April 2026
Bottom Line
The Lubbock rental market looks stronger in April 2026 than April 2025. More properties leased, rents were higher, and average DOM improved. However, when looking at the full year-to-date period, the market is not dramatically faster than 2025. YTD rents are up, leasing volume is up, but DOM is still sitting around the same high-60/low-60 day range.
In plain terms: April 2026 was a good month, but the broader 2026 market is still not back to the 36-day DOM target.
April 2026 had a clear improvement over April 2025. The market absorbed more rental inventory while also producing higher average rents. That is a healthy sign.
The biggest issue is still DOM. Even though April improved, the average DOM of 56.8 days is still well above the 36-day target. So demand is better, but properties are still taking longer than ideal to lease.
Year to Date 2026
YTD 2026 shows more leasing activity and slightly higher average rents, but DOM has not improved meaningfully. The market is producing more closed leases, but it is still taking about the same amount of time to lease properties.
The median rent barely moved, which suggests the higher average rent is likely driven by stronger performance in certain ZIP codes and higher-end properties rather than the entire market rising evenly.
Where’s The Action?
Top Performing Zip Codes
79424 is still the best overall performer YTD. It has strong volume, high average rent, and the lowest DOM among the high-volume ZIP codes.
79382 has the highest average rent YTD at $1,743, but 79424 is more balanced, with a much higher leasing volume and a slightly lower DOM.
Positive Movement
79416 improved significantly.
YTD average rent increased from about $1,363 to $1,520, while DOM improved from 70.1 days to 54.4 days. That is one of the clearest signs of improvement in the market.
79423 also improved.
YTD average rent increased from about $1,429 to $1,482, while DOM improved from 63.6 days to 54.8 days.
79424 remains strong.
Rent increased from about $1,624 to $1,691, and DOM stayed relatively controlled at about 52 days.
Weaker Movement
79410 softened.
YTD average rent dropped from about $1,488 to $1,268, while DOM stayed around 69 days.
79411 continues to struggle.
Average rent declined, and DOM remained high at about 73 days.
79403 and 79404 showed high YTD DOM, suggesting that pricing, property condition, or location-specific demand issues may be affecting those submarkets.
General Market Interpretation
The market is showing better rent strength in 2026, especially in April, but it is not showing a major improvement in leasing speed yet.
The most important takeaway is this: Rents are moving up, but DOM is still too high.
That means owners can likely push rent in stronger ZIP codes like 79424, 79382, 79416, and 79423, but they need to be careful in slower ZIP codes or with properties that are not updated. Overpricing by even a small amount can still result in 60+ days on market.
The April numbers are encouraging because they show higher rent and lower DOM at the same time. But the YTD numbers show that the market is still not consistently leasing fast enough to meet the 36-day goal.
Practical Pricing Takeaway
Owners should avoid two mistakes.
The first mistake is underpricing a strong property in a strong area. April 2026 showed that tenants are willing to pay higher rents in the right ZIP codes.
The second mistake is overpricing a property and allowing vacancy to erase the benefit of a higher rent. A property sitting 60 days or more can quickly lose the financial benefit of asking for an extra $50 to $100 per month.
The best strategy is to price with the market early, watch activity closely, and make adjustments quickly. If a property is not getting quality activity in the first two to three weeks, the market is likely telling us something.
The Lubbock rental market is healthier than it was a year ago. April 2026 brought more leased properties, higher rents, and lower days on market compared to April 2025.
But the year-to-date numbers show that we are not in a fast-moving market yet. Average days on market is still around 63 days, which is far above the 36-day target.
For owners, the opportunity is real, but the strategy matters. Strong properties in strong ZIP codes can perform well. But pricing, condition, and speed of adjustment are still the difference between a good rental outcome and an expensive vacancy.
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.
