End of Year 2025 Market Upadate
2025 Rental Market Review: What the Numbers Tell Us About Rent, Days on Market, and 2026 Strategy
The 2025 rental market across Lubbock showed an important shift. While rents increased in many ZIP codes, those gains often came with longer days on market (DOM). The data confirms what many owners experienced firsthand: the market became more price-sensitive, and velocity mattered more than ever.
Big Picture: Rent Growth vs. Leasing Speed
Across most ZIP codes, rent growth in 2025 was modest. In several areas, it came at the cost of longer lease-up times. High-volume ZIP codes like 79423, 79410, 79416, and 79413 all saw DOM increase year over year, even where rents rose.
This reinforces a key principle: higher rent does not automatically equal better performance. Properties that stayed competitive on price and condition leased faster and more consistently.
Top-Performing ZIP Codes
Some areas delivered strong rent growth while improving or maintaining leasing speed:
- 79382 posted solid rent gains while reducing DOM by nearly 30%.
79363 saw higher rents with significantly faster lease times.
79401 achieved meaningful rent growth with stable velocity. - These ZIP codes are strong indicators of where demand remains healthiest going into 2026.
Where the Market Pushed Back
Other ZIP codes experienced clear resistance:
79404 saw the largest rent increase, but DOM jumped nearly 30%.
79423, the highest-volume ZIP, experienced rising rents alongside a nearly 19% increase in DOM.
79410 and 79403 saw DOM increase even with limited rent growth.
In these areas, pricing adjustments or condition improvements will be critical to maintain profitability.
Premium ZIP Spotlight: 79424
79424 remained the premium ZIP in the market. Rent growth was modest, and DOM stayed essentially flat. This suggests the area may be approaching a pricing ceiling, where future rent increases will need to be supported by upgrades rather than market momentum alone.
What This Means for 2026
The 2025 data makes one thing clear: profitability is driven by velocity. Owners who focus on keeping DOM low through smart pricing and targeted improvements will outperform those chasing top-of-market rents.
As we move into 2026, the opportunity lies in aligning rent expectations with property condition and acting early when listings begin to stall.
December 2025
Mid-Term Rental
Why Mid-Term Rentals May Be the Smarter Play for Today’s Market
The short-term rental (STR) surge changed the way investors approached real estate, but the model is beginning to show strain. Constant turnovers, cleaning costs, seasonal gaps, and tightening city restrictions are making it harder for owners to maintain profit margins. Many hosts who once loved the flexibility of platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo now find the workload unsustainable and the returns inconsistent. That’s why more investors are shifting focus to mid-term rentals (MTRs). Furnished properties leased for 30 days or longer that cater to traveling professionals, corporate guests, and families in transition.
Mid-term rentals deliver what STRs often can’t: stability, lower expenses, and better tenant quality. Instead of nightly bookings and constant resets, owners can enjoy tenants who stay one to six months. Meaning fewer vacancies, smoother cash flow, and dramatically reduced turnover costs. MTR guests are typically nurses, corporate employees, or families relocating, and they treat the property as a temporary home rather than a hotel. Because leases exceed 30 days, MTRs also avoid most short-term rental restrictions, keeping investors compliant while offering more predictable income.
For many, MTRs strike the perfect balance between profit and peace of mind. While nightly STR rates can look higher on paper, the net return from a mid-term rental often wins once you factor in labor, utilities, and wear-and-tear. Even successful STR owners are adding MTRs to diversify their portfolio and hedge against market changes. At Coldwell Banker Residential Property Management, we help investors analyze market demand, returns, and logistics to determine whether an MTR strategy makes sense. If you’re ready for steadier income, fewer headaches, and long-term growth, it might be time to make the mid-term move.
Work with Coldwell Banker
Simplified Property Ownership
Managing investment properties involves a myriad of tasks, from tenant screenings and rent collection to maintenance and legal compliance. Our comprehensive property management services are designed to take these burdens off your shoulders. We handle everything, ensuring your properties are well-maintained and profitable, allowing you to focus on what matters most to you.
Expertise in All Property Types
Whether you own a single-family home or a multifamily apartment complex, our team has the expertise to manage a diverse range of properties. We understand the unique needs and challenges of different property types and tailor our services to meet those needs efficiently and effectively.
Clear and Concise Communication
One of the cornerstones of our service is our commitment to clear and concise communication. We believe that transparency is key to a successful partnership. You will always be kept in the loop regarding the status of your properties, tenant issues, financial reports, and any other pertinent information. Our goal is to ensure you have complete confidence and peace of mind, knowing that your investments are in capable hands.
Cutting-Edge Technology
In today’s fast-paced world, staying ahead of technological advancements is crucial. At Coldwell Banker Residential Property Management, we leverage the latest technology and systems to enhance our services. From online portals for easy access to property information and financial reports to advanced marketing tools that attract high-quality tenants, we use technology to streamline processes and maximize efficiency.
Service-Oriented Approach
Despite our reliance on technology, we never forget that we are, first and foremost, a service company. Our priority is to provide exceptional service to both property owners and tenants. We pride ourselves on being responsive, attentive, and dedicated to meeting your needs. Our team is always ready to go the extra mile to ensure your satisfaction and the smooth operation of your properties.
Partnering with Coldwell Banker Residential Property Management means entrusting your investment properties to a team of experienced professionals who are committed to simplifying property ownership. With our expertise, clear communication, cutting-edge technology, and unwavering dedication to service, we ensure that your properties are managed efficiently and effectively. Let us help you maximize the potential of your investment properties while providing you with the peace of mind you deserve.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in achieving your property management goals.
