Vacation or seasonal rental: Which is the best option?
Discover the differences between these two types of vacation rentals and decide which one best suits your needs. With Somnia, maximize the performance of your property.
Photographs by Julieta Seba.
In recent years, rental regulations have led many owners to make important decisions about how to manage their vacation homes. When choosing between vacation rentals and seasonal rentals, it is essential to know the particularities of each modality in order to get the most economic benefit at the times of the year that suit you best. Below, we explore the characteristics and differences between both types of rentals, so that you can make the best decision for your property.
Key factors when choosing a rental mode
For many owners, the main question is: which type of rental is more profitable and better suited to my situation? There are several aspects to consider before deciding on one of the two options, such as the time you can devote to management, the location of your property, the size of your property, your investment capacity and, of course, the regulations in force in your area.
The first step is to make sure that your property complies with the applicable legislation, as the rules may vary between municipalities and autonomous communities. Depending on where your property is located, the regulation on vacation or seasonal rentals may be managed by local authorities, so it is important to be well informed before you start. If you find it complex, hiring an advisor specialized in tourist properties could be a good option.
What is seasonal rental?
Seasonal rentals, regulated by the Urban Leasing Law (LAU), are designed for stays that are not intended to be permanent. This type of rental applies to tenants seeking housing for an extended period of time, generally more than two months, but without becoming their habitual residence. Typical tenants for this type of rental tend to be temporarily displaced workers, students or families looking to stay for a specific period of time, whether for winter, summer or work reasons.
Seasonal rentals offer greater stability compared to vacation rentals, as contracts usually cover several months and bookings are less volatile.
What characterizes vacation rentals?
Vacation rentals, on the other hand, are intended for much shorter stays. The LAU states that this type of rental involves the temporary assignment of a fully furnished and equipped dwelling, generally through specialized platforms such as Somnia. Guests can book on a daily or weekly basis, making it an ideal option for tourists or people looking for short getaways.
Vacation rentals offer flexibility in terms of prices, which can be adjusted according to the high or low season, and allow for additional services such as cleaning, laundry or even tourist experiences. This type of rental requires more active management, but can also generate higher revenues during tourist seasons.
Key differences between seasonal and vacation rentals
Duration of stay: Seasonal rentals are designed for longer stays, while vacation rentals are usually for days or weeks.
Amenities: In seasonal rentals, the property is rented without additional services such as cleaning or meals, while in vacation rentals you can offer a range of services to enhance the guest experience.
Legislation: In seasonal rentals, it is necessary to draw up a contract with the tenants, while in some cases, vacation rentals may not require it, depending on the autonomous community.
Prices: Seasonal rental prices are usually more flexible and depend on the agreement between both parties, while vacation rentals have fixed rates per night or week.
Advantages of both modalities
Both seasonal and vacation rentals offer advantages that will depend on your needs and expectations. Seasonal rental provides long-term stability and less active management, while vacation rental can be more profitable during high-demand seasons, although it requires more daily dedication.
When choosing between these two modalities, it is important to consider what type of guests you want to attract and how much flexibility you want to have in the management of your property. If you have more questions or need help managing your property, at Somnia we offer advice and the best solutions to maximize your income.
