10 Key Secrets to Turn Your Home into a Profitable Tourist Property

ARCHITECTURE

Oct 29

Written By Francisco Javier Muñoz Fuentes

If you own an apartment in Málaga, Marbella, Sotogrande, Estepona or Mijas, you probably already know that the tourist housing market is booming. But how to convert a home into a tourist rental? The first step is to think about a vacation home renovation that not only attracts tourists but also maximizes profitability — something that requires more than a standard refurbishment.

As architects, we know how to efficiently convert a home into a tourist rental, so here we share 10 secrets that many overlook and that can make the difference between an occasional rental and a truly profitable business.

Construccion de viviendas turisticas por Munoz Barcia Arquitectos

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1. VERIFY LEGAL VIABILITY FROM THE START

Before touching a single square meter, it is essential to ensure compliance with Andalusian tourist housing regulations. This includes the tourist housing license or registration in the tourism registry of your municipality (Marbella, Málaga, Estepona, etc.), compliance with safety requirements such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and emergency exits, and an updated certificate of occupancy.

The architect must always verify these aspects before starting the vacation rental home renovation, avoiding fines and delays that could jeopardize profitability. Moreover, an Airbnb house that doesn’t meet regulations may be impossible to rent legally, even if it looks perfect in design.

2. OPTIMIZE THE LAYOUT BEFORE TOUCHING ANYTHING

One of the keys to increasing the capacity and functionality of an Airbnb is to rethink the layout. Sometimes moving a wall or changing a partition can increase the rentable capacity by 1–2 guests. Avoid long hallways, improve circulation between rooms, and prioritize bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms or easy access to shared bathrooms to make the tourist home more comfortable and appealing — all without changing the total surface area.

In addition, maximizing outdoor areas such as terraces or patios increases the perceived value of the property and allows you to set higher rates.

3. INVEST IN THERMAL AND ACOUSTIC COMFORT

Tourist homes must be comfortable year-round. Perceived comfort directly increases bookings and positive reviews. It’s essential to renovate a tourist home with high-quality acoustic and thermal insulation, take advantage of natural ventilation, and correctly size HVAC systems. Double-glazed windows, appropriate shutters, and efficient air conditioning systems make a significant difference, improving both the guest experience and the property’s value.

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4. PRIORITIZE DURABILITY AND EASY MAINTENANCE

When opening an Airbnb, keep in mind that use is constant, so materials must be resistant and easy to clean. Microcement, porcelain tiles, stone countertops, and sturdy, washable furniture (sofas, mattresses, chairs) ensure the space remains in optimal condition longer. A design built to last avoids constant repairs, reduces operational costs, and prevents negative reviews from demanding guests — something an architect should always consider when choosing finishes and furniture.

5. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF NATURAL LIGHT AND VENTILATION

Natural light not only saves energy but also makes listing photos far more attractive. As architects of tourist housing, we recommend:
• Orient bedrooms and common areas toward natural light.
• Add skylights or high windows in dark corridors and bathrooms.
• Consider cross ventilation for warm climates.

6. A CLEAR AND ATTRACTIVE DESIGN CONCEPT

The style of your vacation rental should align with the profile of the guests you want to attract. Contemporary Mediterranean, minimalist luxury, or rustic chic are some styles that work very well on Mijas, Estepona and Sotogrande. A neutral color palette with accents that reflect local identity (blues, terracottas) helps define the atmosphere. A strong design concept present in your tourist home renovation increases the perceived value of the property and allows for higher pricing.

7. EQUIP THE PROPERTY WITH EVERYTHING NECESSARY

Include in your Airbnb renovation a fully equipped kitchen, efficient appliances, high-speed Wi-Fi, air conditioning, hairdryer, and iron — all essential amenities. It’s also advisable to integrate smart systems such as digital locks or lighting control to simplify management and improve the guest experience. These small details not only add comfort but also increase the competitiveness of the tourist accommodation.

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8. MAKE THE MOST OF OUTDOOR SPACES

If you’re wondering how to adapt an existing home for tourist rental, one of the first things to consider is terraces, patios, and gardens — since they add huge value. Outdoor furniture resistant to sun exposure, pergolas or awnings for shade, and good night lighting make guests enjoy the outdoor space more and perceive higher value per night. An architect should always design these areas as an extension of the tourist home, increasing both booking potential and guest satisfaction. Remember: 70% of photos that attract bookings are exteriors — make the most of every terrace meter!

9. INCORPORATE ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Energy savings are crucial both for reducing costs when operating an Airbnb and for increasing property value. Solar panels, LED lighting, A-rated appliances, and efficient air conditioning systems are strategies an architect should recommend from the design phase. Additionally, a tourist home with an energy certificate gains better positioning and visibility on rental platforms.

10. EVALUATE WHICH IMPROVEMENTS GENERATE THE HIGHEST RETURN

Not all vacation rental home renovations increase profitability in the same way. As architects, we recommend prioritizing:

Outdoor spaces: terraces, gardens, balconies, and well-located pools can increase rates by 20–40%.
Functional kitchen: boosts appeal for long stays and can raise the average rate by 10–15%.
Additional bathrooms: each extra bathroom increases occupancy and reviews, raising rates by 10–20% per bathroom.
Flexible layout: multifunctional rooms and extra beds allow for more guests without increasing built area, raising the rate by 5–10%.

At Munoz Barcia Architects, we apply these secrets from the project phase, transforming homes into tourist rentals designed to maximize income, improve occupancy, and achieve excellent reviews. Contact us today and receive a free consultation.

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