Vacation rental management in Sevilla, let's talk

The best time to rent a tourist property in Seville coincides with periods of highest tourist activity in the city. The strongest season is spring, especially during Holy Week and the April Fair, when demand rises sharply and nightly rates reach their highest levels of the year. During these periods, occupancy is usually almost complete in central areas.

Autumn also delivers very good results thanks to pleasant weather and cultural tourism. In contrast, summer can be more irregular due to high temperatures, although demand still exists, especially from international visitors.

The amount you can earn by renting your vacation home in Seville depends on several factors such as location, size, seasonality, and management quality. Seville is one of the Spanish cities with the highest tourist demand throughout much of the year, especially during key events such as Holy Week and the April Fair, when both prices and occupancy levels are usually very high.

If your property is well located in tourist areas such as the Old Town, Santa Cruz, Arenal, or Triana and is well managed on platforms like Airbnb or Booking, you can achieve high occupancy, especially in spring and autumn. Small and medium-sized apartments with one or two bedrooms usually enjoy strong demand and high turnover, resulting in solid income throughout the year.

Yes, it is legal to rent a property as a tourist accommodation in Seville, provided that you comply with the requirements established by the regulations of the Andalusian Regional Government and the Seville City Council.

To operate legally, you must register the property in the Andalusia Tourism Register (RTA) as tourist accommodation, meet the safety, habitability, and equipment requirements set by regional regulations, display the registration number in all listings on platforms such as Airbnb and Booking, comply with tax obligations, and provide complaint forms and other elements required by Andalusian tourism regulations.

The main expenses of a vacation rental in Seville include both fixed and variable costs derived from tourist management. Among the most common are utilities such as water, electricity, gas, and internet, which are usually higher than in traditional rentals due to frequent guest turnover and intensive use of air conditioning, especially in summer.

Other expenses include cleaning and laundry after each stay, property maintenance, and the periodic replacement of furniture, textiles, and small appliances. In addition, community fees, property tax (IBI), and mandatory civil liability insurance for tourist properties must be considered.

From a commercial perspective, platform commissions from Airbnb or Booking and, if a specialized company is hired, full-service management fees must also be taken into account. Finally, taxes derived from the activity should not be overlooked.

In Seville, the areas that perform best for tourist rentals are those with strong tourist appeal, good accessibility, and a wide cultural and gastronomic offer, making them highly attractive to both national and international visitors.

The Old Town is undoubtedly the top-performing area. Neighborhoods such as Santa Cruz, El Arenal, and the surroundings of the Cathedral and the Giralda attract most visitors who come to walk, visit monuments, and enjoy the city on foot. These areas usually maintain high occupancy throughout the year, especially during high season in spring and autumn and during major events such as Holy Week and the April Fair.

Triana is another neighborhood with excellent performance, known for its traditional atmosphere, ceramic heritage, and rich culinary scene. It attracts both cultural tourists and travelers seeking more authentic local experiences.

Areas near Plaza de España and María Luisa Park also perform very well, as well as neighborhoods with good transport connections that allow guests to move around the city comfortably.

Legalizing a tourist property in Seville by registering it as a VUT in the Andalusia Tourism Register usually takes several weeks, although the exact timeframe depends on various factors.

First, you must prepare all required documentation and ensure that the property meets technical and safety requirements. Once the responsible declaration and registration application have been submitted, the administration has formal review deadlines that may vary depending on workload.

In practice, if all documentation is correct and the property complies with regulations, the process is usually completed within approximately four to eight weeks. It may be faster if processed electronically and without issues, or slower if additional information is required.

If you rent your property as a Vivienda de Uso Turístico in Seville, you must declare the income in Personal Income Tax (IRPF) as real estate income or as economic activity, depending on how the rental is managed. Unlike traditional residential rentals, the 60 percent IRPF reduction does not apply.

However, you may deduct expenses related to the activity such as utilities, property tax, community fees, cleaning, maintenance, platform commissions, and depreciation of the property and furniture. Regarding VAT, it does not apply if you only rent the accommodation without additional services, but a 10 percent rate must be charged if you provide hotel-style services such as cleaning during the stay or regular linen changes. In addition, you must register with the tax authorities using form 036 or 037.

What is the difference between a vacation rental and a long-term rental in Seville?

The main difference between a vacation rental and a long-term rental in Seville lies in contract duration, applicable regulations, and profitability models. Vacation rentals are intended for short stays and are regulated by the tourism regulations of the Andalusian Regional Government, which require registration in the Andalusia Tourism Register. Long-term rentals are governed by the Urban Leases Act and usually involve contracts of at least five years when the landlord is an individual.

From an economic perspective, tourist rentals can generate higher income, especially in areas such as the Old Town, Triana, or near the Cathedral, and during events such as Holy Week and the April Fair. However, they require greater dedication and ongoing management. Traditional rentals offer greater stability and lower operational involvement.

Can the homeowners’ association prohibit me from renting as a vacation home in Seville?

The homeowners’ association may limit or prohibit tourist use if approved at a meeting by a three-fifths majority of owners and participation quotas. It may also agree on a surcharge of up to 20 percent on common expenses for properties used for tourist purposes.

However, if the property was already registered and operating before the agreement was approved, the owner generally cannot be forced to cease the activity, although the surcharge may still be applied if properly approved. If the community statutes already expressly prohibit tourist use, the activity may be prevented from the outset.

What safety requirements must a tourist home in Seville meet?

A tourist home in Seville must comply with the requirements established by Andalusian regulations. It must have adequate ventilation, fixed air conditioning in bedrooms and living areas, a first aid kit, complaint forms, and an information notice.

In terms of safety, it must include a fire extinguisher, smoke detectors where required, and systems that guarantee the safety of electrical and gas installations. It must also display visible information with emergency phone numbers and house rules. These requirements aim to ensure guest safety, comfort, and protection.

What type of property works best as a tourist rental in Seville?

In Seville, the properties that perform best as tourist rentals are usually apartments located in the Old Town, especially in areas such as Santa Cruz, Arenal, Triana, or around the Cathedral and the Giralda. Studios and one- or two-bedroom apartments are in high demand, as most visitors are couples or small groups focused on cultural and gastronomic tourism.

Properties with terraces, Andalusian patios, or traditional architectural elements also perform very well, as they add strong differentiation on platforms such as Airbnb. During major events such as Holy Week and the April Fair, both occupancy and prices increase significantly, making Seville one of the Spanish cities with the highest potential for well-managed tourist rentals.

How can I increase the occupancy of my vacation home in Seville?

A tourist property performs better when its offer is adapted to the traveler’s profile. Professional photography, careful decoration, and clear descriptions help it stand out from other listings. It is also essential to publish on multiple platforms such as Airbnb and Booking, use dynamic pricing adjusted to real demand, and maintain fast and friendly communication with guests.

Positive reviews are the main driver for maintaining occupancy during the low season and increasing the average price per stay. At Cabana Rentals, we take care of operations, positioning, and maintenance so that your property maximizes profits throughout the year.

At CABANA, we do everything for you to maximize occupancy and profitability.