Vacation rental management in Pontevedra, let's talk

The best time to rent a tourist property in Pontevedra is during the summer, especially between June and September, when tourism in the Rías Baixas increases significantly. Proximity to beaches such as Sanxenxo, Combarro, and A Lanzada boosts demand during the summer season. Spring and early autumn also offer good occupancy levels thanks to mild weather and the appeal of the historic center. In addition, cultural events, festivals, and national holidays generate additional demand peaks throughout the year. Although summer is the strongest season, Pontevedra maintains stable tourist activity beyond the summer months.

Income mainly depends on location, property size, and seasonality. Homes located in the historic center, near the pedestrian area, or well connected to the beaches of the Rías Baixas tend to have higher demand. During summer, nightly rates increase considerably, especially for properties with terraces, views, or family capacity. Although high season accounts for much of the annual profitability, a good pricing strategy and optimized management can generate stable income throughout most of the year. In general, a well-located and well-maintained property in Pontevedra can offer very attractive returns compared to traditional rentals.

Yes, it is legal to rent a property for tourist use in Pontevedra as long as it complies with the regulations of the Xunta de Galicia. The property must be registered in the Galician Register of Tourism Companies and Activities (REAT) by submitting a responsible declaration. The home must meet habitability, equipment, and safety requirements, and the registration number must appear in all listings published on digital platforms. In addition, all tax obligations related to the activity must be fulfilled.

The main expenses include utilities such as electricity, water, and internet, especially during high season when occupancy is higher. Costs for cleaning and laundry after each stay, property maintenance, replacement of furniture and textiles, civil liability insurance, property tax (IBI), and, where applicable, community fees must also be considered. In addition, there are platform commissions from Airbnb or Booking and, if management is outsourced, the fees of a specialized company. Proper planning of these costs is essential to ensure sustainable profitability.

The areas with the best performance in Pontevedra are usually the historic center and the urban core, as they attract visitors looking to enjoy the pedestrian atmosphere, gastronomy, and cultural heritage. Properties well connected to the coast and the beaches of the Rías Baixas also perform very well, especially if they offer easy car access. Homes with terraces, views, or larger capacity for families tend to be more popular during high season. In general, the combination of a good location, an attractive environment, and easy access to services is decisive.

The legalization process usually takes several weeks. Once the responsible declaration has been submitted to the Xunta de Galicia and the documentation is complete and compliant, registration can be processed within approximately four to eight weeks. If additional documentation is requested or technical issues must be corrected, the process may take longer. Preparing all requirements correctly from the start helps speed up the process.

If you rent your property as a VUT “Vivienda de Uso Turístico” in Pontevedra, 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, it is mandatory to register with the tax authorities using form 036 or 037 and to register the property in the Galician Register of Tourism Companies and Activities in order to obtain the official VUT-PO number.

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

The main difference between a vacation rental and a long-term rental in Pontevedra lies in contract duration, applicable regulations, and taxation. Vacation rentals, also known as Viviendas de Uso Turístico (VUT), are intended for short stays, usually by days or weeks, and are regulated by Galicia’s tourism regulations. In contrast, long-term rentals are intended as the tenant’s main residence and are governed by the Urban Leases Act (LAU).

For vacation rentals, the property must be registered in the Galician Register of Tourism Companies and Activities, have an official VUT-PO number, and comply with specific equipment and guest reporting requirements. In addition, the 60 percent IRPF reduction does not apply, and the activity may be subject to VAT if hotel-style services are provided.

On the other hand, long-term rentals offer greater income stability and minimum five-year contracts when the landlord is an individual, and they allow the applicable IRPF tax reduction when the property is used as the tenant’s main residence.

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

Currently, the homeowners’ association may limit or even prohibit the use of a property as tourist accommodation, provided that the agreement is approved by a qualified three-fifths majority of all owners and participation quotas. For the measure to be fully legally valid, it must be recorded in the meeting minutes and, where applicable, incorporated into the community statutes and registered with the Land Registry.

If there is no express prohibition in the statutes and no agreement adopted with the required majority, the owner may generally rent the property as a VUT in Pontevedra, as long as they comply with Galicia’s tourism regulations and obtain the corresponding official registration number. However, the community may agree to increase common expenses by up to 20 percent for properties used for tourist purposes.

It is also important to note that even without a formal prohibition, the community may take action if the activity causes serious disturbances or violates building coexistence rules. In such cases, legal action may be taken for nuisance activity.

What safety requirements must a tourist home in Pontevedra meet?

A tourist home in Pontevedra must meet a series of basic safety requirements in order to operate legally and ensure guest protection. Electrical and, where applicable, gas installations must be in good condition and comply with current regulations. The property must have smoke detectors, an accessible fire extinguisher, and clear emergency signage.

It must also provide adequate ventilation, safe furniture, a first aid kit, and unobstructed evacuation routes. In addition, the owner must have civil liability insurance covering possible damage to third parties arising from the tourist activity.

Complying with these requirements is not only a legal obligation in Galicia, but also a guarantee of safety and trust for guests.

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

Apartments located in central Pontevedra or near the historic district usually achieve high occupancy rates, as they allow travelers to enjoy the cultural, gastronomic, and commercial offer without long commutes. This type of accommodation is especially attractive for weekend getaways and urban tourism.

Properties with two or more bedrooms also perform very well, as they can accommodate families or small groups, which are common visitor profiles in the area. Likewise, houses with terraces, gardens, or outdoor spaces, especially near the coast or in natural surroundings, tend to stand out during high season, when travelers seek peace and contact with nature.

Beyond size or typology, what truly makes the difference is the condition and equipment of the property. Renovated, well-decorated accommodations with a fully equipped kitchen, good WiFi connection, climate control, and guest-oriented details usually receive better reviews and higher repeat booking rates.

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

A tourist property performs better when the 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.