Rental yield is the lifeblood of cash-flow-focused property investors. While capital appreciation grabs headlines, rental returns often make or break the profitability of a real estate investment — especially in uncertain markets. Whether you’re considering short-term Airbnb-style rentals or long-term leasing strategies, choosing the right location is everything.
In 2024, rising tourism, digital nomad visas, and migration flows are transforming property hotspots. This article highlights cities and regions around the world where investors can achieve high rental yields, along with factors driving rental demand in each destination.
Bali continues to be one of the top global short-term rental markets. With millions of digital nomads and holidaymakers each year, areas like Canggu, Uluwatu, and Seminyak offer luxury villas and apartments with extremely high returns. Investors often lease land for 25–30 years and build or buy turnkey villas.
Why it works:
Year-round tourism
High Airbnb occupancy rates
Digital nomad visa support
Low property taxes and management fees
Dubai’s property market has evolved into a rental powerhouse. With zero income tax, high demand from expats, and a growing tourist population, rental yields are strong, especially in mid-tier zones like Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Dubai Sports City, and Business Bay.
Investor advantages:
No property or income taxes
High rental demand from young professionals
10-year investor visas for real estate buyers
Strong appreciation upside
Thanks to its spring-like weather, affordability, and rise in expat migration, Medellín is becoming a Latin American hotspot for rental income. Popular neighborhoods like El Poblado and Laureles cater to digital nomads and students, generating reliable short- and long-term yields.
Standout factors:
Low property entry costs (from $80K)
High ROI from vacation and executive rentals
Visa pathways for investors
Increasing tourism and relocation interest
Georgia offers a tax-friendly environment, booming tourism, and high rental returns with very low investment thresholds. Tbilisi in particular has seen surging demand from Russians, Ukrainians, and international investors in recent years.
Why it’s attractive:
Fast-growing property market
Tax residency with property investment
No capital gains tax for individuals
Visa-free or on-arrival for many nationalities
Cairo is one of the most undervalued capitals in terms of real estate. With a massive local population and expanding demand for furnished apartments and short-term rentals, especially from regional expats, rental yields remain strong.
Perks for investors:
Low property prices
Strong rental demand from professionals and students
Increasing international interest in the Egyptian market
Stable long-term leasing market
Istanbul remains a favorite among Middle Eastern and European investors. Despite inflation, the city’s dynamic economy and rental demand offer strong returns, especially in areas like Beylikdüzü, Başakşehir, and Kâğıthane.
Key benefits:
Citizenship pathway from $400,000 investment
Huge population and housing shortage
Strong domestic rental demand
High returns in both short- and long-term models
The Philippines has seen a revival in tourism and strong domestic rental demand. In central districts like Makati, Taguig (BGC), and Ortigas, rental yields are attractive due to low property prices and a growing business scene.
Why invest here:
English-speaking population
Low price per square meter
Growing BPO and remote work sector
Demand for expat housing and serviced apartments
Despite its EU location, Athens still offers affordable entry points and strong Airbnb-driven yields. The Greek Golden Visa has brought in foreign buyers, but tourism growth is sustaining excellent short-term rental returns.
What makes it work:
Golden Visa from €250,000
High short-term rental demand
Year-round tourism potential
No wealth or inheritance tax
Vietnam’s economy continues to grow rapidly, and urban centers like Ho Chi Minh City are rental hotspots for both local professionals and expats. Condominiums in central zones offer low entry points and steady returns.
Strengths:
Strong local demand for rentals
Rising expat population
Affordable maintenance costs
Future upside with planned regulatory reform
Cape Town’s property market offers high yields, especially in areas close to the coast and city center. With international tourism returning and remote work becoming normalized, many investors are achieving high returns with villas and short-stay rentals.
Why Cape Town stands out:
Beautiful lifestyle destination
High Airbnb demand from tourists and digital nomads
Reasonable real estate prices
Growing expat community
Before jumping into a high-yield property, here are key strategies to keep in mind:
Short-term rentals (Airbnb) often deliver higher yields but require active management.
Long-term rentals offer stability with less volatility.
A reliable local property manager can significantly boost your returns by optimizing pricing, reducing vacancy, and handling maintenance.
Be aware of:
Short-term rental regulations
Foreign ownership limits
Taxation on rental income
Spreading investments across multiple regions can balance risk while capitalizing on seasonal and regional demand variations.
In 2024, real estate investors have a unique opportunity to earn consistent cash flow by targeting markets with rising rental demand and affordable entry points. From Bali’s luxury villas to Dubai’s tax-free lifestyle, and Medellín’s vibrant culture, the global rental landscape is full of promise.
Choosing the right city isn’t just about the yield number — it’s about sustainability, regulatory ease, and long-term trends. With the right strategy, rental yield can become your most reliable stream of passive income in a globally diverse portfolio.
