The Homeowner Collection

A look at summer performance, fall demand, and what continues to separate strong-performing homes from the rest

By The EMR Vacation Rentals Team

Every season brings shifts in how travellers plan and book, and this year was no exception. Below, we walk through what happened with demand across June and July, what the numbers are showing for fall, and why the properties that keep performing well tend to have a few things in common. As always, this update is meant to give you context, not just numbers, so you can make informed decisions about your home heading into the fall season.

If you have questions about how any of this applies to your specific property, your Property Manager is a great place to start.

Talk to the Team

Summer Demand Took an Unusual Shape

June demand was softer than expected this year, largely due to the World Cup. The tournament pulled some travellers toward host cities while discouraging others from booking around the crowds and disruption. July told a different story, rebounding strongly and tracking closely with July 2025. Across both months, average length of stay came in at 4.5 nights, down from 4.8 nights over the same period last year. Guests were still booking, but trimming their stays a little shorter than they had the previous summer.

Avg. Length of Stay (Nights) — June through September 6 4 2 0 4 5.2 5.2 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.2 4.4 4.3 3.8 3.9 3.8 June July August September 2026 (as of Aug 26) 2025 (same point) 2025 (full month)

Fall Is Off to a Strong Start

September occupancy is currently outpacing last September by 12.7 percent. Part of this is a calendar effect: the US Labor Day long weekend falls at the start of September this year rather than late August, shifting that travel window into the month. October and November are holding steady with last year’s pace so far.

Adj. Paid Occupancy % — June through September 100% 75% 50% 25% 0% 63.3% 71.6% 71.6% 83.6% 82.6% 82.6% 83.3% 91.5% 95.1% 60.2% 48.7% 76% June July August September 2026 (as of Aug 26) 2025 (same point) 2025 (full month)

Quality Continues to Set Homes Apart

One thing we often notice, regardless of whether overall demand is up or down, is that certain homes consistently hold their occupancy while others struggle. Location plays a large role, but so do amenities and review scores. Homes that are well maintained and well reviewed tend to keep booking steadily, while homes that fall behind on small details are usually the first to see a slowdown and remain the slowest to recover once demand picks back up.

A Good Time to Take Stock

With fall demand building, this is a practical moment to walk through your property with a fresh eye. Consider it a short seasonal check-in rather than a big project. From the homes we manage, the ones that perform consistently well are usually the ones where small issues get addressed before they become guest complaints.

A Few Questions Homeowners Often Ask

Is fall really shaping up better than last year?

September is currently ahead of last year by 12.7 percent in occupancy, with October and November tracking steady so far.

Why did length of stay drop this summer?

The exact reasons behind a shift like this are hard to pin down with certainty, but a slightly shorter average stay doesn’t signal weaker demand. Occupancy and booking activity stayed strong through July, guests were simply spreading their travel across shorter trips rather than staying away. For homeowners, this is worth noting mainly because it can mean more frequent turnovers during peak weeks, which is one more reason a smooth, well-maintained guest experience matters.

What can I do to make sure my property performs well this fall?

Reviewing your home for small maintenance or amenity updates is a good place to start. Your Property Manager can help you prioritize based on what they’ve observed at your property.

Looking Ahead

Fall is shaping up to be a strong season, and the homes that make the most of it will likely be the ones where the details are already in order. Booking demand will keep shifting from month to month and year to year, but the properties that consistently perform well tend to share the same traits: a well-kept home, thoughtful amenities, and a solid reputation with guests. Getting ahead of small updates now is one of the most straightforward ways to make sure your property is positioned well as fall bookings continue to build.