Rental Income Potential in Antigua Guatemala: What Foreign Investors Can Expect to Earn

Antigua Guatemala has become one of the most attractive real estate investment markets in Central America for foreign buyers. But the big question is always the same: how much can you actually earn?

Unlike US or European markets where cap rates hover around 4–6%, Antigua’s rental market offers significantly higher returns — especially for investors who target the right property type and tenant mix. Here’s what you can realistically expect based on current market data in 2026.

Short-Term Vacation Rentals (Airbnb Model)

Short-term rentals deliver the highest gross returns in Antigua Guatemala, but they also require the most management.

Colonial home in the historic center (renovated, 3 bedrooms)

Purchase price: $280,000–$450,000
Average nightly rate: $180–$350 (peak season November–April)
Low season nightly rate: $120–$180 (May–October)
Average annual occupancy: 55–65%
Gross annual revenue: $45,000–$65,000
Net yield (after expenses): 8–12%

Modern condo/apartment (2 bedrooms, near center)

Purchase price: $150,000–$250,000
Average nightly rate: $100–$200
Average annual occupancy: 50–60%
Gross annual revenue: $22,000–$36,000
Net yield: 7–10%

The seasonal swing is real. Holy Week (Semana Santa) commands premium pricing — $400–$600/night for prime colonial homes — and the city is effectively sold out. You’ll cover a significant portion of your annual expenses in those 10 days alone.

Long-Term Residential Rentals

Long-term leases offer lower returns but dramatically less turnover, lower management costs, and more predictable income.

Colonial home (3 bedrooms, historic center)

Purchase price: $300,000–$500,000
Monthly rent: $1,500–$2,800
Net yield: 5–7%

Modern apartment (2 bedrooms, La Antigua or Ciudad Vieja area)

Purchase price: $140,000–$220,000
Monthly rent: $900–$1,600
Net yield: 6–8%

Casa in Jocotenango or San Miguel Dueñas (3+ bedrooms)

Purchase price: $180,000–$350,000
Monthly rent: $1,200–$2,200
Net yield: 5.5–7.5%

Long-term tenants are typically expat professionals, digital nomads on extended stays, families with children in local international schools, and embassy or NGO staff on multi-year postings.

Factors That Push Yields Higher

Tourism growth. Guatemala saw 37% more international visitors in 2025 than pre-pandemic levels. Antigua absorbs the largest share of overnight tourists. More visitors means more rental demand.

Digital nomad influx. Guatemala’s one-year digital nomad visa and Antigua’s reputation as a remote work hub have created a new class of long-stay tenants who pay 2–3 month blocks at premium rates.

Limited new construction. Colonial city zoning restrictions mean supply of desirable rental properties grows slowly. Existing owners with renovated properties have pricing power.

Semana Santa premium. If you own a property in the historic center, Holy Week alone can generate $4,000–$8,000 in rental income with zero vacancy risk.

Expenses You Must Calculate

Don’t make the mistake of counting gross revenue as profit. These are the real costs:

Property management (if using a service): 15–20% of rental income
Property taxes (IUSI): 0.2–0.4% of assessed value annually
Maintenance: Budget 10–15% of gross rent
Utilities (water, electricity, internet): $100–$250/month for a colonial home
Insurance: $500–$1,200/year depending on property value
Cleaning (short-term): $30–$60 per turnover
Vacancy allowance: Factor 15–20% vacancy for long-term, 35–45% for short-term

Which Strategy Is Best for You?

Choose short-term (Airbnb) if:

You can handle active management or pay a manager
You want maximum gross return
Your property is in the historic center or a prime tourist zone
You’re comfortable with seasonal income fluctuation

Choose long-term rental if:

You want passive, predictable income
You don’t want to manage turnover and guest communications
Your property is slightly outside the tourist core
You want lower vacancy risk

Best of both: Some owners use their property for short-term rentals in peak season (November–April) and switch to monthly digital nomad rentals in low season. This hybrid approach can push net yield past 10% with less management than pure vacation rentals.

The Bottom Line

Realistic net rental yields in Antigua Guatemala range from 5–12% depending on property type, location, and rental strategy. That’s well above US markets (4–6%) and competitive with other Central American destinations.

The highest-performing properties are renovated colonial homes in walking distance of Parque Central, priced between $250,000–$400,000, and managed as hybrid short-term/monthly rentals. These consistently deliver 9–12% net returns for investors who do their homework and hire good local management.

Ready to Invest?

Browse our available investment properties or contact Luna Jerney for a personalized rental yield analysis. We can connect you with property managers, renovation contractors, and legal experts to set up your Antigua rental investment the right way.

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