Interview with Real Estate Investor Pawel Wojnicz
Pawel Wojnicz is a seasoned real estate investor with a strong portfolio of short-term rental properties in Florida. As an expert in Airbnb hosting and property management, he has witnessed the rapid evolution of the short-term rental industry. With changing market trends, increasing regulations, and evolving guest expectations, what does the future hold for Airbnb and short-term rentals? In this interview, Pawel shares his insights on where the industry is heading and how investors can adapt to stay ahead.
Pawel, you’ve been in the short-term rental business for years. How has the Airbnb market changed since you started?
Pawel Wojnicz: The market has evolved tremendously. In the early days, Airbnb was mainly used by budget-conscious travelers looking for an alternative to hotels. Today, it’s a mainstream accommodation option catering to all types of guests—from digital nomads and business travelers to luxury vacationers. We’ve also seen a shift towards longer stays, with many people combining work and travel. Another big change is the rise in competition—more hosts are entering the market, which means differentiation is key to staying profitable.
What are the biggest trends shaping the future of short-term rentals?
Pawel Wojnicz: I see several key trends:
- Longer Stays & Digital Nomad Demand – Many travelers are now booking stays for weeks or even months. The rise of remote work has created a new category of guests who need fully equipped homes for extended stays.
- Luxury & Experience-Based Rentals – Guests expect more than just a place to sleep. Unique, high-end properties with premium amenities like pools, saunas, and smart home technology are in high demand.
- Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Rentals – Sustainability is becoming a priority. Properties that use solar power, energy-efficient appliances, and eco-friendly designs will attract a growing segment of conscious travelers.
- Increased Regulation & Compliance – Cities around the world are tightening short-term rental rules. Investors must be aware of local laws before purchasing properties for Airbnb.
- AI-Powered Property Management – More hosts are automating their operations using dynamic pricing tools, smart locks, and AI-powered guest communication systems. This technology helps improve efficiency and maximize profits.
With competition growing, how can Airbnb hosts stay profitable in 2025 and beyond? Pawel Wojnicz: It all comes down to quality and strategy. Here’s what I recommend:
- Invest in Unique Properties – Standard apartments don’t stand out anymore. Luxury villas, waterfront homes, and themed rentals are performing much better. • Focus on Guest Experience – Fast responses, seamless check-ins, and personalized touches like welcome gifts can lead to better reviews and repeat bookings.
- Optimize Pricing Dynamically – Using AI-driven pricing tools ensures that your rates stay competitive without underpricing your property.
- Diversify Booking Channels – Don’t rely only on Airbnb. List your property on Booking.com, VRBO, and direct booking platforms to maximize occupancy. • Stay Ahead of Regulations – Before investing in a new area, check local laws to ensure short-term rentals are allowed.
You’ve also expanded your real estate investments beyond Florida. How does the short-term rental market in Paraguay compare?
Pawel Wojnicz: Paraguay is an emerging market with huge potential. Unlike Florida, where regulations are tightening, Paraguay is still very open to investors. The cost of entry is lower, and
demand for high-quality rental properties is growing, especially in Asunción and Ciudad del Este. For investors looking to diversify, Paraguay offers an excellent opportunity to build a portfolio before the market becomes saturated.
For investors considering short-term rentals, what are the biggest mistakes to avoid? Pawel Wojnicz: The most common mistakes include:
- Ignoring Local Regulations – Some investors buy properties only to find out that short term rentals are restricted in that area. Always check the legal framework first.
- Underestimating Operating Costs – Cleaning fees, maintenance, taxes, and platform commissions can eat into profits. A detailed financial plan is essential.
- Neglecting Guest Experience – Small details like fast Wi-Fi, good lighting, and quality bedding make a big difference in guest satisfaction and reviews.
- Not Marketing the Property Properly – High-quality photos, compelling descriptions, and active social media promotion can significantly increase bookings.
- Failing to Adapt to Market Changes – The industry is evolving rapidly. Hosts who don’t keep up with trends and technology will struggle to compete.
What’s next for you in the short-term rental space?
Pawel Wojnicz: I’m always looking for new markets and opportunities. While I continue to expand in Florida, I’m also focusing on emerging markets like Paraguay and Colombia, where real estate is still undervalued. I’m also working on helping other investors enter the market by sharing insights and offering consulting services.
How do you see the role of social media and digital marketing in the future of Airbnb rentals?
Pawel Wojnicz: Social media is becoming a powerful tool for short-term rental marketing. More and more hosts are leveraging platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to showcase their properties and attract direct bookings. Travelers today don’t just browse Airbnb—they also look for unique stays through social media. Having a strong online presence, high-quality content, and guest testimonials can make a huge difference in occupancy rates. Also, direct booking websites are on the rise, helping hosts reduce dependence on third-party platforms and maximize profits.
What are the biggest challenges Airbnb hosts will face in the coming years? Pawel Wojnicz: There are several key challenges:
- Regulatory Uncertainty – Many cities are tightening short-term rental rules, so investors must stay informed and choose Airbnb-friendly locations.
- Increasing Competition – More properties are entering the market, so hosts need to differentiate themselves with premium amenities and better guest experiences.
- Economic Uncertainty – With interest rates fluctuating and global markets shifting, investors must be prepared for potential downturns in tourism demand.
- Guest Expectations Are Higher Than Ever – Fast Wi-Fi, smart home technology, and seamless check-in experiences are becoming non-negotiable. Hosts who fail to meet these expectations will struggle.
That said, those who adapt and evolve will continue to succeed.
What would you say to investors who are hesitant about entering the Airbnb market due to increasing regulations?
Pawel Wojnicz: I completely understand their concerns. Regulations are tightening in many major cities, which is why choosing the right market is more important than ever. That’s also why I’m diversifying into places like Paraguay, where the government is more welcoming to investors.
Instead of avoiding short-term rentals altogether, I recommend strategic investing:
- Choose cities with Airbnb-friendly laws or where regulations are still flexible. • Consider mid-term rentals (30-90 days), which often bypass stricter short-term rental rules.
- Diversify globally—markets like Paraguay and Colombia offer high returns without the heavy restrictions of places like New York or Los Angeles.
This is exactly why I launched GetResidencyParaguay.com—to help investors expand into a stable, low-tax, and investor-friendly market where they won’t face the same restrictions as in the U.S.
If someone wants to start investing in short-term rentals, what’s the first step?
Pawel Wojnicz: Start with market research. Look for locations with high occupancy rates, strong tourism demand, and favorable regulations. Then, run the numbers carefully— calculate potential income, expenses, and return on investment. Once you have a solid plan, start small and scale up as you gain experience.
Thank you, Pawel! Your insights are incredibly valuable for anyone looking to enter the Airbnb market.
Pawel Wojnicz: My pleasure! The short-term rental industry is changing fast, but those who adapt and innovate will continue to succeed.
Final Thoughts
The future of Airbnb and short-term rentals is full of opportunities, but also challenges. Investors who stay ahead of market trends, focus on guest experience, and embrace automation will be the ones who thrive. As Pawel Wojnicz highlights, location, strategy, and adaptability are key factors in building a profitable short-term rental business.
If you’re looking to diversify your real estate portfolio, consider exploring new markets like Paraguay, where regulations are investor-friendly, and the cost of entry is still low.
For more insights and expert guidance, follow Pawel Wojnicz’s latest real estate updates!