Winter tends to raise the same question for many hosts: is it even worth listing your property during the quieter months?

If you’re in the short term rentals game, the mid-year dip in travel can feel like a real slowdown. But here’s the thing – smart hosts don’t wait for summer to succeed. They use winter to stay ahead, earn consistently, and prep for the peak season. And with the right strategy (and the right property management team), your winter months can be surprisingly profitable.

Here’s how you can make the most of the cooler season.

1. Price Smart for Short Term Rentals 

When demand dips, many hosts slash their rates and hope for bookings. But that race to the bottom often leads to less revenue – not more. What works better? Dynamic pricing.

At Propr, we use real-time market data and seasonal insights to price your short term rentals competitively, without undervaluing them. We factor in everything from school holidays to long weekends and events – so your listing attracts the right guests at the right rate.

2. Attract Long-Stay Guests to Your Short Term Rentals

Winter is the perfect time to attract extended stays. From those who frequently travel for work to families relocating between terms, there’s a steady stream of guests looking for 1- to 4-week stays.

By adjusting your short term rental to be long-stay friendly – with discounts for week-long bookings, reliable WiFi, and thoughtful extras – you can keep occupancy high and reduce your turnover costs. 

3. Adapt Your Short Term Rentals to Off-Season Travel Trends

Winter doesn’t mean “no travel” – it just means different travel. Local escapes, budget-conscious tourists, digital nomads, or business travellers seeking comfortable alternatives to hotels all drive steady demand during winter. 

Short term rentals are perfectly positioned to meet these winter travel needs – especially if the property is well-managed, warm, and fully equipped. Listings with fireplaces, underfloor heating, plush throws, or even a smart TV with streaming options all tend to perform better during winter.

4. Let Your Property Work For You 

A common misconception is that hosting in winter is too much effort for too little gain. That’s where Propr makes all the difference.

We handle everything – from professional photography, listings and guest communication to bookings, cleaning and maintenance. You don’t need to be in the same city (or even country) to keep your short term rentals generating income. You’ll get real-time reporting, expert support, and a fully managed service designed to maximise your return, season after season.

5. Prep for Peak Season Early 

Here’s the truth: most hosts lose money not in winter, but by waiting until summer to act. The earlier your short term rentals gain traction, guest reviews, and search visibility, the better they will perform when demand spikes.

Winter is the time to start building your profile. With fewer competitors in the market and more opportunity to test pricing strategies, it’s the ideal season to set yourself up for peak performance when spring and summer are back in full swing. 

Winter-Proof Your Short Term Rentals with Propr

Short term rentals in South Africa don’t have to freeze in winter. With the right strategy – and the right support – you can keep earning steadily while positioning your property for long-term success.

At Propr, we don’t just manage short term rentals – we optimise them, and handle the details that make all the difference. Winter may be a slower season, but with the right team behind your property, there’s still plenty of earning potential. 

Get a personalised earnings estimate now and discover how Propr can turn your winter lulls into steady returns.