Tucked along Florida’s Gulf Coast, the thriving city of Fort Myers is an ideal vacation destination for travelers. The coastal location is home to gorgeous beaches, endless family-friendly activities, and memorable nightlife that helps attract over five million visitors every year.
These draws are exactly what can make a real estate investment in Fort Myers as appealing to buyers as the glistening ocean waters.
To help you understand the earning potential of this Florida market, we created a free, downloadable vacation rental market analysis.
Inside you’ll find:
- Rental income potential by property size
- Average occupancy by property size
- Average daily rate by property size
- Average days booked in advance
- Average length of stay
- Vacation rental inventory by property size
- Occupancy rate by month
The findings in this analysis are based on Evolve’s market averages for Fort Myers Beach investment properties in the last 12 months and provide a general baseline for performance potential. They’re designed to help inform smart buying decisions when looking for the perfect Fort Myers investment property.
Download Our Complete Fort Myers Vacation Rental Investment Analysis
Why Fort Myers Is a Great Place to Own Vacation Rental Property
Fort Myers’ draw may begin with the beaches and gorgeous year-round weather, but it doesn’t end there. When you consider the Florida Repertory Theatre, the Edison Ford Winter Estates, the lively Times Square, and the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, this city is a well-rounded destination for families, couples, and snowbirds alike.
Fort Myers’ vacation rental occupancy starts to rise in late winter, as guests look to escape colder temps, and reaches its peak in spring break months. Demand remains fairly steady through early summer, when the weather is perfect for sun-chasers hoping to avoid the larger springtime crowds. And while occupancy tends to slow down a bit during the early fall months, the area’s overall annual demand still presents good earning potential for investors.
The median home value currently falls around $368,000, which is more affordable than nearby Naples ($593,000) and Bonita Springs ($577,000). Home prices may fluctuate based on the property’s proximity to beaches and attractions, but there are promising options across budgets if you’re eager to make a real estate investment in Fort Myers.
How Much Money Can You Earn with a Fort Myers Vacation Rental?
As guests of all kinds discover the city’s sandy beaches and exciting attractions, vacation rental owners have the potential to earn big. Before scooping up a Fort Myers investment property, consider these important factors.
Property Size
Five-bedroom properties tend to perform the best in Fort Myers, as they are usually booked the most consistently and earn the most annual revenue. However, larger properties often make up a much smaller percentage of available inventory. So if you’re hoping to lock down a larger investment property, your property search may be a bit more limited.
That said, three- and four-bedroom homes aren’t far behind in average nights booked, so smaller properties can still make a great investment. These home sizes are much more common in the Fort Myers vacation rental inventory, too, giving buyers more options to choose from. (Not to mention you may be able to snag one closer to the ocean — a really appealing draw for guests traveling in smaller groups.)
Property Location
According to our real estate experts, travelers want to book homes right on the coast or within walking distance to the beach. So it’s best to start your Fort Myers Beach investment property search as close to the sand as possible to set yourself up for success from the start.
Condos also tend to perform very well in Fort Myers, especially when located in the Fort Myers River District or the downtown area with beach access. So while a larger, standalone beach house could produce a high investment return, a beachfront condo is also a great Fort Myers real estate investment option that can potentially unlock access to the market at lower upfront costs.
Speaking of beach homes, check out the best places to buy one across the U.S. — and why they’re such good investments.
Property Amenities
Our data shows the majority of top-performing Fort Myers Beach investment properties are located on or near the Gulf Coast, so properties with an ocean view are a top priority when house hunting. Same goes for providing popular beach amenities that can convince guests to book your home over someone else’s.
Of course, amenities that create comfort and room to unwind — think air conditioning and an updated outdoor space with plenty of seats and shade — helps encourage guests to leave five-star reviews after days of soaking up the sun and fun.
And with so many vacation rentals on the market for travelers to choose from, it’s important to make sure your property stands out by investing in the top amenities guests are after — particularly when traveling to the Gulf Coast.
When you’re ready to explore real estate investment in Fort Myers, start your search with these homes for sale.
Download Our Full Fort Myers, FL Vacation Rental Market Analysis
With gorgeous weather, sandy beaches, and endless activities for guests to enjoy, Fort Myers is a great destination for travelers of all ages — and a promising real estate investment for curious buyers to explore.
Whether you’re looking to make your first rental property purchase or you’re ready to earn with your current second home, our free Fort Myers Vacation Rental Market Analysis has what you need. It’s filled with important insights, including:
- Average daily rate by property size
- Average days booked in advance
- Average length of stay in high and low seasons
- Revenue potential by property size
Use this exclusive performance intel to guide your next steps toward a Fort Myers investment property and make your vacation rental business feel like a summer breeze.