Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Romania Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Bucharest's property market is included in our pack
This guide covers everything you need to know about running a short-term rental in Bucharest in 2026, from legal requirements to realistic profit expectations.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest regulations, market data, and pricing trends in the Bucharest Airbnb market.
Whether you already own a property or are considering buying one, this analysis will help you understand what to expect from the Bucharest short-term rental landscape.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Bucharest.
Insights
- Bucharest Airbnb hosts earn around 1,000 euros per month on average, but top performers in neighborhoods like Centrul Vechi or Floreasca can reach 1,500 to 1,800 euros monthly with consistent management and premium amenities.
- Starting May 20, 2026, the EU's new short-term rental regulation requires all Bucharest hosts to have a registration number displayed on their listings, making compliance more visible and enforcement easier across Romania.
- Bucharest introduced a 10 lei per night tourist tax in January 2026, adding roughly 2 euros per guest night to operating costs for Airbnb hosts in the city.
- One-bedroom apartments dominate Bucharest's Airbnb bookings, representing the sweet spot between affordability for guests and profitability for hosts, especially near metro stations.
- The price gap between high-demand neighborhoods like Aviatorilor and budget areas like Rahova can exceed 50 euros per night, making location the single biggest factor in Bucharest Airbnb pricing.
- Bucharest's Airbnb occupancy rate sits around 55% on average, but hosts who offer self check-in, fast Wi-Fi, and air conditioning consistently hit 65% to 75% throughout the year.
- Major concerts at Arena Nationala, such as Metallica in May 2026 and Iron Maiden later in the year, can spike nightly rates by 30% to 50% for listings within a short commute of the venue.
- Romania's tax authority (ANAF) has identified over 23,000 individuals earning rental income through platforms like Airbnb, and fines for operating without proper classification can reach 8,000 euros.
- The most crowded Airbnb price point in Bucharest is the 40 to 70 euro per night range, where competition is fiercest and margins are thinnest for hosts without a clear differentiator.
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Bucharest in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Bucharest in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, short-term renting through platforms like Airbnb is allowed in Bucharest, and the city does not have a blanket ban on vacation rentals like some Western European capitals do.
The main legal framework governing short-term rentals in Bucharest is Romania's tourism accommodation classification system, which requires hosts to register their property as a tourist accommodation structure (such as "apartments for rent" or "rooms for rent") through the Ministry of Economy's official portal.
The single most important requirement for Bucharest Airbnb hosts is obtaining a tourism classification certificate, which officially authorizes your property to accept paying guests and must be renewed periodically.
Additionally, starting May 20, 2026, the EU's Regulation 2024/1028 on short-term rental data collection will require all hosts to display a registration number on their listings, and platforms like Airbnb must verify this number and share monthly activity data with Romanian authorities.
Operating without proper classification in Bucharest can result in fines ranging from 10,000 to 40,000 lei (approximately 2,000 to 8,000 euros), and ANAF (Romania's tax authority) has already identified over 23,000 individuals under scrutiny for potential undeclared rental income.
For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Romania.
If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Romania.
Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Bucharest as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Bucharest does not impose a citywide minimum stay requirement or a maximum nights-per-year cap like the 90-day limits seen in cities such as Paris or Amsterdam.
These rules do not currently differ by property type or host residency status in Bucharest, meaning both primary residences and investment properties can be rented year-round without a night limit imposed by the municipality.
However, hosts should note that the new EU data-sharing regulation starting May 2026 will give authorities much better visibility into how many nights each property is rented, which could eventually lead to local restrictions if the city decides to implement them.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Bucharest right now?
Bucharest does not currently require Airbnb hosts to live in the property they rent out, which means investors and owners of secondary homes can legally operate short-term rentals in the city.
Yes, owners of secondary homes and investment properties can legally run Airbnbs in Bucharest, and in fact, the majority of the city's short-term rental inventory consists of entire-home apartments owned by non-resident hosts.
There are no additional permits specifically required for non-primary residence rentals beyond the standard tourism classification certificate that all Bucharest hosts need to obtain.
The main practical difference between renting your primary residence versus a secondary home in Bucharest is not legal but operational: if your property is in an apartment building, you need to be aware of condominium association rules that could restrict or complicate short-term rentals regardless of whether you live there.
Don't buy the wrong property, in the wrong area of Bucharest
Buying real estate is a significant investment. Don't rely solely on your intuition. Gather the right information to make the best decision.
Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Bucharest right now?
Yes, Bucharest does not have a "one host, one home" rule, so you can legally operate multiple Airbnb listings under a single name or entity in the city.
There is no maximum number of properties that one person or company can list for short-term rental in Bucharest, though operating at scale may shift your tax treatment from individual rental income to business income.
When running multiple listings, each property typically needs its own tourism classification certificate, and you should ensure your tax setup (individual versus company) is appropriate for the scale of your operation.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Bucharest as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Bucharest Airbnb hosts need to obtain a tourism accommodation classification certificate through Romania's Ministry of Economy, though whether you need a formal business registration depends on how you structure your rental income.
The process to get classified involves submitting an application through the official Situr portal, providing documentation about your property (including fire safety compliance for certain property types), and waiting for approval, which typically takes several weeks to a few months.
Required documents usually include proof of ownership or rental rights, property layout plans, and in some cases evidence of safety compliance, though the exact requirements can vary based on your property type and size.
The classification itself does not have a significant upfront fee, but you should budget for any required safety inspections, documentation preparation, and potential professional assistance to navigate the process, which might add a few hundred euros to your setup costs.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Bucharest as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Bucharest does not have officially designated "no-go zones" or neighborhood bans for short-term rentals like some European cities publish on public maps.
Instead of citywide zoning restrictions, limitations in Bucharest tend to appear at the building level through condominium association rules, which can restrict or prohibit short-term rentals in specific apartment blocks.
The main reason restrictions emerge in certain buildings is neighbor complaints about noise, security concerns with rotating guests, and access control issues in older apartment blocks that were not designed for hospitality use.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Romania compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How much can an Airbnb earn in Bucharest in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Bucharest in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average nightly price for an Airbnb in Bucharest is approximately 330 lei (65 euros, 75 dollars), while the median nightly price sits lower at around 280 lei (55 euros, 64 dollars) due to the large number of budget studios competing on price.
The typical nightly price range covering roughly 80% of Bucharest Airbnb listings falls between 200 and 450 lei (40 to 90 euros, 46 to 104 dollars), with outliers above and below this band for luxury properties and bare-bones studios respectively.
The single factor with the biggest impact on nightly pricing in Bucharest is location, specifically whether your property is in a high-demand area like Centrul Vechi, Universitate, or the northern business corridor near Floreasca, versus a peripheral neighborhood far from metro stations and tourist attractions.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Bucharest.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Bucharest in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, nightly prices in Bucharest vary dramatically by neighborhood, with the most expensive areas like Aviatorilor and Primaverii commanding 450 to 560 lei (90 to 110 euros, 104 to 127 dollars) per night, while affordable areas like Rahova and outer Militari average just 200 to 280 lei (40 to 55 euros, 46 to 64 dollars).
The three neighborhoods with the highest average nightly prices in Bucharest are Centrul Vechi/Lipscani at around 380 to 510 lei (75 to 100 euros, 87 to 116 dollars), Aviatorilor-Herastrau at 430 to 560 lei (85 to 110 euros, 98 to 127 dollars), and Floreasca-Barbu Vacarescu at 380 to 460 lei (75 to 90 euros, 87 to 104 dollars).
The three neighborhoods with the lowest average nightly prices are Rahova at around 180 to 250 lei (35 to 50 euros, 41 to 58 dollars), Berceni at 200 to 280 lei (40 to 55 euros, 46 to 64 dollars), and outer Militari at 190 to 255 lei (38 to 50 euros, 44 to 58 dollars), though these areas still attract budget travelers and longer-stay guests who prioritize value over location.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Bucharest in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the typical occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Bucharest averages around 55%, though this varies significantly based on property quality, location, and host management practices.
The realistic occupancy range covering most Bucharest listings falls between 42% for underperforming properties and 66% for well-managed ones, with top-tier listings in prime locations occasionally hitting 75% or higher.
Bucharest's average occupancy rate is slightly below Romania's national average for major cities, partly because the capital has more competition and a larger supply of listings compared to smaller tourist destinations like Brasov or Sibiu.
The single factor with the biggest impact on achieving above-average occupancy in Bucharest is offering frictionless self check-in combined with fast, consistent communication, since many guests are business travelers or tourists arriving at odd hours who value convenience over price.
Don't sign a document you don't understand in Bucharest
Buying a property over there? We have reviewed all the documents you need to know. Stay out of trouble - grab our comprehensive guide.
What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Bucharest in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average monthly revenue per Airbnb listing in Bucharest is approximately 5,350 lei (1,050 euros, 1,215 dollars), based on typical occupancy and nightly rates for entire-home apartments.
The realistic monthly revenue range covering roughly 80% of Bucharest listings falls between 3,550 and 7,100 lei (700 to 1,400 euros, 810 to 1,620 dollars), with significant variation based on property size, location, and management quality.
Top-performing Airbnb listings in Bucharest can achieve monthly revenues of 8,100 to 10,150 lei (1,600 to 2,000 euros, 1,850 to 2,315 dollars) by combining premium pricing in high-demand neighborhoods with occupancy rates above 70%, which works out to roughly 65 to 80 euros per night multiplied by 22 to 25 booked nights.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Bucharest.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Bucharest in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, typical monthly revenue for a Bucharest Airbnb during low season (January through February) ranges from 3,550 to 4,575 lei (700 to 900 euros, 810 to 1,040 dollars), while high season months (May through June, September through October, and late December) can bring in 6,350 to 8,380 lei (1,250 to 1,650 euros, 1,445 to 1,910 dollars).
Low season for Bucharest Airbnbs typically runs from January through early March, when tourism slows and business travel dips, while high season includes late spring (May and June), early autumn (September and October), and the December holiday period when the Christmas market attracts visitors.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Bucharest in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly operating expenses for a self-managed Airbnb in Bucharest range from 1,780 to 3,300 lei (350 to 650 euros, 405 to 750 dollars), while properties using a management company typically spend 2,800 to 4,830 lei (550 to 950 euros, 635 to 1,100 dollars).
The single expense category representing the largest share of monthly costs in Bucharest is cleaning, which typically runs 100 to 150 lei (20 to 30 euros, 23 to 35 dollars) per turnover and can total 400 to 900 lei (80 to 175 euros, 92 to 200 dollars) monthly depending on your occupancy and turnover frequency.
Bucharest Airbnb hosts should expect to spend roughly 35% to 55% of gross revenue on operating expenses when self-managing, or 50% to 70% when using professional management, with the tourism promotion tax of 10 lei per guest night adding a small but mandatory line item.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Bucharest.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Bucharest in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly net profit for a self-managed Bucharest Airbnb ranges from 2,285 to 3,555 lei (450 to 700 euros, 520 to 810 dollars), while managed properties typically net 760 to 2,285 lei (150 to 450 euros, 175 to 520 dollars), with profit per available night falling between 75 and 115 lei (15 to 23 euros, 17 to 26 dollars) for self-managed listings.
The realistic monthly net profit range covering most Bucharest listings falls between 510 and 3,555 lei (100 to 700 euros, 116 to 810 dollars), with significant variation based on whether you self-manage or outsource, your property's location, and your ability to maintain above-average occupancy.
Net profit margins for Bucharest Airbnb hosts typically fall between 30% and 50% of gross revenue for self-managed properties, dropping to 15% to 35% when using professional management services.
The break-even occupancy rate for a typical Bucharest Airbnb listing is around 30% to 35%, meaning you need roughly 9 to 11 booked nights per month just to cover your operating expenses before generating any profit.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Bucharest, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Romania 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.
How competitive is Airbnb in Bucharest as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Bucharest as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there are approximately 4,500 to 5,500 active Airbnb listings in Bucharest, with the exact number depending on how "active" is defined (listings with bookings in the last 30 days versus the last 12 months).
This represents growth of roughly 8% compared to the previous year, continuing a long-term upward trend that has seen Bucharest's short-term rental inventory expand steadily since 2019, with only a brief pandemic-related dip in 2020 and 2021.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Bucharest as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods for Airbnb in Bucharest are Centrul Vechi/Lipscani, Universitate, Unirii, Victoriei, Romana, Dorobanti, Floreasca-Barbu Vacarescu, and Herastrau/Aviatorilor, where competition among hosts is fiercest.
These neighborhoods became saturated because they combine easy access for tourists (walkable to Old Town attractions), convenient metro connections, and proximity to the northern business corridor that draws corporate travelers, making them obvious first choices for both guests and investors.
Relatively undersaturated neighborhoods that may offer better opportunities for new Bucharest hosts include Titan (good metro access but lower tourist awareness), Drumul Taberei (popular with expats and young professionals), and select pockets near Gara de Nord where transit convenience could be better marketed.
What local events spike demand in Bucharest in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the main local events that spike Airbnb demand in Bucharest include major concerts at Arena Nationala (such as Metallica on May 13 and Iron Maiden later in the year), trade fairs and expos at Romexpo, the Bucharest Christmas Market in December, and the George Enescu International Festival in late summer.
During these peak events, Bucharest Airbnb hosts typically see booking rates jump by 20% to 40% and nightly prices increase by 30% to 50%, with properties closest to event venues experiencing the strongest demand surge.
Hosts should adjust their pricing and availability at least 4 to 8 weeks before major events, with concert dates requiring attention as soon as they are announced since fans often book accommodation immediately after tickets go on sale.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Bucharest in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, top-performing Airbnb hosts in Bucharest achieve occupancy rates of 70% to 80%, significantly outperforming the market average.
Average hosts in Bucharest typically see occupancy around 50% to 55%, meaning top performers enjoy a 15 to 25 percentage point advantage that translates directly into higher monthly revenue.
New hosts in Bucharest typically need 6 to 12 months to reach top-performer occupancy levels, with the timeline depending on how quickly they accumulate positive reviews, optimize their listing presentation, and develop efficient guest communication habits.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Bucharest.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Bucharest right now?
The nightly price range with the highest concentration of Bucharest Airbnb listings falls between 200 and 355 lei (40 to 70 euros, 46 to 81 dollars), where budget studios and standard one-bedroom apartments compete fiercely on price.
The most crowded price points where competition is intense are 200 to 305 lei (40 to 60 euros, 46 to 69 dollars) for studios and older one-bedrooms, and 305 to 430 lei (60 to 85 euros, 69 to 98 dollars) for standard apartments, while "white space" opportunities exist at 455 to 660 lei (90 to 130 euros, 104 to 150 dollars) for premium business-focused properties with hotel-grade finishes.
Property characteristics that allow new hosts to successfully compete in the underserved premium segment include dedicated parking (rare in central Bucharest), genuine soundproofing, ergonomic workspace setups for business travelers, and terraces with real views that justify higher nightly rates.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Bucharest
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
What property works best for Airbnb demand in Bucharest right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Bucharest as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, one-bedroom apartments get the most bookings in Bucharest, hitting the sweet spot between affordability for guests and profitability for hosts.
The estimated booking rate breakdown by bedroom count in Bucharest shows one-bedroom apartments leading with roughly 40% of total bookings, followed by studios at around 30%, two-bedrooms at approximately 22%, and three-bedrooms or larger at about 8%.
One-bedroom apartments perform best in Bucharest because they offer enough space for couples and solo business travelers to feel comfortable during multi-night stays, while remaining affordable enough to compete with hotel prices and small enough to manage efficiently.
What property type performs best in Bucharest in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, apartments are the best-performing property type for Airbnb in Bucharest, which aligns with the city's housing stock that consists primarily of apartment buildings rather than single-family homes.
Occupancy rates in Bucharest run highest for well-located apartments (55% to 65% on average), while houses and villas can achieve similar or slightly lower occupancy (50% to 60%) but require more effort to fill consistently due to higher price points and larger guest group requirements.
Apartments outperform other property types in Bucharest because they are easier to access (buildings with elevators and secure entry), simpler to clean and maintain between turnovers, and more abundant in the high-demand central and northern neighborhoods where most travelers want to stay.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Bucharest, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can, and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| EUR-Lex - Regulation (EU) 2024/1028 | It's the EU's official legal text published in the Official Journal, representing binding law for all member states. | We used it to explain what STR platforms must report and when. We used its start date (May 20, 2026) to flag what compliance changes are imminent for Bucharest hosts. |
| Romania Ministry of Economy - Situr Portal | It's the official government portal used to apply for tourism accommodation classification in Romania. | We used it to support the point that apartments and rooms for rent can be classified via an official process. We used it to frame compliance steps for non-professional Bucharest hosts. |
| Portal Legislativ - Order 65/2013 | It's Romania's official legislative portal mirroring Monitorul Oficial references for tourism classification methodology. | We used it to anchor the classification certificate requirement in legislation. We used it to avoid relying on informal guides for legal claims about Bucharest Airbnb requirements. |
| Romania Parliament - Law 196/2018 | It's a government-hosted copy of the law governing condominium and homeowner associations in Romania. | We used it to explain why building rules and association governance matter for STRs in Bucharest apartment blocks. We used it to support practical risk assessment around neighbor friction. |
| PMB/CGMB - Bucharest Tourism Promotion Tax | It's the City Hall and City Council documentation site with primary source municipal decisions. | We used it to confirm that Bucharest levies a 10 lei per night tourism promotion tax on accommodation. We used it to quantify this mandatory line item in operating costs. |
| AirDNA - Bucharest Market Overview | AirDNA is a widely used STR analytics provider with repeatable methodology tracking Airbnb and Vrbo data. | We used it for baseline ADR, occupancy, and listing counts. We used it as market averages then adjusted for neighborhood and seasonality specific to Bucharest. |
| AirROI - Bucharest STR Data | AirROI provides STR market analysis with detailed property-level data and host performance benchmarks. | We used it to triangulate listing counts and verify top performer occupancy rates. We used it to cross-check AirDNA figures for Bucharest market size. |
| Airbtics - Bucharest Revenue Data | Airbtics tracks Airbnb performance metrics with guest origin and seasonality analysis. | We used it to verify annual revenue estimates and occupancy rates. We used its seasonality data to identify peak and low months for Bucharest Airbnb demand. |
| ListingOK - Bucharest Occupancy Data | ListingOK provides revenue management insights with monthly occupancy and ADR tracking. | We used it to verify average monthly revenue (around 1,023 euros) and occupancy rates (61%). We used it as a third data point to triangulate our estimates. |
| INSSE - Romania Tourism Statistics | INSSE is Romania's national statistics authority providing official tourism accommodation data. | We used it to validate seasonality patterns and national accommodation utilization trends. We used it as demand context behind occupancy expectations in Bucharest. |
| Imobiliare.ro - Property Index | Imobiliare.ro is Romania's major property portal publishing transparent methodology for price indices. | We used it to triangulate asking-price direction for Bucharest homes and verify neighborhood price differentials. We used it carefully as private-sector context alongside official data. |
| Colliers Romania - Residential Market Report | Colliers is a top global real estate consultancy with published research on Romanian markets. | We used it to cross-check supply and affordability narratives and investor sentiment. We used it to avoid relying on anecdotal market observations. |
| National Bank of Romania (NBR) | It's Romania's central bank providing official exchange rates and financial stability analysis. | We used it to keep currency conversions realistic for January 2026. We used it to express estimates in ways investors can compare to local costs. |
| Eurostat - House Price Index | Eurostat is the EU's official statistical body with transparent methodology for cross-country comparisons. | We used it to ground price trend discussion in an official framework. We used it as a cross-check against local and private indices for Bucharest property values. |
| Romania Insider | Romania Insider is a leading English-language news source covering Romanian business and regulatory developments. | We used it for regulatory updates on Airbnb enforcement and event announcements. We used it to verify concert dates and tourism tax implementation. |
| Short Term Rentalz | Short Term Rentalz is an industry news source tracking STR regulations and enforcement globally. | We used it to verify fine ranges for unlicensed rentals in Romania. We used it to track ANAF enforcement announcements affecting Bucharest hosts. |
| ANAF - Romania Tax Authority | ANAF is Romania's official tax authority providing taxpayer guidance and enforcement data. | We used it to explain tax treatment options for rental income. We used it to understand the distinction between individual and business registration requirements. |
| Romania Tourism - Events Calendar | Romania Tourism is the official tourism promotion organization with comprehensive event listings. | We used it to identify demand-spiking events in Bucharest for 2026. We used it to help hosts plan pricing adjustments around festivals and concerts. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Romania. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
Related blog posts