What are the rental yields for apartments in Lake Como? (2026)

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

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

What rental yields can I realistically get from an apartment in Lake Como?

What's the average gross rental yield for apartments in Lake Como as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the estimated average gross rental yield for apartments in Lake Como is around 4.2% for long-term rentals, though this number hides a major split between different parts of the lake.

In practice, most apartment investors in Lake Como see gross yields ranging from about 2.8% in the famous lakefront prestige towns up to 5.5% or higher in Como city and nearby commuter areas.

The main factor causing Lake Como rental yields to vary so much is the extreme price gap between celebrity-famous villages like Cernobbio or Laglio (where sale prices per square meter are very high) and working towns like Camerlata or Rebbio (where prices are lower but rents stay relatively strong due to local job demand and Milan commuters).

Compared to other major Italian cities, Lake Como's average gross yield sits in the middle range: lower than cities like Palermo or Naples (often 6% or more) but similar to Milan (around 4% to 5%) and higher than ultra-premium markets like central Rome or Florence where yields can drop below 3%.

What's the average net rental yield for apartments in Lake Como as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the estimated average net rental yield for apartments in Lake Como is around 2.9% after accounting for the main unavoidable costs like taxes, vacancy, maintenance, and insurance.

Most apartment investors in Lake Como can realistically expect net yields between 2.0% (for expensive lakefront prestige properties) and 3.6% (for well-located apartments in Como city with strong tenant demand).

The single biggest expense that reduces gross yield to net yield in Lake Como is the IMU property tax on second homes, which typically runs around 0.5% to 0.9% of your property's value each year, combined with higher-than-average maintenance costs due to the lake's humidity, older building stock, and the upkeep needs of terraces, shutters, and stonework common in this area.

By the way, you will find much more detailed data in our property pack covering the real estate market in Lake Como.

What's the typical rent-to-price ratio for apartments in Lake Como in 2026?

As of early 2026, the typical monthly rent-to-price ratio for apartments in Lake Como is around 0.35%, which means if you buy a property for 300,000 euros, you can expect roughly 1,050 euros per month in rent on a long-term basis.

In practice, this ratio ranges from about 0.22% to 0.30% per month in expensive lakefront towns like Cernobbio or Laglio (where prices are very high relative to rents) up to 0.47% per month in Como city where prices are more reasonable and rental demand from local workers stays strong.

The apartment categories and neighborhoods in Lake Como with the highest rent-to-price ratios tend to be in Como city's less central but well-connected areas like Camerlata, Rebbio, and parts of Albate, where you get solid tenant demand from commuters and local professionals without paying the "celebrity lakefront" premium on purchase price.

How much rent can I charge for an apartment in Lake Como?

What's the typical tenant budget range for apartments in Lake Como right now?

The typical monthly tenant budget for renting an apartment in Lake Como ranges from about 800 to 2,200 euros (around 830 to 2,290 USD), depending heavily on whether you're in Como city or the lakefront tourist villages.

For tenants targeting mid-range apartments in Lake Como, the budget typically falls between 1,000 and 1,500 euros per month (approximately 1,040 to 1,560 USD), which gets you a decent two-bedroom in Como city or a smaller one-bedroom with a view in towns like Menaggio or Bellagio.

For tenants seeking high-end or luxury apartments in Lake Como, budgets start around 2,000 euros and can easily reach 3,500 euros per month or more (roughly 2,080 to 3,640 USD), especially for lakefront properties with terraces, parking, and modern finishes in prestige villages.

We have a blog article where we update the latest data about rents in Lake Como here.

What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bed apartment in Lake Como as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bed apartment in Lake Como is around 1,050 euros (approximately 1,090 USD), though this varies significantly by location.

At the entry level, you can find decent 1-bed apartments in Lake Como for around 700 to 850 euros per month (about 730 to 885 USD), typically in Como city's less central neighborhoods like Rebbio or Camerlata, where you get practical spaces near bus lines but without lake views.

For a typical mid-range 1-bed apartment in Lake Como, expect to pay around 900 to 1,200 euros per month (approximately 935 to 1,250 USD), which usually means a renovated unit in Como's walkable areas or a modest apartment in lakefront towns like Menaggio with reasonable access to shops and the ferry.

At the high end, luxury 1-bed apartments in Lake Como command 1,400 to 2,000 euros per month or more (around 1,455 to 2,080 USD), typically featuring lake views, modern kitchens, terraces, and locations in prestige villages like Cernobbio or Bellagio.

What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bed apartment in Lake Como as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bed apartment in Lake Como is around 1,450 euros (approximately 1,510 USD), reflecting the typical 70 to 80 square meter size most common in this market.

For an entry-level 2-bed apartment in Lake Como, expect to pay around 1,000 to 1,200 euros per month (about 1,040 to 1,250 USD), usually in Como city's outer neighborhoods or inland towns, where you get functional space with basic finishes and good transport links but no lake proximity.

A typical mid-range 2-bed apartment in Lake Como rents for around 1,300 to 1,700 euros per month (approximately 1,350 to 1,770 USD), which typically means a well-maintained unit in Como's central areas or a decent apartment in lakefront towns with walking distance to cafes and the ferry stop.

High-end 2-bed apartments in Lake Como command 2,000 to 2,800 euros per month or more (around 2,080 to 2,910 USD), usually featuring lake views, outdoor terraces, modern renovations, parking, and prime locations in villages like Bellagio, Cernobbio, or Tremezzina.

What's the average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment in Lake Como as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment in Lake Como is around 1,900 euros (approximately 1,975 USD), though three-bedroom units are less common and often command a scarcity premium, especially in lakefront locations.

At the entry level, a decent 3-bed apartment in Lake Como rents for around 1,400 to 1,600 euros per month (about 1,455 to 1,665 USD), typically in Como city's residential neighborhoods like Albate or Lora, offering family-friendly space with basic amenities but little lakefront appeal.

A typical mid-range 3-bed apartment in Lake Como goes for around 1,800 to 2,200 euros per month (approximately 1,870 to 2,290 USD), which usually means a spacious unit in Como's better areas or a family-sized apartment in popular tourist towns with reasonable lake access.

Luxury 3-bed apartments in Lake Como command 2,500 to 3,500 euros per month or more (around 2,600 to 3,640 USD), typically featuring panoramic lake views, large terraces, parking spaces, and locations in the most sought-after villages where family-sized rentals are genuinely scarce.

How fast do well-priced apartments get rented in Lake Como?

A well-priced apartment in Lake Como typically rents within 2 to 5 weeks if it's in Como city or the commuter belt, while lakefront tourist towns often take 4 to 10 weeks because landlords are matching with seasonal tenants or waiting for the "right fit."

The typical vacancy rate for apartments in Lake Como runs around 3% to 5% annually for long-term rentals, though this is higher in lakefront areas where many owners switch between short-term and long-term strategies depending on the season.

The main factors that cause some Lake Como apartments to rent faster than others are proximity to ferry stops and train stations (tenants here often commute to Milan or Switzerland), heating efficiency (older lakeside buildings can have high winter costs that scare off tenants), and whether the unit has parking (a huge differentiator in the tight lakefront villages where street parking is nearly impossible).

And if you want to know what should be the right price, check our latest update on how much an apartment should cost in Lake Como.

Which apartment type gives the best yield in Lake Como?

Which is better for yield between studios, 1-bed, 2-bed and 3-bed apartments in Lake Como as of 2026?

As of early 2026, 1-bed apartments typically offer the best rental yield in Lake Como, followed by studios, then 2-beds, with 3-beds usually delivering the lowest gross returns.

In terms of typical gross yields by apartment type in Lake Como: studios can reach 4.5% to 5.5% in Como city (but are too seasonal in lakefront towns), 1-beds average around 4% to 5.5%, 2-beds fall to roughly 3.5% to 4.5%, and 3-beds often drop to 3% to 4% because you're paying a premium for space, terraces, and parking that doesn't proportionally boost rent.

The main reason 1-beds tend to outperform in Lake Como is that they hit the sweet spot for local demand: young professionals, couples, and Milan commuters who want a manageable size at an affordable price, while larger units get pushed into the "luxury" bracket where sale prices inflate faster than rents can follow.

Which features are best if you want a good yield for your apartment in Lake Como?

The features that most positively impact rental yield for apartments in Lake Como are walkability to the ferry or train station (cuts vacancy dramatically), efficient heating systems (tenants fear winter bills in older lakeside buildings), dedicated parking (extremely scarce in lakefront villages), and even a small balcony or terrace (adds outsized appeal for the lake lifestyle).

In Lake Como, ground-floor apartments can actually be harder to rent due to humidity concerns and lack of views, while upper floors with elevators are easiest to rent because they offer better light, lake glimpses, and protection from damp.

Apartments with outdoor space in Lake Como absolutely rent faster and command higher rents because tenants come here for the lifestyle, and even a small balcony where you can have morning coffee with a lake view makes a property far more desirable than a larger unit without any outdoor area.

Building features like elevators, reasonable condo rules, and parking justify higher service charges in Lake Como because they solve real problems: many older lakefront buildings have no elevators (challenging for families), strict condo rules can block rentals entirely, and parking can be the difference between renting in two weeks versus two months.

Which neighborhoods give the best rental demand for apartments in Lake Como?

Which neighborhoods have the highest rental demand for apartments in Lake Como as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the highest rental demand for apartments in Lake Como are Como city's Centro Storico, Como Lago (the lakefront area), Borgo Vico near Villa Olmo, plus the famous lakefront villages of Cernobbio, Menaggio, Bellagio, Tremezzina, and Varenna.

The main demand driver in these Lake Como neighborhoods is the combination of ferry connectivity, walkable village centers, and the "Lake Como brand" that attracts both long-term tenants (commuters to Milan or Switzerland) and short-term visitors drawn by the area's international reputation and scenic beauty.

In the high-demand neighborhoods of Lake Como, well-priced apartments typically rent within 2 to 4 weeks during peak seasons, with vacancy rates staying low (under 5% annually) because demand consistently exceeds the limited supply of quality rental units.

One emerging neighborhood gaining rental momentum in Lake Como is the northern shore area around towns like Domaso and Gravedona, where prices are more accessible, infrastructure is improving, and investors report increasing interest from budget-conscious tourists and remote workers seeking quieter alternatives to the crowded central lake.

By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Lake Como.

Which neighborhoods have the highest yields for apartments in Lake Como as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the highest rental yields for apartments in Lake Como are Como city's Camerlata, Rebbio, and parts of Albate, plus inland-but-connected towns like Cantu and Erba where prices haven't been inflated by the "lakefront premium."

In these higher-yielding Lake Como neighborhoods, gross rental yields typically range from 5% to 6% for long-term rentals, compared to just 2.8% to 3.5% in the famous lakefront prestige villages.

The main reason these neighborhoods offer higher yields is that sale prices stay grounded by local market realities (working families, commuters) while rents remain supported by genuine tenant demand from people with jobs in Como, Milan-bound commuters, and cross-border workers heading to Switzerland, unlike the trophy lakefront areas where prices are driven by wealthy second-home buyers who aren't necessarily focused on rental returns.

Should I do long-term rental or short-term rental in Lake Como?

Is short-term rental legal for apartments in Lake Como as of 2026?

As of early 2026, short-term rental is legal for apartments in Lake Como, but you must comply with a clear set of national and regional registration requirements that carry significant fines if ignored.

The main legal requirements for operating a short-term rental apartment in Lake Como include obtaining the regional CIR code (Codice Identificativo di Riferimento) from Lombardy, registering for the national CIN code (Codice Identificativo Nazionale) through the Ministry of Tourism's portal, displaying both codes on all advertising and at the property, and meeting safety requirements like fire extinguishers and gas detectors.

For Airbnb-style rentals in Lake Como, you must register through Italy's BDSR (Banca Dati Strutture Ricettive) portal, display your CIN on every listing and physically at the property entrance, report guest details to police within 24 hours of arrival, collect and remit local tourist taxes, and meet safety standards including detectors and fire equipment.

By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Lake Como.

What's the gross yield difference short-term vs long-term in Lake Como in 2026?

As of early 2026, short-term rentals in Lake Como can deliver around 6.5% to 7% gross yield compared to about 4.2% for long-term rentals, representing a potential uplift of 2 to 3 percentage points if you operate competently.

For apartments in Lake Como, long-term rentals typically yield 3% to 5.5% gross depending on location, while short-term rentals can reach 6% to 8% gross in tourist-heavy areas like Bellagio, Menaggio, or Varenna where occupancy rates average around 65% to 70% and nightly rates range from 100 to 200 euros or more.

The main additional costs that reduce the net yield advantage of short-term rentals in Lake Como include higher property management fees (15% to 25% of revenue versus 8% to 10% for long-term), more frequent cleaning and turnover costs, increased utility bills (you pay them, not the tenant), faster wear-and-tear on furnishings, and the seasonal lumpiness where you may earn well in summer but face empty weeks in winter.

To outperform a long-term rental in Lake Como, a short-term rental typically needs to achieve at least 55% to 60% annual occupancy at competitive nightly rates, which is achievable in prime lakefront locations but challenging in less touristy areas where you might be better off with the simplicity of a year-round tenant.

What costs will eat into my net yield for an apartment in Lake Como?

What are building service charges as a % of rent in Lake Como as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the typical building service charge (the owner's non-recoverable share) for apartments in Lake Como runs around 5% of annual rent, which translates to roughly 50 to 100 euros per month (about 52 to 104 USD) for a typical rental unit.

In practice, building service charges in Lake Como range from about 3% of rent for simple buildings without many shared amenities up to 8% or more for properties with elevators, gardens, lakefront maintenance, shared boat docks, or central heating systems.

The services that typically justify higher-than-average building charges in Lake Como include lakefront terrace or dock maintenance (expensive and specific to this area), central heating systems in older buildings (common in historic properties), garden and landscaping upkeep (many lakeside buildings have shared green spaces), and elevator maintenance in multi-story buildings perched on the hillsides.

What annual maintenance budget should I assume for an apartment in Lake Como right now?

A typical annual maintenance budget for an apartment in Lake Como is around 0.8% of the property's value, which means roughly 2,000 euros per year (about 2,080 USD) for a 250,000 euro apartment or 4,000 euros (around 4,160 USD) for a 500,000 euro property.

Depending on the apartment's age and building condition in Lake Como, annual maintenance costs can range from about 0.5% of property value for newer buildings in good condition up to 1.2% or more for older historic properties that need regular attention to stonework, shutters, and humidity-related issues.

The most common maintenance expenses apartment owners face in Lake Como include boiler servicing and replacement (lakeside humidity is hard on heating systems), terrace and balcony waterproofing (essential near the water), shutter repairs and repainting (wooden shutters are standard and need regular care), and dealing with damp or mold issues that can develop in older buildings close to the lake.

What property taxes should I expect for an apartment in Lake Como as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the typical annual property tax (IMU) for a second-home apartment in Lake Como runs around 0.6% of the property's market value, though the actual amount depends on your specific municipality's rate and the property's cadastral value.

In practice, IMU property taxes in Lake Como can range from about 0.5% to 0.9% of market value annually, depending on the exact Comune (municipality), the property's cadastral classification, and any local variations in the base rate.

Property taxes for apartments in Lake Como are calculated using the cadastral value (rendita catastale) of the property, multiplied by a revaluation coefficient, and then by the municipal IMU rate set by each Comune, which means the same-value property can have slightly different tax bills depending on which Lake Como town it's in.

There are limited exemptions available: if the property becomes your primary Italian residence (prima casa), you're generally exempt from IMU, but for investment properties and second homes (which is most foreign buyers), the full tax applies with no standard exemptions.

If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Lake Como.

How much does landlord insurance cost for an apartment in Lake Como in 2026?

As of early 2026, typical annual landlord insurance for an apartment in Lake Como costs around 300 to 500 euros (approximately 310 to 520 USD) for a standard policy covering building contents and liability.

Depending on coverage level and apartment value in Lake Como, annual landlord insurance can range from about 250 euros for basic coverage on a smaller unit up to 700 euros or more (roughly 260 to 730 USD) for comprehensive policies on larger or more valuable properties that include additional protections like loss of rent coverage or natural disaster add-ons.

What's the typical property management fee for apartments in Lake Como as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the typical property management fee for apartments in Lake Como is around 8% to 10% of collected rent for long-term rentals, which works out to roughly 80 to 150 euros per month (about 83 to 156 USD) on a typical rental income.

Property management fees in Lake Como range from about 8% for basic long-term rental management up to 20% to 25% for full-service short-term rental management that includes guest communication, cleaning coordination, check-ins, pricing optimization, and ongoing maintenance oversight.

Standard property management services included in Lake Como typically cover tenant finding, rent collection, basic maintenance coordination, and annual tax document preparation, while short-term rental management adds guest communication, cleaning scheduling, key handover, linen service, and platform listing management.

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 Lake Como, 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.