🏡 Short term vs. long term rental: why you can earn up to 30 % more?
Are you thinking of renting your property but can't decide between short-term and long-term rentals? You are not alone. Many property owners in the UK are facing this important question, which can significantly affect their income for years to come.
❓ Why is this choice so important?
Slovakia is currently experiencing a tourism boom. Bratislava and Košice are becoming more and more popular destinations for foreign tourists and domestic travellers. This change opens up new opportunities for property owners - the possibility to earn significantly more through short-term rentals.
📊 Numbers that speak clearly
Based on our market experience, we can confirm that short-term rentals generate 20-30 % more revenue compared to a classic long-term lease.
But beware - it's not just about higher incomes. You also have to factor in higher costs and more responsibility.
🏘️ A concrete example from practice: a 3-room apartment in the Old Town of Bratislava
Long term lease:
- Monthly income: 1 400 €
- Annual income: €16 800
- Operating costs: minimal
Short-term lease (based on real data as of May 2025):
- Monthly income: 2 612,85 €
- Annual income (at 70 % occupancy): approx. 21 930 €
- Operating costs:
- Cleaning: 40 € per reservation
- Beauty products: 15 € per month
- Management: 15 % of revenue
- RevPAR: 84,29 €
Result: The difference is 5 130 € per year in favour of short-term rentals, representing 30,5 % higher income!
Note: These figures are based on real results of our clients and depend on the location, quality of the property and professionalism of the management.
🏢 Long-term rental: stability and simplicity
✅ Advantages of long-term rental:
- Stable monthly income without fluctuations
- Minimal administration - one contract for a year or more
- Lower operating costs - cleaning once in a while
- Less stress - one tenant, one contact
- Lower wear and tear on the property
⚠️ Disadvantages of long-term renting:
- Lower income compared to short-term rentals
- The risk of a problem tenant - hard to get rid of
- Less flexibility - you cannot use the property for yourself
- Inflation risk - fixed rental price for a longer period
🏨 Short-term rentals: higher profits, greater opportunities
✅ Advantages of short-term rental:
- Significantly higher revenues - up to 30 % more
- Flexibility - you can book the property for yourself
- Possibility of dynamic pricing - higher prices during events
- Quick problem solving - problem guest leaves in a few days
- Tax benefits - deduction of a number of costs
⚠️ Disadvantages of short-term rentals:
- Higher time and complexity of administration - communication, cleaning, maintenance
- Seasonality of income - fluctuations during the year
- Higher operating costs - cleaning products, energy
- Need for professional equipment - quality equipment, wifi
- Legislative requirements - registration, taxes
⏱️ When is it worth switching to short-term rentals?
✅ Ideal conditions for short term rentals:
- Attractive location - city centre, close to monuments, public transport
- Quality property - modern furnished, functional
- Availability of time - or management partner
- Financial reserves - for equipment and marketing
- Willingness to learn - new technologies, languages, marketing
⚠️ Warning signs - when to stay in a long term rental:
- Property in a less attractive location
- Older apartment requiring large investment
- Lack of time for administration
- You don't want to deal with administration
🧑💼 Professional Report: The best of both worlds
Many owners opt for professional management of short-term rentalswhich combines the advantages of both options:
- High short-term rental income
- Zero worries as with a long-term lease
- Professional service - marketing, communication, maintenance
- Transparent reports - overview of income and expenditure
🏆 Stories of successful clients:
Client No. 1 - Immediate success:
The owner contacted us via Instagram after seeing our long booking story. He put the apartment on our message and his first booking was for 17 days. The same guest subsequently booked another 33 nights - so from day one the apartment was consistently booked!
Client No. 2 - Young Financial Advisor:
He bought an apartment in Kramary in an older block of flats on a hill. He cleverly remodeled it to a decent standard and had consistent bookings from the beginning of the administration. His apartment became a favorite among guests.
Our average occupancy in 2024 was 70 % and we are constantly working to increase it.
🧭 The decision is yours
The choice between short-term and long-term rentals is not just about money. It's about your lifestyle, available time and expectations from your investment.
To:
- Maximum profits and you are willing to invest time → short-term rental
- High profits without worry → short-term rental with professional management
- Stability and simplicity → long-term lease
💬 Our advice:
Start with an analysis of your property and location. Compare potential income, quantify costs and realistically assess your options.
If in doubt, consult the experts.
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