Short-Term vs. Long-Term Rental: Which is Better for Mountain Apartments?

Apartment owners in the mountains are increasingly asking themselves: is short-term or long-term rental better? The choice of the right model directly influences the level of passive income, the owner’s time commitment, and the financial predictability of the investment. When analyzing the cases of investors in locations such as Szczyrk, it is worth taking a closer look at both options.

Short-Term Rental – High-Profit Potential

In tourist destinations such as Szczyrk, short-term rental in the mountains enjoys significant interest. Apartments with mountain views, located near ski slopes or hiking trails, can yield very attractive daily rates – especially during the winter and summer seasons.

Advantages of Short-Term Rental:

  • Higher daily rates (especially during peak season).
  • Flexibility – the owner can use the apartment themselves at a chosen time.
  • Higher guest rotation, which increases annual revenue.
  • Potentially higher ROI from an apartment in an aparthotel than with long-term rental.

Disadvantages:

  • Seasonality – income is dependent on the time of year and demand.
  • Greater involvement in management (reservations, cleaning, customer service).
  • The necessity of cooperating with a rental operator or using management systems.

Long-Term Rental – Stability, but Lower Profits

The long-term model involves renting the apartment for several months or years. This method is popular in large cities, but in mountain resorts like Szczyrk, it may not bring equally good financial results.

Advantages of Long-Term Rental:

  • Stable monthly income.
  • Minimal owner involvement.
  • Lower operating costs (less frequent cleaning, reduced wear and tear).

Disadvantages:

  • Lower annual income compared to short-term rental.
  • Lack of flexibility – the owner cannot use the apartment at any time.
  • Risk of vacancy after the rental agreement ends.

Which Rental Model to Choose in the Mountains?

Everything depends on the type of property, its location, standard, and available additional services. An aparthotel with full rental management, such as Sky Resort Szczyrk, is ideal for short-term rental. The investor gains the opportunity to generate high revenues without the need for self-management of the property.

On the other hand, if the investor values stability and does not have time to optimize the reservation calendar or engage in marketing activities – long-term rental may be a safe, albeit less profitable, choice.

Summary

There is no single universal model – the key is to match the strategy to the investor’s expectations and the property’s capabilities. In mountain resorts with developed tourist infrastructure, such as Szczyrk, short-term rental (especially in the aparthotel model) usually yields better results.

Sky Resort Szczyrk is an example of an investment that allows for the full exploitation of the location’s potential – thanks to its central location in Szczyrk, full rental service, and high finishing standard. It is a solution designed for investors who expect a high ROI and passive income from real estate.

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