday occupancy.

Question 12

How is gross yield calculated?

Accepted Answer

For each eligible home, annual room-revenue potential is divided by a ZIP- and bedroom-matched home-value estimate. Groups show the median of those yields. Cleaning income is excluded. Gross yield is before expenses and financing.

Neighborhood	Revenue (potential)	Gross yield
1.Seneca Falls and North Cayuga Lake	$53.9K 91 listings	25.4% 91 listings
2.Hornell and Western Steuben	$33.0K 32 listings	22.9% 32 listings
3.Auburn and Owasco	$42.4K 64 listings	21.1% 64 listings
4.Aurora and East Cayuga Lake	$64.2K 49 listings	19.7% 49 listings
5.Watkins Glen and Dundee Country	$48.1K 195 listings	19.0% 195 listings
6.Corning and Chemung Valley	$30.5K 75 listings	18.6% 75 listings
7.Geneva and Seneca Lake West Shore	$52.9K 132 listings	18.3% 132 listings
8.Hector and East Seneca	$54.6K 163 listings	17.1% 163 listings
9.Cortland and Virgil	$33.9K 42 listings	17.0% 42 listings
10.Hammondsport and South Keuka	$49.0K 117 listings	15.5% 117 listings
11.Ithaca and South Cayuga Lake	$46.3K 227 listings	14.7% 227 listings
12.Conesus and Geneseo	$38.8K 93 listings	14.7% 93 listings
13.Dryden and Tompkins Country	$37.0K 92 listings	14.0% 92 listings
14.Canandaigua and Naples	$45.6K 173 listings	14.0% 173 listings
15.Penn Yan and North Keuka	$41.6K 131 listings	11.4% 131 listings
16.Honeoye and Bristol Hills	$37.3K 68 listings	11.4% 68 listings
17.Skaneateles and Otisco	$53.8K 79 listings	9.1% 79 listings