If you own or plan to buy property on the Costa Blanca, one of the first big questions you’ll face is:
Should I rent my home short-term (like Airbnb), or offer it as a long-term lease?
Each approach has its pros and cons. The right choice depends on your income goals, lifestyle needs, and how involved you want to be in managing your property.
Let’s break down the key differences between short-term and long-term rentals in the Costa Blanca — and help you choose the best strategy.
Rental income potential
Short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com often deliver higher gross income.
- You can earn €70–€150 per night depending on location and season
- High-season occupancy rates often exceed 80 percent
- In some cases, five months of high-performance bookings can out-earn a full year of long-term rent
Long-term rentals are more stable, offering fixed monthly income with less volatility.
- Rents typically range from €600–€1,200/month, depending on city and property type
- The income is predictable, but often lower annually than short-term models
For passive income lovers, Spain’s long-term rental laws may appeal — but short-term hosts often enjoy stronger profits.
Compare rental returns with Blanca Stay’s rent-to-rent model.
Flexibility and personal use
Short-term rental lets you choose when the property is available. You can block off time for personal use or maintenance.
Long-term rental usually locks you into a 12-month agreement, and regaining access to your property can be difficult if the tenant doesn’t leave willingly. Spain has strict tenant protection laws under the Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos (LAU).
If you plan to visit Spain or sell the property in the near future, short-term gives you more flexibility.
Legal and tax obligations
In Spain, both rental types require compliance, but short-term rentals are more heavily regulated in the Costa Blanca.
Short-term rentals require:
- A valid tourist license (VT number) from the Generalitat Valenciana
- Guest registration with the Guardia Civil’s Hospederías system
- Quarterly tax filings, especially if you’re a non-resident (Modelo 210)
- Insurance and safety compliance
Long-term rental has simpler rules. There’s no tourist license required, and tax is usually filed annually. However, the legal framework still applies, especially if the property is your second residence.
Blanca Stay can assist with the full setup and compliance process.
Time and effort
Short-term rentals demand more hands-on attention. This includes:
- Cleaning between bookings
- Calendar management
- Guest messaging
- Dynamic pricing
- Handling maintenance or urgent issues
Unless you’re working with a property manager, this is time-consuming.
Long-term rental is more hands-off — one tenant, one contract, less hassle. But with that simplicity comes reduced control and typically lower returns.
Blanca Stay manages everything for short-stay owners, so you don’t have to choose between income and time.
Wear and risk
Short-term rental wear and tear is higher due to turnover and frequent guest stays. However, platforms like Airbnb offer host protection and damage insurance via AirCover.
You can also screen guests and use smart tech to avoid problems.
Long-term tenants cause less short-term wear, but if a tenant stops paying or causes damage, removing them is far more complex under Spanish tenancy laws.
Market fit: what works in the costa blanca?
The Costa Blanca is one of the best regions in Spain for short-term rental success due to:
- All-year tourism
- High visitor volume from the UK, Netherlands, Germany, and Scandinavia
- Strong digital nomad and remote worker trends
- Easy access to Alicante–Elche Airport
Top-performing cities for short-term rental include:
- Alicante – city tourism + business travel
- Calpe – premium guests and summer tourism
- Torrevieja – budget-friendly and long-stay winter guests
- Benidorm – seasonal volume with strong occupancy
If you’re in a popular area and want to maximize returns, short-term rental is typically more profitable.
If you’re outside a tourist zone or want zero involvement, long-term rental is simpler — but less scalable.
Thinking long-term? consider a hybrid or hands-free model
You don’t always have to choose. Some owners rent long-term in winter and short-term in summer. Others use professional management or rent-to-rent models for guaranteed passive income.
Explore Blanca Stay’s solutions to fit your investment style.
Still not sure?
Blanca Stay helps property owners compare their options and find the best-fit strategy — based on property type, location, and income goals. Whether you want total flexibility, maximum returns, or complete peace of mind, we’ll guide you from setup to success.
Book a free consultation today and make the most of your Costa Blanca investment.