I would say that investing in mountain cabins for rent is a popular and profitable way to put your money to work. But how do you choose the right property for your cabin and manage it effectively? Who doesn’t dream of owning a cozy cottage in beautiful surroundings? Imagine spending every vacation in Poland „at home”, away from the hustle and bustle of overcrowded hotels. A cabin in Zakopane is not only a wonderful getaway for your family, but also a potential source of income.
You may also be wondering if renting out your own private sanctuary is really going to generate a profit. Well, statistics show that vacationers are increasingly drawn to small, private cottages instead of hotel rooms or apartments. The reason is clear – a vacation home offers uninterrupted relaxation and the freedom to create your own vacation experience, unlike busy and often cramped hotels.
The Importance of Location for Investment Cabins
When it comes to investing in real estate, I can tell you that location is everything. I know that as I own few apartments for rent myself. When it comes to mountain vacation homes, the right location can make or break your investment. So what should you consider when choosing a location?
First, look for a location with high development potential that has both tourist and scenic appeal. Also, check the area for attractions. It’s important that the cottage you rent has both local advantages and universal appeal to ensure a successful vacation for everyone. Remember that while some visitors seek peace and quiet in nature, others prefer a lively environment where boredom is not an option.
↳ Make sure to check out my guide to ALL attractions in Zakopane, so you don't overlook anything interesting: 66 Best Attractions in Zakopane 2023 – What to Do – Interesting Places
Wooden Summer Houses are Popular Choice in Zakopane
Wooden summer homes up to 35 square meters are ideal for rental investment in Poland. Most manufacturers design these homes to have a spacious main room with a kitchenette to make the space comfortable for guests. A spacious deck also adds to the cottage’s comfort.
Some log cabins feature solid construction, allowing for an interior divided into as many as four rooms. This can include a bathroom, living room with kitchen and two bedrooms. Large windows and glass doors ensure that natural light fills the room, making it cozy even on rainy days.
A popular option on the market are prefabricated wooden cottages built using modular construction technology. As the name implies, these cottages consist of modules that create a functional interior. This includes a spacious living room, kitchenette, toilet, and a loft for a bedroom or guest room. The addition of a small terrace enhances the overall appeal and comfort of the cottage. It is also possible to have a utility room located next to the vacation home.
In essence, these wooden cabins in Zakopane can be considered as lighter versions of residential houses. Equipped with everything necessary for comfortable living, their design can be adapted to individual needs by experienced companies.
All-Season Wooden Cabins
Year-round wooden houses are not only safe, comfortable and convenient. They also provide the necessary thermal insulation and structural sealing to retain heat and maintain a cozy interior. This makes them suitable for use in all seasons and offers an alternative to houses built with other technologies and materials. All it takes is an investment in a heating system, such as a freestanding stove, fireplace or electric heater. The first two options add aesthetic value and enhance the ambience of the cottage.
A significant advantage of wooden cottages is their construction material. Properly dried and treated wood proves to be durable and functional, with the added benefit of regulating humidity for a favorable microclimate. This is why all-season wooden houses are known for being healthy and user-friendly.
The Costs of Purchasing a New Chalet
There are several types of vacation homes to choose from on the market. You can buy a traditional home in the countryside or near your favorite resort. Alternatively, consider homes on the outskirts of towns and villages where picturesque surroundings make for a relaxing getaway. Another option is to purchase a small plot of land near a lake or forest and build an eco-friendly, economical wooden summer home.
- Here you can check pictures of construction company that builds wooden houses in Zakopane: http://domyzbalizakopane.pl/galeria/
While the cost of purchasing and adapting a home or habitat is straightforward, estimating the cost of building your own wooden summer home can be challenging. Construction time, hiring a contractor, project pricing, and the type of materials used are just a few of the factors that affect the cost.
Simple, solidly built houses for vacation use can start at 55,000 zlotys for a 20m2 space. More elaborate versions with several rooms, an attic, terrace and balcony can cost just over 120,000 zlotys. Additional costs include electricity and water connections, as well as interior finishes such as panelling or painting.
Boosting the Value of Your Summer Cabin
Increasing the value of your summer home is easier than you might think. From what I read, I see that both the demand and the prices for properties with cabins are high. You can increase the value of your property by adding features such as a fence, even a traditional wooden one. Additional amenities such as a gazebo, a walled grill, a manicured garden or a small greenhouse can also increase the value of your property.
Remember, you don’t have to sell your property to make a profit. You can rent it out to city dwellers looking for a rural retreat. With effective marketing, it’s relatively easy to generate interest and find renters year-round. However, this option does extend the time it takes to recoup your investment.
Renting Out Your Cabin
If you only spend a week or two in your summer home, consider renting it out when you’re not using it. Not only does this generate extra income, but it also ensures that the money you’ve spent on the property isn’t wasted. It’s worth noting that over time you may need to make additional small investments for minor repairs or improvements. However, as a property owner, you can still expect to earn more from renting than from selling. In addition, the value of your property may remain stable or even increase after years of use.
- Here you can check sample prices of renting such cabin per night:
https://www.dwadomyzbali.pl/index-en.html#cennik
Offers of Used Cabins for Sale in Zakopane
The average price per square meter of a cottage in this region is quite varied, ranging from about 5,000 to 15,000 zlotys. The wide range of prices caters for different budgets and preferences, making it an attractive market for potential investors. When looking for real estate in Zakopane, you’ll find a variety of locations that offer picturesque surroundings and proximity to popular attractions. Some popular neighborhoods include Krzeptówki, Kuznice, and Koscielisko, all of which offer scenic views and easy access to the Tatra Mountains.
Investors should consider factors such as accessibility to public transportation, nearby amenities, and the potential to rent throughout the year when evaluating properties. In addition, the type of construction, age of the building, and overall condition of the cabin or chalet should be considered, as these factors directly impact the value of the property and potential rental income.
Cabins For Sales – Online Listings
Here are the websites to check for cabins for sale: https://zakopane.nieruchomosci-online.pl/domy,drewniane/
It features numerous wooden houses of various sizes and designs. One example is a 130m² cabin listed for 1,600,000 zlotys, or about 12,307 zlotys per square meter. Another property, a 45m² wooden house, is priced at 450,000 zlotys, which equals 10,000 zlotys per square meter. These examples demonstrate the variation in the size and price of real estate available on the Zakopane market.
Here is another one: https://kazo.pl/domy-drewniane/zakopane
There you can find a 200m² wooden house in the Koscielisko district, priced at 2,000,000 zlotys or 10,000 zlotys per square meter. This property highlights the attractiveness of the area, with its mountain views and easy access to the Tatra National Park.
Some of the properties offer additional amenities such as balconies, terraces and gardens. This makes them even more attractive to potential tenants. Investors can expect a wide range of options, from smaller, more affordable cabins to larger, more luxurious chalets with higher price tags.
Before buying such real estate, you may probably want to spend few night in such place. Check the most interesting cottages in that region: Escape to the Mountains: Chalets in Zakopane with Hot Tubs
References
- https://kb.pl/porady/czy-warto-posiadac-wlasny-domek-letniskowy-_wp21/
- https://drewnolandia.pl/blog/94/czy-warto-posiadac-wlasny-domek-letniskowy
- https://www.dzialkanadmorzem.pl/warto-wiedziec/baza-wiedzy/domek-rekreacyjny-czy-oprocz-wypoczynku-zagwarantuje-nam-takze-zysk-330
- https://zakopane.nieruchomosci-online.pl/domy,drewniane/
- https://kazo.pl/domy-drewniane/zakopane
