Buying Properties in Estonia for Rental Income: Yields, Vacancy & Tenant Management

Estonia’s Buy-to-Let Snapshot (2025)

• Average gross rental yield: 4.23% nationwide; Tallinn flats trend slightly higher

• Average rent in Tallinn: €7.80 per m² for a central apartment

• Vacancy rate in Tallinn: ≈ 3.5% — healthier than many EU capitals

1. Setting the Right Rent

• Benchmark local ads to align your asking rent within ±10% of nearby listings to avoid long vacancies

• Factor in communal fees—tenants expect transparency. Itemize all monthly service charges in the lease

• Furnish the unit—yields are typically 0.3–0.5 percentage points higher for turnkey apartments in tech-heavy districts like Kalamaja or Ülemiste

2. Understanding Estonian Lease Law

Key Rule	Landlord Implication
No statutory minimum lease term	Flexibility to sign 6-, 12-, or 24-month contracts
Early termination leans pro-tenant	Build one extra month of buffer into cash-flow forecasts
Repairs & habitability	Landlord must fund essential maintenance or face penalty-free tenant exit

Pro Tip: Use the Law of Obligations Act template clauses to stay compliant—Bryan Estates supplies bilingual lease drafts with every buy-to-let transaction.

3. Maximising Net Yield

• Energy-efficient units (A/B-class EPC) cut utility bills by ~20%, supporting higher all-inclusive rents

• Short-stay license in Tallinn can boost yields to 6–7%, but zoning restrictions apply—especially in Old Town

• Professional property management costs 8–10% of rent collected and is often worth it for non-resident investors

4. How Bryan Estates Supports Landlords

• Off-market investor stock – Gain access to entire blocks with verified yields of 5%+

• Tenant screening & bilingual leases – Reduce vacancy risk and prevent legal disputes

• In-house maintenance team – Nationwide 24-hour service with fixed pricing for predictable costs

5. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hire Bryan Estates to manage my property while I’m abroad?

Absolutely. We handle rent collection, maintenance, and file local tax reports on your behalf.

What taxes apply to rental income?

A flat 20% income tax applies, with deductions allowed for documented expenses. Municipal taxes do not apply to rental receipts.

Do I need a local bank account?

No—but it speeds up rent transfers. We can remit proceeds to any SEPA-zone account.

Ready to Boost Your Rental Portfolio?

Email info@bryanestates.ee or call +372 123 4567 for a customised rental-yield projection and investor-ready property shortlist.