Rental Yields in El Salvador
Gross yields worked out
| Example | Price | Rent a month | Gross yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median house, San Salvador (CAF yearbook) | $542,300 | $1,875 | About 4.1% |
| Median house, El Salvador (CAF yearbook) | $265,500 | $1,578 | About 7.1% |
| Shop of 62.5 m², Plaza Merliot, let | $320,000 | $1,800 plus VAT and maintenance | 6.75% |
| Office of 550 m², Torre Futura, World Trade Center | $2,100,000 ($3,818 per m²) | About $26 per m² for space in Torre Quattro next door | About 8% |
Source: La Prensa Gráfica: El Salvador has the highest housing prices in the region, CAF yearbook, March 2026; Encuentra24: commercial premises for sale in San Salvador, including a let shop in Plaza Merliot; Encuentra24: office for sale in Torre Futura, World Trade Center; Encuentra24: office for rent in Torre Quattro1,2,3,4
Gross yield is a year's rent divided by the price. The CAF medians for rents and prices come from different samples, and listing prices are asking prices, so these figures show an order of magnitude, not what a given property will earn.1
Figures checked November 2026. A guide only, not tax, legal or financial advice.
Sources for the calculator
From gross to net
- Maintenance fees: in office towers often $3.50 to $4.50 per m² a month on top of rent, usually paid by the tenant; check who pays in the lease.
- Vacancy and letting costs: periods without a tenant and agent fees.
- VAT: commercial rent carries 13% VAT, which the landlord charges and pays to the tax authority; residential rent is exempt.
- Income tax: El Salvador taxes income earned in the country. Domiciled individuals pay progressive rates up to 30%; non-domiciled individuals pay 30%.
- Municipal charges for services, and municipal taxes on the assets of a company that owns property.
Source: PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries: El Salvador, other taxes; Encuentra24: offices for rent in Antiguo Cuscatlán; PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries: El Salvador, taxes on personal income6,7,5
Leases
INVEST says residential leases usually run for 6 months to a year with a deposit of one month's rent, drafted by a notary. Office leases listed in Antiguo Cuscatlán ask for a one-year renewable term, a 2% annual increase and a one-month deposit. Urban leases are governed by the Civil Code and the Law on Urban and Suburban Leases; a lease in a public deed can be registered so that it binds a later buyer.8,7,9
Frequently Asked Questions
What are rental yields in El Salvador?
There is no official index. From the medians in the CAF housing yearbook, InvestSalvador.com works out a gross yield of about 4.1% in San Salvador and 7.1% nationally.
What yields do commercial properties show?
A let shop offered in Plaza Merliot showed 6.75%, and offices at the World Trade Center about 8%.
Why are net yields lower?
Maintenance, vacancies, 13% VAT on commercial rent and income tax reduce the return.
Sources
- La Prensa Gráfica: El Salvador has the highest housing prices in the region, CAF yearbook, March 2026 (in Spanish)
- Encuentra24: commercial premises for sale in San Salvador, including a let shop in Plaza Merliot (in Spanish)
- Encuentra24: office for sale in Torre Futura, World Trade Center (in Spanish)
- Encuentra24: office for rent in Torre Quattro (in Spanish)
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries: El Salvador, taxes on personal income
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries: El Salvador, other taxes
- Encuentra24: offices for rent in Antiguo Cuscatlán (in Spanish)
- INVEST: property purchase guide (PDF)
- Deloitte Legal: real estate law in El Salvador
Figures checked 9 November 2026. Prepared by InvestSalvador.com for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
