Published by StellarView Realty Medellín | Updated 2026
Medellín has become one of Latin America’s top short-term rental markets. A growing stream of digital nomads, tourists, business travelers, and medical tourists generates consistent demand year-round — and savvy investors are taking notice.
This guide gives you realistic, honest numbers on short-term rental ROI in Medellín based on current market conditions.
Why Medellín Works for Airbnb Investment
Medellín benefits from a near-perfect climate year-round — the City of Eternal Spring earns its name. There is no bad season for tourism. Add to that a booming digital nomad scene, a growing medical tourism industry, and increasing mainstream tourism from North America and Europe, and you have a reliable, diverse demand base for short-term rentals.
The cost of purchasing and furnishing a property remains low compared to other international Airbnb hotspots, while nightly rates — priced in USD on global platforms — are attractive relative to local purchase prices. This spread is what creates compelling returns.
Typical Airbnb Performance by Neighborhood
El Poblado
The highest-demand neighborhood for short-term rentals. Proximity to restaurants, nightlife, cafes, and co-working spaces makes it the top choice for most short-term visitors.
Average nightly rate: $50–$120 USD for a 1-2 bedroom apartment.
Average occupancy rate: 65–80% annually.
Estimated gross annual revenue (1-bedroom): $12,000–$22,000 USD.
Laureles
Growing in popularity as an alternative to El Poblado. Slightly lower nightly rates but strong demand from travelers seeking a more local experience.
Average nightly rate: $40–$90 USD for a 1-2 bedroom apartment.
Average occupancy rate: 55–70% annually.
Estimated gross annual revenue (1-bedroom): $8,000–$16,000 USD.
Envigado
Strong long-stay digital nomad demand. Lower peak nightly rates but excellent occupancy from monthly renters.
Average nightly rate: $35–$75 USD.
Average occupancy rate: 60–75% annually.
Calculating Net ROI: A Real Example
Let us walk through a realistic scenario for a 2-bedroom apartment in El Poblado purchased for 550,000,000 COP ($130,000 USD).
Gross annual revenue (70% occupancy at $75 avg/night): approximately $19,000 USD.
Operating costs (platform fees 15%, cleaning, utilities, management 20%, maintenance 5%): approximately $7,600 USD.
Net operating income: approximately $11,400 USD per year.
Net ROI on purchase price: approximately 8.7% annually — before property appreciation.
When you factor in consistent annual appreciation of 5–10% on the underlying asset, total annual returns in the range of 13–18% are achievable for well-located, well-managed properties.
What About Airbnb Regulations in Medellín?
Short-term rentals in Medellín operate in a relatively permissive regulatory environment compared to cities like Barcelona, New York, or Amsterdam. There are no city-wide bans on Airbnb rentals.
However, some buildings have restrictions on short-term rentals in their internal regulations (reglamento de propiedad horizontal). It is essential to verify that a property’s building regulations allow short-term rental before purchasing for this purpose. StellarView Realty flags Airbnb-permitted properties explicitly in our listings.
Self-Managed vs Property Management
Many investors manage their Medellín Airbnb remotely, using local cleaning services and a property manager. Professional property management companies in Medellín typically charge 20–30% of gross revenue in exchange for handling guest communications, check-ins, cleaning coordination, and maintenance.
For hands-off investors based outside Colombia, professional management is usually worth the cost. For those living in Medellín, self-management is straightforward.
The Bottom Line
Medellín offers some of the strongest short-term rental ROI of any city in Latin America — driven by low purchase prices, strong demand, and a favorable exchange rate for USD and EUR investors. Properties in El Poblado and Laureles in the $100,000–$200,000 USD range can generate net yields of 7–10% annually before appreciation.
StellarView Realty Medellín specifically tags Airbnb-permitted properties in our listings and can advise you on the best opportunities for short-term rental investment in the current market.
Ready to Talk to an Expert?
StellarView Realty Medellín has been helping expats and foreign investors buy and rent property in Colombia for over 18 years. We know the market, the neighborhoods, the numbers, and the process — and we speak your language.
📞 Colombia: +57 313 766 9798 |
📧 realtystellarview@gmail.com | 🌐 www.stellarviewrealty.com
Reach out for a free, no-pressure consultation. We are here to help you make the right decision.
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