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Airbnb in Bogotá: is it really profitable?

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Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Colombia Property Pack

property investment Bogotá

Yes, the analysis of Bogotá's property market is included in our pack

Bogotá's Airbnb market offers compelling returns for investors who understand the local dynamics. Short-term rental properties in prime neighborhoods can generate net yields of 5-11%, significantly outperforming traditional long-term rentals that typically yield 5-7% annually. However, success requires careful neighborhood selection, compliance with strict local regulations, and professional property management to handle the competitive landscape of over 13,200 active listings.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Colombia, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At The LatinVestor, we explore the Colombian real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

What types of properties in Bogotá perform best on Airbnb?

Entire apartments with 2-4 bedrooms in upscale neighborhoods generate the highest revenue and occupancy rates in Bogotá's Airbnb market.

Modern penthouses and well-furnished apartments in business districts like Zona T and Chicó consistently outperform other property types. These properties attract both tourists and business travelers who are willing to pay premium rates for quality accommodations.

Studios and 1-bedroom units also perform well when located near nightlife hubs, dining areas, or major business centers. The key factor is providing modern amenities and high-quality furnishings that justify higher nightly rates.

Properties with unique features like rooftop terraces, modern kitchens, or proximity to metro stations tend to achieve occupancy rates above the city average of 55%.

It's something we develop in our Colombia property pack.

Which neighborhoods in Bogotá have the highest Airbnb demand and nightly rates?

Zona T, Chicó, and San Patricio dominate Bogotá's premium short-term rental market with the highest nightly rates and consistent demand.

Chapinero and Chapinero Norte offer excellent performance for mid-range properties, while Cedritos provides strong returns with properties averaging 7.24% annual appreciation in 2024. Usaquén has emerged as a high-demand area for travelers seeking a more residential feel with good restaurants and cultural attractions.

The Zona Rosa area within Zona T commands premium rates due to its concentration of upscale restaurants, nightlife, and business offices. San Patricio attracts long-term business travelers who book extended stays at higher monthly rates.

Cedritos and Usaquén offer the best balance of demand and appreciation potential, making them ideal for investors seeking both rental income and capital growth.

What is the average occupancy rate for Airbnbs in those neighborhoods?

Bogotá's overall median occupancy rate stands at 55%, equivalent to approximately 201 nights per year as of September 2025.

Premium neighborhoods like San Patricio, Chicó, and Zona T typically achieve occupancy rates matching or slightly exceeding the city average, ranging from 55-60% annually. This translates to roughly 16-18 nights of bookings per month.

Properties in these upscale areas benefit from consistent business travel demand throughout the year, which helps maintain steady occupancy even during traditionally slower tourism periods.

Cedritos and Usaquén properties typically achieve the city average of 55% occupancy, while some exceptional properties with outstanding reviews and professional management can reach 65-70% occupancy rates.

What is the typical nightly rate you can realistically charge based on property size and location?

Property Type Location Nightly Rate (USD) Typical Occupancy
1-bedroom modern studio Chapinero/Zona T $32-45 55%
2-bedroom apartment Chicó/San Patricio $40-57 55-60%
3-bedroom apartment Zona T/Usaquén $60-85 55%
4-bedroom penthouse Premium locations $80-120 50-55%
Studio apartment Cedritos $28-38 55%
Luxury 2-bedroom San Patricio $65-90 60%
Budget 1-bedroom Chapinero Norte $25-35 50-55%

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What would your monthly gross rental income look like at those rates and occupancy levels?

A 2-bedroom apartment in a top neighborhood charging $40 per night with 55% occupancy generates approximately $660 in monthly gross income.

The calculation is straightforward: multiply your nightly rate by the number of occupied nights per month. With 55% occupancy, you can expect roughly 16.5 booked nights monthly. Higher-end properties in premium locations can achieve $1,100-1,500 monthly gross income.

Studios in central locations typically generate $450-600 monthly, while luxury 3-4 bedroom penthouses can reach $1,200-1,800 monthly gross income. Properties with exceptional amenities or unique features may command premium rates above these ranges.

Seasonal variations affect income, with December-February and June-August typically showing higher demand and rates due to tourism peaks and business travel patterns.

What are the main costs you need to deduct to get from gross income to net income?

Expect to deduct 35-45% of gross income for operating expenses before calculating your net return on a Bogotá Airbnb property.

1. **Cleaning and utilities**: $100-200 monthly for professional cleaning between guests, electricity, water, gas, and internet2. **Maintenance and repairs**: $50-150 monthly for ongoing property upkeep, appliance repairs, and replacement of worn items3. **Professional management fees**: 20-30% of gross revenue if you hire a management company to handle operations4. **Platform commissions**: Airbnb charges approximately 3% host service fee, with additional guest fees5. **Property taxes and insurance**: $30-60 monthly depending on property value and coverage levels

Additional costs include furnishing replacements, emergency repairs, and potential vacancy periods between bookings that extend beyond normal occupancy calculations.

What is the gross yield and the net yield you can expect from such a property?

Gross yields in Bogotá's prime Airbnb neighborhoods typically range from 8-12% annually, while net yields after all expenses fall between 5-11%.

Calculate gross yield by dividing annual gross rental income by the property purchase price. For example, a $100,000 apartment generating $8,000 annually provides an 8% gross yield. Net yield accounts for all operating expenses, reducing returns by 3-4 percentage points typically.

Premium neighborhoods like Zona T and Chicó consistently deliver the highest net yields due to strong nightly rates and occupancy. Properties requiring minimal management and maintenance costs can achieve net yields at the upper end of the range.

It's something we develop in our Colombia property pack.

How does that net return compare with renting the same property long-term?

Airbnb properties in Bogotá typically generate 1.5-2 times higher returns than long-term rentals, with short-term yielding 7-11% versus 5-7% for traditional leases.

Long-term rentals offer more predictable income with lower management requirements but significantly reduced revenue potential. The trade-off involves higher workload and regulatory complexity for substantially better financial returns.

Short-term rentals provide greater income flexibility and the ability to adjust rates based on market conditions, while long-term leases offer stability but limited upside potential during strong market periods.

The income difference becomes more pronounced in prime neighborhoods where tourists and business travelers pay premium rates that long-term tenants cannot or will not match.

infographics rental yields citiesBogotá

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Colombia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

What are the local regulations and restrictions for short-term rentals in Bogotá?

Bogotá enforces strict regulations requiring registration for all short-term rental operations, with only certain property types in approved buildings permitted to operate as Airbnbs.

Property owners must register their short-term rental business with local authorities and obtain proper licensing before accepting guests. The registration process involves submitting property documentation, proof of ownership or authorization, and compliance with safety standards.

Individual building rules through the Deed of Horizontal Property (Reglamento de Propiedad Horizontal) may impose additional restrictions or prohibit short-term rentals entirely. Always verify building regulations before purchasing a property for Airbnb purposes.

Violations can result in fines, forced closure, and legal complications that significantly impact investment returns. Professional legal consultation is recommended for compliance verification.

Are there any additional taxes or licensing costs specific to Airbnb rentals?

Airbnb hosts in Bogotá face income tax on rental profits, potential local lodging taxes, and mandatory business registration fees.

Rental income is subject to Colombian income tax rates, which vary based on total annual income levels. Local municipalities may impose additional tourism or lodging taxes on short-term rental operations.

Platform fees include Airbnb's host service fee of approximately 3%, plus guest service fees that don't directly impact host revenue but affect booking competitiveness. Registration and licensing fees for business operation add to initial setup costs.

Professional accounting services are recommended to ensure proper tax compliance and optimize deductions for property-related expenses.

What level of competition is there from other Airbnb hosts in your chosen area?

Bogotá's Airbnb market includes over 13,200 active listings as of September 2025, creating intense competition particularly in popular neighborhoods like Chapinero, Zona T, and Chicó.

Success requires differentiation through superior design, exceptional guest reviews, professional photography, and competitive pricing strategies. Properties without distinctive features or professional management struggle to maintain consistent bookings.

The high competition level means new hosts must invest significantly in property presentation, guest experience, and marketing to capture market share from established operators.

It's something we develop in our Colombia property pack.

How much time and effort will it take to manage the property or pay for professional management?

Self-managing an Airbnb property requires 3-6 hours weekly for guest communication, cleaning coordination, and check-in/check-out processes.

1. **Daily tasks**: Responding to inquiries, managing bookings, coordinating with cleaning staff2. **Weekly activities**: Property inspections, restocking supplies, maintenance scheduling 3. **Monthly responsibilities**: Financial reporting, expense tracking, rate optimization4. **Seasonal duties**: Deep cleaning, major maintenance, regulatory compliance updates5. **Emergency management**: 24/7 availability for guest issues, property problems, security concerns

Professional management companies charge 20-30% of gross revenue but handle all operational aspects including guest services, cleaning, maintenance, and emergency response. This option significantly reduces time investment while ensuring professional service standards.

Automation tools can reduce self-management workload through automated messaging, pricing optimization, and booking management, though personal oversight remains necessary for quality control.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

  1. AirROI Bogotá Report
  2. The Broke Backpacker Bogotá Guide
  3. LatinVestor Bogotá Area Analysis
  4. Airbtics Bogotá Revenue Data
  5. CozyCozy Bogotá Rentals
  6. AirDNA Bogotá Market Overview
  7. Mashvisor Rental Income Guide
  8. Global Property Guide Short-term Rentals