Short-term rentals: City vs. Village Profitability & New Tax Rules

The data shows sustained profitability in other internal municipalities, such as Gualdo Tadino. However, the figures must be considered in the social and economic reality: in fact, it is often complicated for a small investor to focus on areas far from his home; so much so that those who choose to rent accommodation in these centers often do so to take advantage of a property they already own, perhaps inherited, so as to supplement their salary or cover maintenance costs.

«Talking about short-term rentals without differentiating the territories is misleading», observes Nicolas Verderosa, CEO of Ruralis, a company active in the development of widespread tourism in Italian villages through the recovery of properties. «The same decisions that protect an urban center – he explains – can slow down an internal area that is trying to reactivate its economy».

The obligation to have a VAT number

Furthermore, considering the high rates of multiple homes detected by Aigab, in 2026 those who operate in smaller towns will have to deal with the possible obligation to open a VAT number. From the first simulations, we note that the option for the flat rate regime could even prove to be more convenient than the flat rate tax, with the flat tax of 15 or 5% applied on 40% of the rents (the flat rate of 40% is foreseen for the Ateco code 55.20.42: entrepreneurial operation of guest houses, houses and holiday apartments).

But it is clear that not everyone can open a VAT position and that, in any case, administrative costs and obligations must be considered in the calculation, in addition to social security contributions. Burdens that could be perceived as heavier where the gains are thinner.

Local constraints

In large cities, however, the tightening of VAT obligations may lead owners to really take stock of profitability, and to discover that in some cases the game is not worth the risk. Furthermore, local constraints seem destined to become increasingly decisive. While waiting to see the regulatory proposal from the EU Commission, foreseen by the Brussels housing plan scheduled for the end of 2026, the municipalities under stress are moving. After the initiatives of cities such as Bologna or Florence, which intervened on issues such as intended uses or minimum housing surfaces, Rome is also studying an ad hoc regulation. To limit short-term rentals especially in areas considered already saturated.