Short-Term Rental Depreciation Estimator
Depreciation lets many rental owners deduct part of the building's cost each year. Enter the purchase price, land share and the useful life used in your country (for example 27.5 years for US residential rentals, or 50 years / 2% in Germany for many buildings) to get a rough estimate.
How the calculation works
Land is not depreciable. Building depreciation = price × (1 − land share) ÷ useful life (straight-line), prorated in the first year. Furnishing depreciation = cost ÷ its useful life. Tax saving ≈ depreciation × marginal rate.
Worked example
€300,000 with 20% land = €240,000 building. Over 27.5 years: €8,727/yr (€4,364 for 6 months in year one). €15,000 furnishings over 5 years: €3,000/yr. Total €11,727/yr; at a 30% rate that's about €3,518 less tax per year.
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FAQ
Which useful life should I use?
It depends on your country and property type. US residential rental property is commonly 27.5 years; many German residential buildings use 2% per year (50 years). Ask a tax adviser.
Can short-term rentals be treated differently?
In some tax systems very short average stays can change classification and rules. This estimator does not handle that; confirm with a professional.
Is this tax advice?
No. It is a planning estimate only.