Short-Term vs Long-Term Rental in Poland: Which One Gives Better ROI?

Short-term rental is becoming increasingly popular among property owners in Poland. But does it really bring higher returns than traditional long-term rental? And what should you consider — income, effort, wear and tear on the property, legal risks like eviction?

Let’s break it down — with real numbers.

What Factors Matter Most?

To assess what’s more profitable, you need to look at several key variables:

• Location – A flat in a city center will usually generate higher monthly income. But even outside the center, demand can be strong — especially from business travelers.

• Property condition – How much do you need to invest to compete with similar listings? Short-term rentals usually require a higher standard. You'll want to assess total investment over a 5-year horizon and compare revenue vs. cost in both models.

• Seasonality – Is there year-round demand (e.g. students, workers), or is it a tourist-heavy area?

• Operational costs – How much will you spend on cleaning, restocking, utilities, or local service providers? What are the monthly service charges in your building?

You can easily start by browsing platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com — check local listings, nightly rates, occupancy. Just remember: a flat generating 4000 PLN/month with poor management might earn 8000–10,000 PLN/month when professionally optimized.

Real Profit Potential – Short-Term Rental in Wrocław

Let’s take a look at real data:

• Top 10% of listings earn over 9756 PLN/month (~$2370)

• Top 25% generate around 7095 PLN/month (~$1724)

• The average Airbnb host in Wrocław earns ~4650 PLN/month (~$1130)

• Revenue gap between the best and worst performers: up to 80%

That shows how much property management quality matters.

What influences results?

• Your pricing strategy

• Number and quality of reviews

• Visibility in Airbnb search results

• Demand in your location (not always central!)

• Seasonal pricing optimization

Seasonality in Action

Short-term rental is seasonal — no surprise there. In peak months (May–August), well-managed listings can earn between 7833–9900 PLN/month (~$1910–$2400) with ~64% occupancy and ADR of 518 PLN.

In off-season (e.g. February), revenue may drop to ~3636 PLN/month (~$932) with occupancy at 46% and ADR around 292 PLN.

Still, strong listings outperform long-term rentals even in slow months. In Wrocław, professionally managed listings average 212 nights/year, with top performers reaching 74%+ occupancy.

Why Wrocław?

Wrocław has strong year-round demand thanks to:

• Business travelers (IBM, HP, etc.)

• Students (150,000+ enrolled)

• Domestic and international tourists

• Relocating professionals and families

This demand mix ensures stability even outside tourist season — making short-term rental a compelling option.

What About Costs?

Short-Term Rental Costs:

• Higher upfront investment in furniture, decor, linens, kitchenware, etc.

• Ongoing costs: cleaning, restocking, maintenance

• Example setup cost: 4200–4700 PLN

Annual earnings example:

• 2-bedroom in central Wrocław, 320 PLN/night, 65% occupancy

• Annual gross revenue: 75,920 PLN

• Less 12% for operations: 66,809 PLN

• Less utilities (5280 PLN/year): 61,529 PLN net

Over 5 years: 311,550 PLN profit (after setup & cleaning)

And Long-Term?

• Average 2-bedroom rent: 3000–3300 PLN/month

• Assumed 2-week yearly vacancy

• Example annual income: ~37,950 PLN

• Over 5 years (minus basic repair/switching costs): ~182,250 PLN

Final Comparison

Rental Type	5-Year Net Profit
Short-Term Rental	311,550 PLN
Long-Term Rental	182,250 PLN

Difference: 129,300 PLN in favour of short-term rental

But What About Your Time and Effort?

Short-Term Rental requires managing:

✅ Cleaning logistics

✅ Guest communication

✅ Pricing & calendar updates

✅ Reviews, supplies, and admin

Long-Term Rental requires requires managing:

✅ One tenant a year

✅ Lease agreement

✅ Occasional inspections and payments

Don’t have time to manage all that?

Work with a Professional Management Company

A short-term rental agency can:

• Furnish and stage the flat

• Manage listings on Airbnb/Booking

• Handle dynamic pricing, guest messages, 24/7 support

• Organize cleaning and maintenance

• Report financials & transfer profits monthly

Cost: 15–25% of monthly revenue (not including cleaning)

For long-term rental, agencies typically charge:

• 50–100% of 1 month’s rent (tenant sourcing)

• 8–15% monthly fee (ongoing management)

Even after fees, short-term rental still offers better returns — especially when managed professionally.

Tax Efficiency

Short-term rental allows:

• Flat-rate tax (8.5% up to 100,000 PLN, then 12.5%)

• Business registration with deductible expenses (VAT, furnishings, management, travel)

Long-term rental:

• Fewer deductions unless run as a business

A tax advisor can help you choose the best structure.

✅ Conclusion

Short-term rental in Poland delivers higher income — but requires better systems and management.

Long-term rental is easier and more passive, but with lower returns.

Either model can work — just make sure it fits your goals, time, and resources.

👉 And remember: you don’t have to do it alone. With the right partner, you can earn more — without doing more.