How to calculate the optimal rental price for your holiday apartment

Setting the right price for your holiday apartment is crucial to your success as a host. A price that is too high can deter potential guests, while a price that is too low will reduce your profits. But how do you calculate the rental price for a holiday apartment so that you are both competitive and profitable? In this guide, we show you step by step how to find the perfect balance and what you should pay particular attention to.

In this article, you will learn:

• What to consider when pricing a holiday apartment
• Whether billing per night or per person makes more sense
• How to calculate the optimal rental price for your holiday apartment
• How to make your offer marketable and still profitable
• How to account for seasonal differences

Pricing – What are the most important factors?

Various factors play a role in the pricing of your holiday home, which we will briefly explain below.

Size and facilities

A small holiday apartment for two people naturally has a different price range than a large holiday house with a garden, fireplace and sauna.

Location of the holiday home

The more popular the location, the higher the price can be. Proximity to the beach, ski resorts or city centre increases the value of your holiday home. And, of course, the region in which it is located is crucial: the more sought-after and well-known it is among holidaymakers, the more you can charge.

Seasonal demand

Travel times influence the booking situation. Demand is usually higher during holidays or local events – you can also take this into account in your pricing.

Target group

Families pay more attention to price, while couples or business travellers are often willing to pay more for comfort or location.

Comparable properties

Analyse similar holiday homes in your area – this will give you a realistic overview of the market. What are other hosts charging for comparable accommodation? Are there any special features that set your holiday home apart from others in the area? These things justify higher prices!

Per night or per person – which makes more sense?

One of the first steps in setting the rental price for your holiday apartment is deciding whether to charge per night or per person.

• Price per night: This option is the most common. It is easy to understand, clear and quick to compare. Guests immediately get an impression of the total price.
• Price per person: This is also common, but we would advise against it so that the price of the holiday home is transparent at a glance for interested parties. It is also more advantageous for price calculation on our partner portals not to specify prices per person.

Calculate rental price – How to proceed in a structured manner

How can you determine a marketable rental price for your holiday apartment? By taking a systematic approach! We will show you how to make your offer competitive, transparent and economically viable.

1. Analyse costs – your basis

• Before you set your rental price, you should calculate all fixed and variable costs. Only when you know your expenses can you ensure that your price will not put you in the red. Calculate:
• Fixed costs: property tax, insurance, internet, service charges (if applicable)
• Variable costs: electricity, water, gas, waste disposal, consumables
• Cleaning and laundry: either by a service provider or your own time
• Maintenance: reserves for repairs, new purchases, equipment
• Financing costs: if the property is not fully paid off

These costs form the lower limit of your pricing. You build your target price on this basis.

2. Set a profit target

• How much do you want to earn from your holiday home each month or year? A realistic profit target will help you calculate your rental price strategically. Ask yourself the following questions:
• How many rentable nights can you realistically achieve in your region each year?
• How much income do you need to cover your costs?
  

3. Develop a pricing structure – simple and transparent

A simple and comprehensible base price not only makes administration easier for you, but also increases the likelihood of bookings. Pay attention to the following:

• Set a base price, e.g. per night for four people.
• If applicable, specify additional costs for extra guests if you are renting out a larger holiday home (see note above on per-person prices).
• Do not set the minimum rental period too high. Allow arrivals on any day of the week if possible and ideally limit the minimum rental period to a maximum of three nights – this significantly increases the chances of bookings, especially in the low season.

A clear pricing structure inspires confidence and increases the booking rate. Transparency also plays a role when it comes to additional costs. Guests often cancel bookings when they are confronted with hidden additional costs. Therefore, consider the following:

• Is the final cleaning included in the price or extra?
• Are there additional charges for bed linen or towels?
• Is bringing pets included in the price, or is there an additional charge to cover the extra costs of preparation and final cleaning?

4. Integrate seasonal adjustment

A fixed price throughout the year rarely makes sense, as demand fluctuates greatly depending on the season. With seasonal price adjustments, you can significantly better exploit the potential of your holiday home and respond specifically to demand and occupancy rates:

• High season (e.g. summer, holidays, local events): Demand is high during these periods, especially in popular holiday regions. Guests are willing to pay higher prices during this time. Take advantage of this to raise your prices appropriately.
• Low season (e.g. January, November): In months with lower occupancy rates, it is worth lowering the price slightly to remain attractive. This time is also well suited for long-term rentals or special offers.
• Mid-season (spring, autumn): These transitional periods offer flexible scope. Keep a close eye on the booking situation and react at short notice – e.g. with discounts, weekend surcharges or flexible travel dates.

Price examples for guidance

Of course, your price will depend greatly on your region and amenities – nevertheless, here are a few sample price ranges (gross, per night):

These prices are for guidance only. Your actual price will depend on many individual factors.

Conclusion: Rental pricing as a factor for success

Setting the right price for your holiday apartment is an ongoing process. It's about creating a well-thought-out framework that takes into account your costs, demand and market conditions. With a realistic assessment of your costs, an eye on seasonal developments and a clear concept for your target group, you can lay the foundation for sustainable success.