Is Your Second Home Sitting Empty? How to Turn It into a Profitable Rental
Owning a second home in Siena or the Tuscan countryside is a privilege—but if that property is sitting empty for most of the year, you may be missing out on a significant financial opportunity. Many local homeowners have inherited family properties or invested in homes for personal use, only to find they spend little time there. While the idea of “keeping it in the family” or preserving it for future generations is understandable, the truth is that an unused home quietly becomes a financial drain over time.
At Trabelsi Home Management, we work with homeowners across Siena and Tuscany to transform empty properties into well-managed, income-generating rentals—either for long-term tenants or for the ever-growing vacation rental market. This article is designed to help you understand why it’s worth taking the next step and how you can do so without adding stress to your life.
Why Leaving Your Property Empty Isn’t Free
It’s easy to think that if you’re not living in your second home, it’s just sitting there passively. But in reality, vacant properties still cost money. Property taxes in Italy (such as IMU) apply even when the house isn’t in use. Utility contracts, even when minimized, often come with base fees and hidden costs. There’s also the regular maintenance that a home inevitably needs—whether it’s tending to the garden, checking the roof after a storm, or fixing an outdated boiler.
On top of these direct costs, empty homes are more prone to problems like dampness, mold, and pest intrusion, especially in Tuscany’s varied climate. Without regular ventilation or upkeep, small issues can grow unnoticed until they become expensive repairs. And beyond financials, there’s something wasteful about letting a beautiful Tuscan property sit unused when it could be cared for, appreciated—and even profitable.
Turning Your Home into a Rental: The Smart Alternative
Instead of seeing your second home as a seasonal burden, what if you thought of it as a working asset? Tuscany—and Siena in particular—offers ideal conditions for both long-term and vacation rentals. The region remains one of the most desirable places to live in Italy, attracting not just tourists but also students, professionals, and remote workers who are drawn to the quality of life, cultural richness, and natural beauty.
By opening your doors to responsible renters or travelers, you allow the property to generate income that can cover all its expenses—and often provide a solid monthly profit. For many of our clients, the decision to rent wasn’t just about money, but about keeping the home alive and well cared-for year-round. Whether you choose a stable, long-term arrangement or a more flexible vacation model depends on your goals, lifestyle, and the type of property you own.
Long-Term Rental: Reliable Income with Less Fuss
For homeowners who prefer predictability and less turnover, renting your property on a long-term basis is an excellent choice. Siena is home to several institutions and companies that bring in students, professors, and professionals looking for year-long or multi-year housing. Even smaller villages in Tuscany see demand from families and retirees seeking a quieter life in well-connected areas.
The advantage here is stability. A long-term tenant typically signs a contract of 12 months or more, meaning you don’t need to worry about weekly guest changes or seasonal vacancy. With consistent rent coming in each month, you can plan financially while knowing your home is being occupied and cared for. Of course, tenant screening, contract management, and legal compliance are essential parts of the process—but this is exactly where a trusted property manager becomes invaluable. We handle everything from tenant selection to ongoing maintenance, so you don’t have to be involved in day-to-day issues.
Short-Term or Vacation Rental: Flexibility and Higher Seasonal Earnings
If your property is located in a highly touristic area—say, near Siena’s historic center, or in a scenic spot in Chianti or Val d’Orcia—a short-term or vacation rental might be the more lucrative path. Tuscany continues to be one of Italy’s top tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year, many of whom seek out authentic local homes over hotels. With proper positioning and presentation, your home could welcome guests from all over the world while earning significantly more per night than a long-term rental would per day.
Short-term rentals also allow you the flexibility to block time for personal use, so you or your family can still enjoy the property during holidays or special seasons. The downside, however, is the higher level of work required: coordinating check-ins and check-outs, handling guest questions, cleaning between stays, and responding to emergencies—all of which need to happen quickly and professionally to maintain high ratings and repeat bookings.
This is where full-service property management becomes not just helpful, but essential. Our team at Trabelsi Home Management handles everything on your behalf, from guest communication to cleaning and linen service, ensuring the experience is seamless for you and your guests alike.
Why Choose a Siena-Based Property Management Company?
If you’re considering turning your second home into a rental, choosing the right support system is critical. A local, Siena-based property management company understands the unique dynamics of the Tuscan real estate market, from the city’s rental regulations to the expectations of international guests. We know which neighborhoods attract long-term renters, what kinds of amenities travelers look for in vacation homes, and how to ensure your property remains legally compliant under local laws.
More importantly, we’re nearby. That means we can respond to problems quickly, meet guests personally, and keep an eye on your home as if it were our own. Many national or online companies offer property management services, but very few can offer the same level of attention, local expertise, and personal care that a Siena-based team can provide.
At Trabelsi Home Management, our goal isn’t just to rent out your home—it’s to protect your investment, maintain your peace of mind, and ensure your property brings you both pride and profit.
How Much Can You Actually Earn from Your Home in Siena or Tuscany?
One of the most common questions we receive from homeowners is, “But how much income can I really expect?” The answer depends on a few key factors: the size and condition of your property, its location, and whether you choose a long-term or short-term rental model. However, the potential is more significant than many expect—especially in Siena, where both demand and rental rates remain relatively stable year-round.
For example, a well-maintained two-bedroom apartment within the city walls of Siena can easily bring in between €900 and €1,400 per month as a long-term rental, depending on furnishings and amenities. In the case of short-term rentals, those same properties can earn double or even triple that amount during high tourism seasons, especially if managed professionally with high visibility on platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Italian tourism sites.
Homes located in the Tuscan countryside—particularly in areas like the Crete Senesi, Val d’Orcia, or the hills around Castellina in Chianti—may see strong seasonal income from travelers looking for unique rural experiences. While income fluctuates more with short-term rentals, the flexibility, combined with high per-night rates, can make it an attractive choice if you don’t need consistent, year-round earnings. The best part? You don’t need to guess—we can provide realistic income projections based on similar homes we already manage in the Siena and wider Tuscany area.
Is Your Property a Good Fit for the Rental Market?
You may be wondering whether your specific home is even suitable for renting—and that’s a fair question. The truth is, most second homes in Siena or the Tuscan countryside are already halfway there. What matters is whether the property can meet basic rental standards and appeal to a defined type of renter.
Start by asking yourself:
- Is the home structurally sound and safe?
- Does it have heating, reliable electricity, and running water?
- Is it furnished or easy to furnish for comfort and function?
From there, it becomes a matter of presentation, marketing, and small updates. A home doesn’t need to be luxurious to rent well. In fact, many travelers prefer authentic Tuscan homes with character, so long as they’re clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. Long-term tenants, too, often seek practical homes with a good layout, proximity to services, and functional amenities—especially if they plan to settle in the area for work, school, or retirement.
If you’re unsure whether your property would appeal to renters, that’s where we come in. At Trabelsi Home Management, we offer free consultations for homeowners. We evaluate your property with an expert eye and can recommend only the improvements that are truly worth making to increase rental appeal.
Final Thoughts: Your Home Could Be Doing More for You
If you’ve made it this far, chances are you already suspect your second home could be doing more for you—and you’re right. Whether you want to generate monthly income, offset ownership costs, or simply keep your property active and maintained, turning your empty house into a rental is a smart, modern solution. With Siena and Tuscany continuing to attract both visitors and residents alike, there’s never been a better time to act.
At Trabelsi Home Management, we’re not just here to manage keys and clean linens. We’re here to help you unlock the full potential of your Tuscan property—responsibly, profitably, and with as little stress as possible. We live here, we work here, and we care about the homes and the people who own them.
Ready to Get Started?
Let us help you discover what your home can earn. Contact Trabelsi Home Management on this page trabelsihomes.com/about-us/ today for a free property evaluation and a personalized rental income projection. It’s time your second home started working for you.
