7 Rental Tips for Property Owners on the Costa del Sol

Many owners believe that renting property on the Costa del Sol is straightforward. There is strong demand, year round sunshine, and a constant flow of visitors.

In reality, the property owners who achieve the best long term rental results are rarely doing anything eye catching. They are simply applying the right rental tips and avoiding common mistakes that many owners do not realise they are making.

At Livingstone Estates, we work closely with property owners across Estepona and the New Golden Mile. The following rental tips for property owners on the Costa del Sol are based on real situations we see regularly.

It is possible to hold a valid tourist licence and still be required to stop renting a property on the Costa del Sol.

This usually happens because of community regulations. We often see property owners register a VUT, begin advertising, and only later discover that short term rentals are not permitted within the community. At that point, complaints and formal notices tend to follow.

Insider tip: Always review the community statutes before deciding on a short term rental strategy. This single step can prevent significant financial loss.

Property owners often ask what rental income is achievable in a specific area of the Costa del Sol. This is rarely the right question.

Terrace orientation, noise levels, parking availability, and walking distance to the beach all influence rental performance. We have seen apartments in the same building produce very different results.

Insider tip: Micro location often matters more than the town or urbanisation name.

Many property owners focus on summer rentals, but higher turnover often means more wear, more management, and less stability.

Longer winter rentals to retirees and remote professionals can provide more consistent income.

Insider tip: Fewer bookings with longer stays often outperform high turnover summer rentals.

Insurance is one of the most misunderstood aspects of renting property on the Costa del Sol.

Standard home insurance often becomes invalid once a property is rented. Some landlord policies also exclude tourist rentals entirely. We have seen claims rejected for situations owners believed were covered.

Insider tip: Your insurance must match exactly how the property is rented. This includes long term, short term, or mixed rental use.

Many property owners aim for the highest possible rent. Pricing above market level often leads to longer vacancies and rushed tenant choices.

The strongest long term rentals are typically priced sensibly and attract reliable tenants who stay longer.

Insider tip: Stable long term rentals usually outperform short term gains.

Low cost management can result in delayed maintenance, neighbour complaints, and licence issues.

Professional rental management goes beyond handling bookings. It protects the property, the owner, and the relationship with the community.

Insider tip: Management quality directly affects rental income and long term security.

In the luxury rental segment, tenants value privacy, cleanliness, and fast response times more than decorative design.

Properties with neutral presentation, consistent standards, and prompt service tend to perform best.

Insider tip: Luxury rentals succeed because of experience, not appearance.

These rental tips are often learned through experience, and sometimes at a cost.

At Livingstone Estates, we help property owners rent their homes on the Costa del Sol with fewer risks and better long term results.

If you are considering renting your property, or if your current rental strategy does not feel quite right, there may be a more effective approach.

Do I need a tourist licence to rent out my property on the Costa del Sol?

In many cases, yes. The requirements depend on how the property is rented and where it is located. It is important to confirm what applies to your specific property and ensure you comply with local regulations before advertising.

Can a community of owners stop me from renting my property?

In some cases, yes. Community statutes may restrict or prohibit short term rentals. This is why checking the community rules before renting is essential, even if you already have a tourist licence.

Why do similar properties achieve different rental income?

Small details often make a big difference. Orientation, noise levels, parking, terrace size, and distance to the beach can all affect demand and rental performance, even within the same building.

Is winter renting worth considering on the Costa del Sol?

Yes. Many property owners achieve stable results with longer winter rentals, particularly with retirees and remote professionals. These stays often involve fewer check ins and less wear on the property.

Will my home insurance cover me if I rent out my property?

Not always. Standard home insurance often becomes invalid once a property is rented. Owners should confirm that their policy covers the exact type of rental use, whether short term, long term, or mixed.

How can I avoid overpricing my rental property?

Overpricing usually leads to longer vacancy periods. A realistic price aligned with the local market tends to attract better tenants and improves long term returns.

Is professional rental management really worth it?

For many owners, yes. Professional management helps protect the property, handle issues quickly, and maintain good relationships with neighbours and the community, all of which support better long term results.

Contact us today:

Livingstone Estates
Urb. Guadalmansa, Edif. Salinas Local 7
29680 Estepona – Málaga, Spain
Phone: +34 952 806 417
Email: info@livingstone-estates.com
Website: https://www.livingstone-estates.com

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