If you own a property on the Costa Blanca North, or are thinking of buying one, renting it out can be a great way to generate income. But one of the first and biggest decisions is this:
Should you offer your property as a holiday let, a winter let, or a long-term rental?
At VíllaMía, we’ve worked with hundreds of owners over the past 14 years, helping them choose the best rental strategy for their lifestyle, availability, and income goals. Here's what to consider when deciding what’s right for you.
Summer lets can bring in high weekly rates during peak season. However, they may sit empty during the off-season, and this can affect overall income. On the other hand, winter and long-term lets offer more stable income streams.
Michelle Hughes, owner of VíllaMía Real Estate SL, explains:
“Obviously, summer lets attract high weekly rates in peak season, but there’s a chance they can sit empty in the winter. Properties in this area are better lived in over the winter months to help ventilate them due to the high humidity and it’s also better for security.”
She adds:
“There’s more competition for winter lets now than ever, so there’s no guarantee your property will be rented for the entire period unless it’s priced correctly and well presented. But if the property is available from early September to the end of June, especially if it’s a villa, there’s a much higher chance of getting a rental.”
Winter lets appeal to digital nomads, retirees, and families relocating for school. Meanwhile, long-term rentals of 12 months or more allow owners to secure consistent rental income with reduced management time and fewer seasonal gaps.
For long-term rentals, tenants usually pay their own utility bills so electricity, water, gas, Wi-Fi, and TV subscriptions. This can ease the financial and administrative burden for owners.
In addition, the tax obligations for long-term rentals tend to be lower than for holiday or winter lets, making them a more cost-effective option for many owners.
Short-term holiday lets often require a tourist licence, and regulations are tightening in many parts of Spain, including the Valencia and Alicante regions. Some communities also restrict holiday letting altogether.
Winter lets usually run under standard rental law and are more flexible, while long-term rentals (12 months or more) come with tenant protections but fewer legal and compliance hurdles.
It’s vital to check the latest legal requirements and community rules before deciding.
Choosing the right rental strategy often comes down to how involved you want to be and how often you use the property yourself.
Holiday letting may suit owners who live locally and can manage bookings, changeovers, and maintenance themselves. For absentee owners or those wanting a more hands-off experience, winter or long-term lets are often the better choice.
If you want to use your property in the summer months, offering it as a winter let between September and June can be the ideal balance.
At VíllaMía, we specialise in winter and long-term rentals and offer property management services for owners who don’t live locally or simply prefer a hands-off experience.
We don’t cover holiday lets but can recommend other trusted agencies who do.
Whether you’re a first-time landlord, a homeowner testing the rental market, or an investor building income, we can guide you on pricing, compliance, presentation, and finding the right tenants.
Renting out your property is a big decision but you don’t have to make it alone.
Contact us at info@villamia.net or visit our Javea office to chat with our experienced team.
We’re here to help you make the most of your Costa Blanca property, with peace of mind!
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