As a vacation rental owner on Cape Cod, you might consider pausing your listing during quieter months to take a break from inquiries. However, this could mean missing out on significant bookings and revenue. In this updated guide, we explore why advertising your vacation rental year-round is essential for maximizing your income, supported by the latest trends and data specific to Cape Cod. This post is designed to help you understand how to keep your income flowing all year.
The Importance of Year-Round Advertising
Maintaining an active vacation rental listing throughout the year offers multiple benefits, from capturing early planners to securing off-season bookings. Here’s why it’s a strategy you should consider.
Capturing Early Bird Bookings
Early bird vacationers plan their trips well in advance, often booking months or even a year ahead. These renters are highly desirable because they are more likely to pay your asking price and prefer longer stays. According to WeNeedaVacation’s 2025 Cape & Islands Short-term Rental Outlook, bookings for the 2025 season are up by 14% compared to 2024, with 38% of expected bookings already confirmed as of early 2025. This indicates a strong trend of early planning among vacationers.
For instance, one homeowner received an inquiry in October for a three-week booking the following July, which led to repeat bookings for three consecutive summers. By keeping your listing active, you ensure these early planners can find and book your property when they start their search. Industry data further supports this, showing that travelers who book 90+ days in advance stay an average of four days, 25% longer than last-minute bookers (BuildUp Bookings Vacation Rental Statistics).
Attracting Off-Season Renters
While Cape Cod’s peak season runs from June to August, the shoulder (May, September) and off-season (late August to mid-June) periods offer substantial rental opportunities. Many travelers prefer these times to avoid crowds, enjoy milder weather, or take advantage of lower rates. WeNeedaVacation suggests offering rates up to 50% less than peak season to attract shoulder-season renters, with flexibility in pricing and minimum stays enhancing appeal.
The rise of remote work has further boosted off-season demand through “flexcations,” where individuals combine work and leisure, often staying for weeks or months. A survey found that 33% of guests booked vacation rentals to work remotely, with 67% likely to do so again (BuildUp Bookings Vacation Rental Statistics). WeNeedaVacation’s Long-Term Rentals page lists numerous properties available for long-term off-season rentals, with monthly rates ranging from $2,000 to $15,000, depending on location and amenities. By advertising year-round, you can tap into this growing market and maintain a steady income stream.
Cost-Effectiveness of Annual Listings
Many vacation rental platforms offer annual subscription plans that are more economical than pay-per-booking fees, especially for properties with frequent bookings. WeNeedaVacation’s Pricing Plans start as low as $35 per month, with no hidden fees or commissions. Their annual plan costs $409 for a year, allowing up to 10 pictures and unlimited bookings. This approach ensures your listing remains active without incurring additional costs per booking, simplifying financial planning and maximizing your return on investment.
Additional Benefits of Continuous Listings
Beyond financial advantages, year-round advertising enhances your property’s visibility and credibility. Vacationers often save or share listings with friends and family, and if your listing is inactive when they return to review it, they may move on to competitors. Similarly, past guests may want to revisit your listing to leave reviews or recommend it to others, and an inactive listing can raise concerns about legitimacy. Moreover, continuous advertising increases your chances of securing valuable shoulder and off-season bookings, which can significantly boost your annual revenue.
Understanding Booking Patterns on Cape Cod
To make informed decisions about your rental strategy, it’s crucial to understand current booking patterns and trends on Cape Cod. Recent data provides valuable insights into when and why vacationers book.
Recent Trends and Statistics
The Cape Cod vacation rental market remains robust, with significant growth in bookings. WeNeedaVacation’s 2025 Vacation Rental Market Update reports that bookings for May through October 2025 are up 5% from 2024 and 1.2% above 2023, with vacationer traffic to their site increasing by 18% in May 2025 compared to May 2024. This surge in early interest underscores the importance of having an active listing to capture these proactive planners.
Industry data indicates that bookings made 90+ days in advance tend to result in longer stays, averaging four days—25% longer than last-minute bookings (BuildUp Bookings). On Cape Cod, loyal vacationers who return year after year provide a dependable demand foundation, and keeping your listing visible ensures they can easily rebook. However, last-minute bookings are also expected to rise in June, July, and August, highlighting the need for year-round availability to accommodate both early and spontaneous travelers.
The Rise of Flexcations and Remote Work Stays
The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed travel behavior, with remote work enabling a new type of traveler: the flexcationer. These individuals can work from anywhere and often choose vacation rentals for extended periods, blending work and leisure. The survey cited by BuildUp Bookings notes that 38% of flexcation bookings were made to offer children new experiences, with 33% driven by remote work policies. This trend has increased demand for rentals outside traditional peak seasons, as travelers are no longer constrained by fixed vacation schedules. By advertising year-round, you can attract these flexcationers seeking comfortable, well-equipped rentals for weeks or months.
Regional Considerations
On Cape Cod, booking patterns vary slightly by area. Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket require early action due to ferry reservation constraints, which limit demand if not booked in advance. WeNeedaVacation’s Pricing Advice advises homeowners to reassess pricing annually and act early for these islands to maximize bookings. Across the region, seven out of ten summer weeks were over 50% booked as of January 2025, with peak demand in late July and early August, but more availability and discounts in early summer and late August.
Pricing Strategies for Year-Round Success
To maximize the benefits of year-round advertising, consider strategic pricing adjustments based on season and demand.
Peak Season Pricing
During the peak summer months, set rates that reflect high demand. WeNeedaVacation notes that initial rates for 2025 are 1% higher than 2024, but softening with 10%+ discounts by late spring. Compare your rates with similar properties to stay competitive without overpricing.
Off-Season Pricing
In the shoulder and off-season, offer competitive rates to attract renters. Rates can be up to 50% lower than peak season, making your property appealing to budget-conscious travelers or those seeking longer stays. For example, a 3-bedroom home in Wellfleet is listed for $2,400–$3,600 per month from November to March (Long-Term Rentals on Cape Cod).
Transparency in Fees
Be transparent about additional fees, such as cleaning or pet fees, to build trust with vacationers. WeNeedaVacation emphasizes that clear pricing enhances renter satisfaction and encourages repeat bookings.
Conclusion
Advertising your Cape Cod vacation rental year-round is a proven strategy for maximizing your income. By capturing early bird bookings, attracting off-season renters, and leveraging cost-effective annual listings, you can ensure a steady stream of revenue throughout the year. Recent trends, such as a 14% increase in 2025 bookings and the rise of flexcations, highlight the importance of maintaining an active listing to meet evolving traveler demands. Don’t miss out on potential renters—keep your listing active and watch your bookings grow!