A studio or a 1-bedroom apartment is a common choice for an investor buying for rental. Both formats work well near the beach but differently: a studio gives a higher yield per square metre and a lower entry, a 1-bedroom gives steadier occupancy and a slightly higher rate. Here’s what’s smarter in 2026.
Contents
1. Studio: rental pros
- Lower entry point — studios in Layan Verde from $224,776.
- Higher yield per m² — no “extra” metres, better return on capital.
- High occupancy — couples and solo travellers actively book beach studios.
- Easier to resell — a low ticket means broad investor demand.
2. 1-bedroom: pros
- Steadier occupancy — suits families and long-stay tenants.
- A slightly higher nightly rate and average length of stay.
- A wider buyer pool on resale — both investors and own-use buyers.
- Comfort — a separate bedroom is valued for longer stays.
3. Comparison
| Parameter | Studio | 1-bedroom |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | Lower | Higher |
| Yield per m² | Higher | Medium |
| Absolute income per unit | Medium | Higher |
| Occupancy | High (short-stay) | Steady (families, long-stay) |
| Audience | Couples, solo | Couples, families |
| Liquidity | High | High |
4. Yield per m² and occupancy
A studio has a higher yield per square metre and on invested capital: you don’t pay for extra metres, and the nightly rate is spread over a smaller area. A 1-bedroom gives higher absolute income per unit and steadier off-peak occupancy thanks to family demand. Both benchmark at an owner net yield of ~8–10% via the rental pool.
🔗 How to calculate: Rental management program → · Calculator
5. Rental audience
- Studio: couples, solo travellers, short trips, remote workers for 1–2 weeks.
- 1-bedroom: couples with extra space, small families, long-stay, winter residents.
If you bet on a flow of short bookings near the beach — a studio. If on steady income and longer stays — a 1-bedroom.
6. Pitfalls
- Buying a large area “for status.” For rental, yield per m² matters more than size.
- Ignoring the furniture package. It’s effectively mandatory for renting (example: +$10,875).
- Pricing at the peak rate. Budget for average annual occupancy.
- Overlooking view and floor. They affect both the rate and resale.
7. Case: by strategy
Consider two investors. The first bets on maximum return on capital and a flow of short bookings — a beach studio with a low entry. The second wants steady income and longer stays plus occasional personal use — a 1-bedroom, accepting a slightly higher ticket and lower return per m².
Takeaway: a studio is about return on capital and liquidity; a 1-bedroom about steady flow and comfort. Both work — it’s a question of rental strategy.
I’ll select a studio or 1-bedroom for your strategy, with a per-unit yield calculation.
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Informational only; yield depends on the unit, occupancy and rental terms.