Can You Sell a Tourist Apartment? A Complete Guide for Property Owners

Is now a good time to sell a holiday rental property? At what price and how should you do it?

Selling a tourist apartment can be highly profitable, especially considering that European regulations are increasingly moving towards restricting short-term rental licenses. This trend makes these types of properties particularly attractive to investors.

If you’re considering selling a tourist apartment, here’s everything you need to know: legal framework, taxes, valuation factors, and expert tips to boost your profits.

Can a Tourist Apartment Be Sold?

Yes — and in many cases, it’s a very profitable decision. As regulations tighten in residential areas, tourist apartments with valid licenses have become more valuable, often selling for significantly higher prices than just a few months ago.

However, it’s important to remember that selling means losing a recurring income stream, so you must weigh this carefully against the potential financial gain.

How to Value a Tourist Apartment for Sale

The valuation of a holiday rental property doesn’t only rely on standard real estate criteria. Specific factors include:

• * Historical profitability: occupancy rates, guest reviews, operating costs, and rental prices.
• * Tourist license availability: scarcity of licenses increases the property’s market value.
• * Location and property features: recent renovations, services, amenities, and connectivity.

Given the uniqueness of this market, working with a real estate agency specialized in tourist properties can help secure the most advantageous sale.

How Is a Tourist Apartment Taxed When Sold?

Selling a holiday rental property involves several taxes and costs:

• * Transfer Tax (ITP): applicable if it’s a resale property (regulated regionally).
• * Municipal Capital Gains Tax: based on land value increase.
• * Capital Gains Tax (IRPF): between 19% and 28% depending on the profit.
• * Transaction expenses: notary, land registry, agency fees, and real estate commissions (typically 5%–15% of the sale price).

Tips for Selling a Tourist Apartment

To maximize your chances of selling quickly and at the best price:

• * Refresh the property’s appearance with minor renovations or updates.
• * Keep all documentation organized, including licenses, deeds, income records, and valuations.
• * Set a competitive yet realistic price, supported with clear profitability metrics.
• * Target the right buyers, especially investors looking for stable rental returns.
• * Rely on specialized agencies for expert negotiation and market positioning.

Conclusion

Selling a tourist apartment is a unique opportunity in today’s market, where licenses are becoming increasingly scarce. With the right strategy, professional guidance, and careful tax planning, you can achieve a highly profitable transaction.