Short-Term Let Trends – Sep 2025

Short-Term Let Trends: What’s Changing in Business Travel & Serviced Apartments (Sep 2025)

Businesses are shifting fast. SilverDoor’s latest data (Sept 2025) sheds light on global movements, rates, and what travellers in the corporate/contractor space now want — information that’s gold for anyone running short-term lets.
Here’s what’s going on — and what it means for MyShortLets.

Key Global Trends

1. Bookings & Enquiries Shift Geographically
   • New York has fallen in demand compared to last year, while places like Dubai are surging. SilverDoor reports a 65% YoY increase in bookings there.  
   • In APAC (Asia-Pacific), demand remains mixed: Singapore’s up in some apartment types, down in others. More expensive units (2-3 bedrooms) are seeing bigger interest.  
2. Average Daily Rates (ADR) Are Rising in Some Places
   • Even in places where enquiries have dropped (like NYC), rates are going up, pushing ADR well above last year. That suggests fewer bookings overall, but travellers willing to pay more for quality or convenience.  
3. Traveller Preferences Evolving
   • Longer stays and more flexibility are becoming the norm. For corporate bookings, people expect more than just a room-for-the-night. They want space, good WiFi, kitchens, dependable comfort.  
   • Guests are also gravitating toward serviced apartments where they can cook, relax, and feel more “at home” rather than dealing with hotel constraints.  
4. Corporate Policies & Spending Changing
   • Companies are rethinking travel/tour policies: budgeting per trip or day works for hotels, but when someone stays in a serviced apartment and shops for groceries, that method doesn’t always make sense. Policies are slowly adapting.  
   • There’s a growing value placed on brand consistency and trust — guests are more likely to book again with operators they’ve had good experiences with. Quality and service matter.  

What This Means for MyShortLets

Here are implications & opportunities — how you can use this intel to sharpen your offering and get ahead in the contractor/short-let market in the UK.

1. Focus on Quality Over Quantity
   • As ADRs rise, guests will expect more. Investing in upgraded furnishings, fast WiFi, clean kitchens, stricter cleanliness standards will help justify higher nightly rates.
   • Review each listing — ensure photos are professional, amenities clearly listed, check-in/out is smooth.
2. Target Longer-Stay Guests
   • Contractors, corporate teams, and project-based staff often need 1-4 weeks or more stay. Tailor offers (discounts, week-rate, monthly rate) to them.
   • Market to businesses and contractors (renewable energy, infrastructure, consultancy) who require reliable lodging.
3. Be Flexible & Transparent in Pricing
   • Because corporate policies are shifting, providing transparent breakdowns (cleaning, Internet, utilities) helps clients trust you.
   • Offer options: “includes groceries/allowance,” “kitchen-equipped,” etc. These are things that serviced-apartment users now expect.
4. Build Loyalty & Repeat Business
   • Ensure excellent service so guests return or recommend you. Perhaps start a loyalty or referral scheme.
   • Keep/update online presence; solicit reviews. The operators guests trust are becoming preferred choices.
5. Optimize Your Digital Presence & SEO
   • Make sure your website is showing up when people search for “contractor short lets + [your city]”, “serviced apartments for corporate travellers”, etc.
   • Use content marketing (blog posts, guides) about “how to find good short-term housing when working away”, “what contractors need”, etc.
6. Policy & Budget-Friendly Offers
   • For companies whose travel budgets are strict, offering “cooking-friendly apartments” over hotels can be a selling point.
   • Even small improvements (allowing for groceries, home-like amenities) can make a difference when budgeting rules allow choices.

Potential Risks & What to Watch

• Supply constraints in popular areas can drive up costs or reduce availability. Be mindful of occupancy and maintenance costs.
• Regulatory & tax pressures — short-term lets/serviced apartments are under increasing scrutiny in many cities. Keep licensed/insured properly.
• Competition rising — as more serviced apartment operators up their game, you need to offer something distinctive.

Take-Home for MyShortLets

• Upgrade listings now: visuals, amenities, clarity.
• Build special packages for contractor / project-based stays (weekly/monthly).
• Keep an eye on policy changes, competitor rates, what travellers are complaining about.
• Use content + SEO to educate your audience and attract the right kinds of travellers.

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