The line between second home and investment is slowly but surely fading. Today’s high-net-worth buyers are seeking out homes that double as assets. And in the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao, that is exactly what they are purchasing.
Luxury vacation properties on the island deliver strong personal value and solid financial returns. For this reason, more buyers are opting to rent out their homes when they’re away. With the right setup, one property becomes both a retreat and a revenue stream.
Why now? Because global demand for upscale short-term rentals is climbing. Travelers want privacy. They want more space than a hotel offers. And they’re willing to pay for it.
Let’s take a closer look.
Tourism in Curaçao is exploding.
In the last year alone, stayover tourism rose by 18%. North American arrivals increased by 24%.
This represents a potentially lucrative trend, and it’s gaining traction. There are more flights and better infrastructure, which means more visitors across seasons.
These visitors need places to stay.
Luxury rentals, especially in desirable neighborhoods like Jan Thiel, are seeing high occupancy.
Here are the numbers:
• Gross rental yields: average 8–12% in the high-end segment
• Occupancy rates: 50–88%, depending on location
• Top performer: Jan Thiel leads with the highest average occupancy
Even mid-season, demand remains strong. And with tourism growth projected to continue through 2025 and beyond, the long-term outlook is highly favorable.
Why has Curaçao’s value increased?
Location
The island sits safely outside the hurricane belt, with direct flights from North America and Europe arriving daily.
Buyers looking for ROI should prioritize walkability to beaches, restaurants, and other attractions. These micro-locations fetch higher rates on Airbnb and reduce vacancy between stays. Proximity to nightlife is great for younger guests too, but privacy near the shoreline remains the gold standard.
Design
Travelers pay more for contemporary interiors, outdoor kitchens, poolside decks, and clean architectural lines. Properties with biophilic, bohemian and Scandinavian styles are valued 50% higher or more.
Flexible layouts matter too. A minimum of three bedrooms plus three baths with an open-plan living area is often ideal for families or groups.
Service Level
The guest experience makes or breaks rental success. Five-star reviews boost visibility, raise pricing power, and ensure occupancy rates stay high in shoulder months.
Partnering with a strong rental manager is critical. Guests expect effortless check-ins and fast responses. The properties that do best have consistent quality and quick maintenance resolution.
How to Balance Personal Use with Profit
• Pick your weeks early. Block off your personal stay in advance, as peak weeks go fast. Doing this upfront lets your property manager optimize the rest of the calendar.
• Keep it turnkey. Guests want a stocked kitchen, beach towels, clear instructions, and assistance when needed.
• Price smart. Let data drive your nightly rates. Use dynamic pricing tools that adjust based on seasonality and local events.
• Lean on local experts. Palmstone Real Estate offers advisory services for owners who want maximum return without headaches. We can also connect you with a reliable rental management team.
• Reinvest the returns. Once cash flow starts, many owners scale. Buying a second or third property in Curaçao can amplify returns and give you more flexibility with personal use.
Ready to Start?
Whether you’re looking for a quiet beachfront escape or a revenue-generating villa with full rental occupancy, Palmstone Real Estate is here to help. We know the Caribbean luxury real estate market inside out, and we’ll help you make the right move at the right time.
Let’s build a lifestyle that pays you back. Get in touch today.
