Holiday-rental ranking
Best Places to Buy Holiday Rental Property in 2026
Compare the best countries and cities for holiday rental property by visitor demand, attainable yield, entry cost, foreign ownership and operating model.
The best places to buy holiday rental property in 2026 are Dubai, Phuket, Batumi, Punta Cana, Málaga and the Adriatic coast of Montenegro. Dubai leads for year-round connectivity, Phuket for established resort demand, and Batumi for the lowest entry point among the leading coastal markets.
A strong holiday-rental investment needs year-round demand, professional management, legal short-let operation and an exit market beyond short-term-rental investors.
Decision summary
The answer by investor objective
Choose the market whose strength matches the job your property needs to do.
Ranked comparison
Markets compared on one screen
Gross yield is the market-level screening range. Entry is an indicative price for an investable small apartment.
| Rank | Market | Gross yield | Entry | Foreign ownership | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United Arab EmiratesDubai · Abu Dhabi | 5–8% | $150k+ | Freehold in designated areas | Infrastructure, liquidity, tax efficiencyWatch: Service charges and off-plan supply |
| 2 | ThailandBangkok · Phuket · Chiang Mai | 5–8% | $80k+ | Condominiums within foreign quota | Tourism, lifestyle, condo demandWatch: Quota, title and rental rules |
| 3 | GeorgiaTbilisi · Batumi | 7–10% | $50k+ | Open residential ownership | Yield, low entry, emerging growthWatch: Project quality and resale depth |
| 4 | Dominican RepublicPunta Cana · Santo Domingo | 6–10% | $100k+ | Open foreign ownership | Caribbean tourism rentalsWatch: Operator and seasonal performance |
| 5 | SpainValencia · Alicante · Málaga | 4.5–7% | $150k+ | Open foreign ownership | Liquidity, tourism, mature demandWatch: Regional tax and licence rules |
| 6 | MontenegroPodgorica · Budva · Tivat | 4.5–7% | $100k+ | Broad access; land limits apply | Adriatic growth and lifestyleWatch: Small resale market |
| 7 | GreeceAthens · Thessaloniki · Crete | 4–7% | $120k+ | Open with limited border-zone rules | Euro value and renovation upsideWatch: Asset condition and seasonality |
| 8 | TurkeyIstanbul · Antalya · İzmir | 5–8% | $100k+ | Broad access with restrictions | Large-city demand and lifestyleWatch: Inflation and currency risk |
| 9 | PortugalPorto · Braga · Setúbal | 3.5–6% | $180k+ | Open foreign ownership | Stability, lifestyle, long holdsWatch: Prime-market entry prices |
| 10 | ColombiaMedellín · Bogotá · Cartagena | 6–9% | $80k+ | Open foreign ownership | Income and geographic diversificationWatch: Currency and neighbourhood selection |
Planning ranges synthesize official statistics, established market research, local portals and current market reporting. Reviewed 6 August 2026.
Market focus · Georgia
Why Batumi enters the shortlist
Batumi is the Black Sea option for investors who want lower entry prices than mature Mediterranean resorts, direct foreign residential ownership and a market supported by tourism, regional buyers and new hospitality development.
View the Georgia market foundation →- Typical gross yield
- 7–9%
- Indicative entry
- $50,000+
- 2025 apartment sales
- 17,478
- Foreign-buyer share
- 52%
- Best fit
- Income, coastal use, emerging growth
- Primary watch
- Seasonality and new supply
If Batumi matches the brief · Premium project
Tonino Lamborghini Tower Batumi
A 65-storey branded residence on Batumi Island created through the official partnership between Tonino Lamborghini and FK Development.
- Developer
- FK Development
- Entry
- Published from $200,000
- Stage
- Piling and foundation phase
- Investor fit
- Premium, brand-led buyers with a long investment horizon
Evidence base
Sources behind the comparison
Official ownership rules establish access. Market reports and cross-market datasets establish the comparison range.
Transactions, prices, rents and Batumi market direction
NumbeoProperty investment dataCross-market city yield and affordability check
EurostatHousing price statisticsEuropean residential price context
UAE GovernmentBuying property in the UAEOfficial foreign-ownership framework
Bank of GreeceReal estate market statisticsGreek residential market direction
Central Bank of the Republic of TürkiyeResidential Property Price IndexTurkish residential price context
Frequently asked
Questions answered
What is the best country for Airbnb investment?
The UAE, Thailand, Georgia, the Dominican Republic and Spain are the leading choices, but city and building rules matter more than the national label.
What is a good holiday-rental yield?
A 6–9% gross yield is a strong target in a tourism market. Model management, platform fees, cleaning, utilities, maintenance and low-season vacancy before comparing net returns.
Is Batumi good for holiday rentals?
Yes. Batumi combines Black Sea tourism, casino and event demand, growing air access and lower entry prices than mature Mediterranean resort markets.
Should I buy in a managed resort?
A managed resort can simplify operations and distribution. The operator agreement, fee stack, owner-use limits and resale conditions determine whether the model works.