Which sources are commonly used for benchmarking in real estate finance?

Benchmarking in real estate finance often relies on well-established data sources that provide insights into occupancy rates, average daily rates, revenue per available room, and other metrics critical for assessing property performance. STR (Smith Travel Research) reports are particularly valuable as they compile and analyze data from a vast array of hotels to deliver comprehensive benchmarking statistics for the hospitality sector. This data is vital for understanding trends and making informed decisions in real estate finance.

Tourism boards, while they can provide useful visitation and demographic data, do not typically offer the detailed financial metrics necessary for specific benchmarking in real estate finance. Therefore, the significance of STR reports as a primary benchmarking source is what makes this answer the most appropriate. Local government reports and private investor research can offer insights into market trends and specific investment opportunities, but they lack the standardized data commonly relied upon for benchmarking purposes. Market analysis textbooks may provide theoretical knowledge but do not offer current, B2B data for benchmarking performance.

Overall, the reliance on STR reports and similar tourism analytics reinforces their position as a critical resource for benchmarking within the real estate finance industry.