What to do with an inherited property: the options compared

Inheriting a property is an opportunity, but also a responsibility: condominium fees, property taxes and maintenance costs begin to weigh as soon as you accept the inheritance. Allocating it to short-term rentals is often the most convenient solution — but it requires understanding the options available, the times and costs to be incurred to start the business.

Options for an inherited property

There are four main choices: Keep it vacant (worst option: you pay IMU, condominium fees and maintenance without any income); Sell (option valid if the market is favorable and there is no interest in maintaining it); Traditional rental (safe but limited entry, with risks related to arrears); Short-term rentals (maximum performance, flexibility of use, possibility of using it personally during non-rented periods). In almost all cases where the property is in an area with tourist demand, short-term rentals are the most economically advantageous option.

Inheritance and tax aspects to consider

Before starting short-term rentals on an inherited property, check: the exclusive or joint ownership (if there are multiple heirs, everyone's agreement is needed to allocate it to short-term rentals); the presence of mortgages or restrictions on the property; the state of the systems (electrical, plumbing, gas) which must comply with the regulations for accommodation facilities; the urban planning and cadastral regularity of the property. A property with cadastral irregularities cannot legally be rented.

Startup costs for an inherited property

Typical costs for preparing an inherited property for short-term rentals: basic furnishings if not provided (5,000-20,000 euros depending on conditions); small renovation and bringing the systems up to standard if necessary; home staging and professional photography (500-1,500 euros); obtaining the CIN and regulatory requirements; initial supply of linen and amenities (500-1,000 euros). In many cases, these costs are recovered in the first 6-12 months of operation.

How to start a short-term rental on an inherited property: step by step

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