How should I compare historic rental income with a forecast?

Establish what the history shows

Request underlying records for the period being presented: platform statements, booking calendars, invoices, bank receipts and records of cancellations or refunds. Confirm the records relate to the same property and clarify whether amounts are gross bookings, net platform payouts or funds actually received. Historic occupancy may reflect owner use, seasonality, marketing, changing rules or exceptional circumstances.

Reconcile the forecast

Set out the forecast period and assumptions explicitly. Compare comparable seasons and distinguish booked income from anticipated demand. Identify changes in management, fees, property condition, availability, amenities and intended personal use. List expenses consistently, including cleaning, repairs, utilities, insurance, platform charges and management; clarify whether each historic figure includes them. Do not extrapolate a strong period without explaining why it is representative.

Create a table showing each item, historic source, forecast assumption and unresolved difference. Ask the owner or agent to support claims with documentation, but obtain independent verification. A qualified accountant can check reconciliations and tax records; a financial adviser can assess how sensitive your wider plan is to lower income. Ask a Greek lawyer about permissions and rules relevant to the intended letting. Treat forecasts as scenarios, not promises, and retain dated copies of source records.