What if your vacation home could pay for itself? On the Costa Brava, thousands of landlords have discovered that combining personal use with tourist rental is not only possible, but extraordinarily profitable. We'll tell you everything you need to know to turn your property into an income-generating machine.

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The Reality of Numbers

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Let's be direct: a well-managed property on the Costa Brava can generate between €20,000 and €60,000 per year in tourist rental income, depending on location, size and season of occupancy.

Real example - Apartment in Roses (2 bedrooms)

• Purchase price: 280,000€
• Annual income: 24,000€
• Expenses (community, IBI, cleaning, management): €8,000
• Net profit: 16,000€
• Profitability: 5.7% per year

Real example - Villa in Begur (4 bedrooms, pool)

• Purchase price: 650,000€
• Annual income: 48,000€
• Expenses (maintenance, services, management): €15,000
• Net profit: 33,000€
• Profitability: 5.1% per year

These figures far exceed the average return of bank deposits or conservative investment funds, and you also have a tangible asset that is revalued.

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The Star Zones for Profitability

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Tier 1 - Maximum Demand (occupancy 85-95% high season)

• Lloret de Mar: High turnover, international audience, competitive prices
• Roses: Families and water sports, season extended to October
• L'Estartit: Diving and nature, in high demand by French and Dutch
• Platja d'Aro: Young atmosphere, nightlife, high occupancy

Tier 2 - High Demand with Plus Exclusivity (70-85% occupancy)

• Begur: Premium audience, higher rates, repetitive clientele
• Calella de Palafrugell: Couples and families with purchasing power
• Cadaqués: Artistic-cultural niche, top prices, shortest season
• Tossa de Mar: Perfect balance between demand and profitability

Tier 3 - Specialized Niches (occupancy 60-75%)

• Medieval Pals: Unique Historical Experience
• Tamariu: Exclusivity and Privacy
• Sant Feliu de Guíxols: Catalan families, medium-long season
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The Formula for Success: What Tourists Are Looking For

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After analyzing thousands of bookings, we have identified the factors that make the difference between a property that rents well and one that doesn't take off:

Essentials of the 21st century:

• High-speed WiFi (non-negotiable, especially post-pandemic)
• Air conditioning (July-August are relentless)
• Own parking or garage space (the difference between 5 and 20 annual reservations)
• Terrace or balcony with dining table (tourists live outdoors)

The extras that multiply bookings:

• Private or communal pool (+40% in rates)
• Sea views (+30% in rates)
• Less than 10 minutes walk from the beach (+50% on demand)
• Barbecue and outdoor area (+20% in rates)
• Washing machine (essential for stays longer than 4 days)

The detail that sets you apart:

• Personalized welcome with local products
• Own guide with recommendations (restaurants, coves, routes)
• Contemporary decor and professional photography
• Beach pack (towels, umbrella, portable fridge)
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Seasons and Pricing Strategy

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Ultra Alta (July-August): 180-350€/nightMinimum bookings of 7 days. Here, 50-60% of your annual income is generated. Don't be afraid to set premium prices if your property justifies it.

Alta (June, September): 120-220€/nightThe best kept secret. Perfect climate, fewer crowds, more mature public willing to pay well. Minimum stays of 4-5 days.

Average (May, October, Easter): 90-150€/nightBridges, festivities, families with young children. Short but cost-effective stays.

Low (November-April): 60-100€/nightTeleworkers, retirees, tourists fleeing the cold of the north. Don't rule out this season, it can bring an additional 15-20%.

Winning strategy: Prices rise progressively as the date approaches. Those who book 6 months in advance pay less, last-minute ones pay premium.

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Management: Do It Yourself or Hire Professionals?

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Self-management (you keep 75-85% of income)

Advantages:

• Full control over the schedule and prices
• Direct relationship with guests
• Maximum profit margin

Disadvantages:

• 24/7 availability for incidents
• Key management, cleaning, maintenance
• You need to be close or have a lot of coordination

Professional management (you keep 60-70% of revenues)

Advantages:

• Zero worry, zero stress
• Professional marketing and presence on multiple platforms
• Preventive maintenance included
• Price optimization based on demand

Disadvantages:

• 20-30% commission
• Less control over who is staying

The hybrid option: Many homeowners manage the low and mid-season themselves (when they have time) and hire professionals for July-August (when they want to enjoy their own home or are on vacation).

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Legal Framework: What You Need to Know

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The Government of Catalonia regulates tourist rentals. You need:

Tourist License (HUTG): Required. It costs between 100-300€ depending on the municipality. Without it, fines of up to 90,000€.

Energy Efficiency Certificate: Required by law, valid for 10 years.

Civil liability insurance: Highly recommended (150-300€/year).

Income statement: Rental income is taxed as income from real estate capital. You can deduct maintenance expenses, IBI, community expenses, etc.

Important: Some municipalities have limited new licenses. Always check before buying if your goal is tourist rental.

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Platforms: Where to Advertise Your Property

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Airbnb: The undisputed queen. Increased traffic, international clientele, secure payment management. Commission: 3% owner + 14% guest.

Booking.com: Second essential option. More familiar audience, longer stays. Commission: 15-18%.

VRBO/HomeAway: Specialized in complete houses, families and groups. Commission: 8% or fixed annual fee.

Local platforms: Costa Brava Villas, Only-apartments, Girona Rent. Lower commission but less traffic.

Professional strategy: To be in all of them. Use management software such as Avantio or Lodgify to synchronize calendars and avoid double bookings.

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Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

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Underestimate expenses: Professional cleaning (50-80€), laundry, breakages, breakages... Calculate 25-30% of your income in operating expenses.

Mediocre photos: A professional photographer costs 200-400€ but can increase your bookings by 40%. It's the best investment.

Don't respond quickly: On Airbnb, if you don't respond in less than 1 hour, you lose ranking. Speed is critical.

Fixed prices all year round: Algorithms reward pricing flexibility. Adjust weekly according to demand.

Neglecting reviews: 5 5-star reviews multiply your bookings by 3. Respond to all, even negative ones, politely.

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The Future of Tourist Rental on the Costa Brava

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The trend is clear: quality tourism is growing, stays are longer, and tourists are looking for authentic experiences over impersonal hotels.

Teleworking has created a new segment: professionals who rent 1-3 months to work from paradise. These “digital nomads” pay well, take care of the property and generate income in the off-season.

Sustainable properties, with solar energy, electric car chargers and eco-friendly design are starting to position themselves as premium.

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Is it for You?

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Holiday rentals on the Costa Brava are an excellent investment if:

• Are you looking for returns above 4% per year
• You want to enjoy your property 2-4 months a year and make the rest profitable
• Do you like the idea of generating passive or semi-passive income
• Do you believe in the Costa Brava's long-term revaluation potential

Not only do we help you find the perfect property, but we connect you with the best tourism managers in the area, advise you on licenses and give you realistic profitability projections.

Your investment in paradise is just a click away. Do we talk?