Is a vacation rental in Itacaré a good investment?

Wild beaches, Atlantic rainforest, waves for every level and a charming village: Itacaré, in southern Bahia, has won over Brazilian and international travelers. As a result, more and more people are asking whether investing in a vacation rental in Itacaré is worth it.

The short answer: it can be very worthwhile, as long as the property is well chosen and well managed. In this guide, we share what we see every day managing homes in the area.

Itacaré is on the rise

The signs of interest in the destination are clear. Travel search engine Kayak included Itacaré in its guide to "off the radar" Brazilian destinations to visit in 2026. Airbnb also named the town one of the top trends of the 2026 mid year season, a period when demand is usually weaker along much of the coast.

This fits a broader trend: according to an FGV study commissioned by Airbnb and published in 2025, short term rentals generated almost R$ 100 billion for the Brazilian economy in a single year, with strong growth in the number of listings.

Understanding seasonality

Itacaré welcomes visitors all year round, but demand is not the same every month. High season runs from December to Carnival, plus long holiday weekends such as Easter. During this period, nightly rates rise sharply and larger homes are booked well in advance.

March to June is rainier and quieter, while mid year draws surfers and families during the July school holidays. From August to November, the weather is usually drier and the town calmer. A good pricing strategy follows this rhythm, with higher rates on peak dates and smart adjustments in quieter periods.

What makes a home perform well in Itacaré

Location

Homes close to the beaches or to Rua Pituba, or in gated communities with easy access to the sea, such as the Prainha and São José areas, have a clear advantage. Guests want to reach the beach without long drives on dirt roads.

Room for groups

Itacaré receives many families and groups of friends. Homes with several en suite bedrooms, large living areas and a well equipped kitchen are in high demand, especially over the holidays.

Features that make a difference

A pool, air conditioning in the bedrooms, reliable internet (many homes use Starlink), a generator or backup for power cuts and parking all weigh on guests' choices and reviews.

Listing presentation

Professional photos, a complete description and a price in line with the market rank better in platform searches and convert more bookings.

Costs to factor in

Before investing, it is essential to plan for every expense. The main ones are:

• platform fees (on Airbnb, the single host fee in Brazil is 16%);

• cleaning, laundry and replacing linens;

• pool and garden maintenance and frequent repairs due to salty air and humidity;

• electricity, water, internet and condominium fees;

• IPTU (property tax), insurance and taxes on rental income;

• management, if you do not live in the area.

Humidity and the tropical climate speed up wear on furniture, appliances and paint. Setting aside part of the revenue for maintenance is essential to keep reviews high.

What to check before buying

• Paperwork: check the legal status of the property and the land with a trusted lawyer.

• Community rules: make sure the bylaws allow short term rentals.

• Access: try the road to the house during the rainy season.

• Taxes: understand how rental income will be declared and the impact of the tax reform if you own several properties.

Remote management: the deciding factor

Many Itacaré owners live in other cities or abroad. In that case, management makes all the difference to the results: replying quickly to guests, organizing check in and cleaning, handling the unexpected and adjusting prices to demand.

Maison Luar manages high end homes in Itacaré and on the Maraú Peninsula, from the listing to maintenance, with monthly reports for owners. If you own or plan to buy a property in the area, discover its potential with our team.

Address

Itacaré - BA

Contacts

+55 73 999 537865
conciergerie.luar@gmail.com