Short-term vs. long-term rentals – recommendations for Germans

Many German property owners in Bulgaria are faced with the question: Should I rent out my property as a holiday let, either on a short-term or long-term basis? Both models have their advantages – but differ significantly in terms of effort, return on investment and target audience. realina.com/ provides an overview and recommendations for investors and property owners.

Short-term lettings – flexible and high-yield

Short-term rentals (e.g. via Airbnb or Booking) are common in popular holiday destinations such as Sunny Beach, Sveti Vlas, Varna or Burgas particularly lucrative. This model is aimed at tourists and short-break holidaymakers.

Advantages:

• High rental income during the summer season
• Flexible owner-occupancy outside the peak season
• The ability to adjust prices dynamically in line with demand
• No dependence on a single tenant

Disadvantages:

• More administrative work (cleaning, handing over keys, communication)
• Faster wear and tear on the fittings
• Low occupancy rates during the off-season
• Requires marketing and, where necessary, local support

Tip: For holiday destinations on the Black Sea coast, short-term lettings are usually the most profitable option – particularly in well-maintained resorts or near the beach.

Long-term lettings – stable and predictable

Long-term rentals are available in cities such as Varna, Burgas, Plovdiv or Sofia widely used. Here, owners benefit from regular income and lower administrative costs.

Advantages:

• Stable monthly income
• Less organisational effort
• Constant demand from locals and expats
• Fewer vacancies outside the peak season

Disadvantages:

• Lower return compared to short-term lettings
• Less flexibility for owner-occupation
• Potential loss of rental income or long-term contractual commitments

Tip: Ideal for property owners who prioritise security and predictability – for example, in central city locations or near universities.

Yield Comparison 2025 – Short-term vs. Long-term

Kriterium	Short-term lettings	Long-term rental
Target audience	Tourists, holidaymakers	Locals, expats, students
Rental income	High (seasonal)	Fixed (monthly)
Administrative burden	Hoch	Gering
Vacancy rate	Seasonal	Low
Flexibility	Hoch	Low
Yield (estimated)	7–10 % p. a.	4–6 % per annum.
Recommended locations	Coast, holiday resorts	Cities, university towns

Which strategy is best suited to German property owners?

realina.com/ recommends choosing a letting strategy based on location, property type and target audience:

• Holiday flats by the sea: Short-term lettings with high seasonal returns
• Stadtapartments: Long-term lettings with a steady income
• Combination: Summer – short-term rentals, Winter – long-term rentals

Tip: Combining the two models offers maximum flexibility and optimises capacity utilisation.

realina.com/ supports German property owners in Bulgaria

Whether you are in Varna, Burgas or Sunny Beach would like to let – realina.com/ offers you professional support:

• Market Analysis & Return Calculation
• Legally sound tenancy agreements & tax advice
• Recommendations from local property management companies
• Advice on insurance and property maintenance

Conclusion – Choose a strategy based on your objective

• For high returns and flexibility: Short-term lettings
• For safety and predictability: Long-term rental

Myth realina.com/ German property owners can find the best strategy – tailored to their needs, transparent and legally sound.

👉 Find out more now at realina.com/ – Your expert in Property and lettings in Bulgaria.