Short stay or long let? Five questions to ask yourself first

As a host and an owner, I've rented out both ways. Neither is better in general: it depends on your home and on what you want from it. These five questions usually make the choice clearer.

1. Do you want to use the home yourself?

With short stays you can block your own weeks. With a long let, the home is the tenant's for the length of the lease.

2. Does your building allow it?

Co-ownership rules in Belgium or building and developer rules in Dubai can limit short-term rental. Check this first.

3. How much involvement do you want?

Short stays need daily attention: messages, cleaning, check-ins and pricing. Either you do it, or someone does it for you.

4. Is the location in demand from travellers?

City centres, the coast, the Ardennes and Dubai's popular districts attract visitors. A quiet residential street far from everything is often better suited to a long let.

5. How much flexibility do you need?

Planning to sell or move in within a year or two? Short stays keep your options open, while a lease ties the home up for longer.

Then, the numbers

Only after these questions does it make sense to compare figures. We make a free, realistic estimate for your home. For tax or financial decisions, always talk to your accountant or adviser.