Lugano

As of May 2026, Lugano, Como, Varese have 1,115 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 14% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Lugano generates CHF25K per year. High-performing properties earn CHF49K/year, while low-performing properties earn CHF12K/year. This significant revenue spread suggests that market performance is highly polarized, with top-tier assets capturing substantially more value than the average inventory in a supply-constrained environment.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Lugano. Average annual revenue is CHF25K with 37% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to CHF49K/year. The gap between average and high-tier earnings indicates that profitability is driven by specific asset positioning rather than broad market trends, despite the recent 14% contraction in available supply.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Lugano is 37%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of CHF168, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of CHF43 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Lugano, with annual revenue of CHF30K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Lugano market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Lugano area. Lugano: Moderate. Registration required, tourist tax collection mandatory. Standard cantonal rules apply. Moderate enforcement through tax compliance checks. Como: Lenient. Regional registration (CIR code) required, tax reporting. Minimal active enforcement despite formal requirements. Many hosts operate informally. Varese: Lenient. Regional registration (CIR code) and tax reporting required. Light enforcement in practice. Hosts commonly operate with minimal oversight. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Lugano Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 14% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 0%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The stability in revenue despite lower listing volume suggests that the market is absorbing the reduction in supply without significant negative pressure on per-unit profitability.

Launch around May, 2-3 months before peak summer season (August peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -7% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (November-February) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Lugano listings include: Kitchen (93%), Tv (76%), Heating (70%), Balcony (64%), Washing Machine (60%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Air Conditioning, Washing Machine, Tv, with Air Conditioning properties earning approximately 27% more (CHF40K/year vs CHF31K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Lugano over the last 12 months: May: CHF1K, June: CHF2K, July: CHF2K, August: CHF2K, September: CHF1K, October: CHF2K, November: CHF827, December: CHF1K, January: CHF681, February: CHF608, March: CHF945, April: CHF2K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Lugano is CHF168, up 16% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average CHF145/night, 2-bedroom properties average CHF196/night, 3-bedroom properties average CHF273/night, 4+ bedroom properties average CHF400/night. Rates peak in July and are lowest in February.

Guests in Lugano book an average of 27 days in advance, down 26% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 26 days, 2-bedroom: 29 days, 3-bedroom: 31 days, 4+ bedroom: 36 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Lugano Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 14%, revenue per listing decreased 0%, occupancy rose 1%, average nightly rates increased 16%, and lead time decreased 26%. These shifts point toward a tightening market where hosts are leveraging higher nightly rates to offset reduced booking windows and lower supply.

In Lugano, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 17% higher occupancy than weekdays.