Real estate has always been shaped by shifting economics, changing lifestyles, and the steady pull of new technologies. For years, most investors split into two groups. Some favored long-term leases for their reliability, while others chased the cash flow of short-term vacation rentals. But in 2025, a different approach is capturing attention. According to Dr. Connor Robertson, mid-term rentals are proving to be the smartest play. These are fully furnished homes or apartments rented for at least thirty days, often to people who need stability without the permanence of a year-long lease. Robertson calls them a “sweet spot” because they combine steady income with flexibility, all while avoiding many of the headaches that come with nightly rentals.
A Tenant Base in Transition
What sets mid-term rentals apart is who they serve. Robertson explains that these tenants are not weekend travelers looking for a getaway and they are not families signing year-long commitments. They are people in between. A nurse may take a thirteen-week hospital contract in another city. A project manager may relocate temporarily for work. A family moving cross-country might need a place to stay while waiting to close on their new home. And in the era of remote work, many professionals are choosing to spend several months at a time in different markets. This variety of renters, Robertson points out, creates stability. Demand is no longer tied to tourist seasons or a single industry. Properties stay full because different groups cycle through at different times.
The Thirty-Day Sweet Spot
One of the biggest draws of the model is its legal and financial positioning. “When you lease for thirty days or more, you step out of the short-term rental bucket in most cities,” Robertson says. That means fewer taxes, fewer licensing headaches, and less scrutiny from regulators who have tightened the rules on nightly stays. At the same time, landlords are not locked into twelve-month leases with capped rent increases. Rates can be adjusted seasonally, or even month by month, in response to the market. The result is a balance between flexibility and predictability—something both owners and tenants value.
Picking the Right Property
Success in mid-term rentals often comes down to location. Robertson points to hospitals, corporate headquarters, universities, and military bases as the strongest demand drivers. Being close to public transit, convention centers, or downtown areas can also make a property more attractive.
He notes that two-bedroom layouts tend to be the most versatile. They work for single professionals who want extra space and for small families who need flexibility. Just as important, investors need to have lease agreements designed for furnished, shorter-term stays. Details about utilities, deposits, and early termination must be clearly laid out to avoid disputes.
Comfort Matters
If short-term rentals are all about staging and first impressions, mid-term rentals are about livability. Robertson stresses that tenants staying for months want comfort as much as style. A well-equipped kitchen, a dependable internet connection, a washer and dryer, and a proper workspace are essentials, not extras. The same goes for furnishings. Durable, easy-to-clean furniture saves money in the long run, while small touches like blackout curtains or quality mattresses can set one property apart from another. “Tenants aren’t just visiting,” Robertson says. “They’re living there.”
Finding the Right Tenants
Airbnb and VRBO can still capture longer bookings, but Robertson points investors toward platforms built specifically for this space, such as Furnished Finder. Corporate housing networks, relocation companies, and even direct outreach through LinkedIn can be effective as well. Traditional sites like Zillow or Apartments.com also work if the listing is clearly marked as furnished and available for shorter terms. Pricing sits somewhere between long-term and nightly rates. Owners can raise rents during busy seasons or local events, while offering discounts to companies or families who book for several months at a time. Cleaning and maintenance are less frequent than nightly rentals, but Robertson emphasizes the importance of tenant screening. Background checks and employment verification help protect both the property and the investment.
The Financial Edge
From a numbers standpoint, mid-term rentals often outperform traditional models. Reduced turnover means lower vacancy costs and fewer cleanings. Flexible pricing keeps revenue competitive, and the income stream tends to be more predictable than short-term rentals that depend heavily on tourism. Scaling is also possible. Some investors cluster multiple units in the same building for efficiency, while others spread properties across different markets to reduce risk. Partnerships with hospitals, staffing agencies, or corporate relocation departments can provide a steady flow of tenants without constant advertising.
Challenges to Consider
Mid-term rentals are not without drawbacks. Furniture and appliances wear down more quickly, some tenants are harder on properties than long-term renters, and certain markets see seasonal dips in demand. Robertson advises investors to track performance closely, adjust pricing when needed, and budget for replacements over time.
A Strategy Built for 2025
Despite the challenges, Robertson believes mid-term rentals are uniquely suited to today’s economy. They provide stability in uncertain times, flexibility in shifting markets, and income potential that rivals or exceeds traditional approaches. “Mid-term rentals aren’t a passing trend,” he says. “They’re a reflection of how people live and work now. Flexibility has become the new stability.”
For investors looking to stay ahead, Robertson argues that this overlooked segment is no longer optional. In 2025, mid-term rentals are proving to be one of the most strategic plays in real estate.
To connect with Dr. Connor Robertson and explore more of his work, visit his LinkedIn or learn more at drconnorrobertson.com.
