If you’re considering purchasing a property in Spain for tourist rentals, recent legal changes are critical to understand.
As a trusted expert in Spanish real estate, I’m breaking down the latest regulations affecting the country, with a focus on hotspots like Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, and Costa Calida, ensuring you’re well-equipped to invest wisely.
Spain, a tourism giant hosting nearly 100 million visitors in 2024, is tightening tourist rental rules to (in theory) address the housing crisis. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s 2023 Housing Law has reduced long-term rentals, pushing owners toward alternative forms of rental for better protection.
New regional decrees, like Valencia’s August 2024 update and a national law effective April 3, 2025, aim to balance tourism with housing needs.
Spoiler alert: it will not work. Unless the Housing Law is eliminated or substantially revised, nothing will change.
You are welcome to check the video where I explain the situation on my YouTube channel.
• Clear Definitions: Tourist rentals vary by region. In Costa Blanca, rentals under 10 days require a license; in Costa Calida and Catalonia, under 30 days; and in Costa del Sol, up to two months.
• Stricter Licensing: A tourist license is mandatory, requiring an habitation certificate, municipal approval, liability insurance, and safety features. Licenses last five years but may face stricter renewals post-2029.
• Community Approval: From April 3, 2025, residential buildings need a 3/5 majority vote for new tourist licenses, making urban apartments riskier. Independent villas or resort properties are a safe bet. New developments may be safer too as most foreigners use them as second residences and rent them out when not using them.
• Higher Fines: Fines for non-compliance reach €600,000 in Valencia and Murcia, and €150,000 in Andalusia. Guest registration with police is mandatory (like for hotels).
• Costa Blanca: Strictest, with a two-year license suspension in areas like Alicante and no transferable licenses. If you buy a property with an existing license, you cannot transfer it in your name, you must request a new license. No tourist room rentals.
• Costa Calida: Similar to Costa Blanca, in addition requiring a property placard inside the apartment. Tourist room rental allowed if you are on site.
• Costa del Sol: Most flexible, allowing room rentals (if you are on site) and transferable licenses.
Compliance is essential but manageable with a trusted lawyer and a reliable rental agency. For maximum yield, combine tourist rentals during peak season with medium-term rentals off-season. This strategy ensures profitability and peace of mind.
If you decide to skip tourist rental, medium-term rental still ensures an excellent yield.
Ready to invest in Spain? Contact me to find the best properties and connect with top professionals. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more expert insights on buying property in Spain as a foreigner!
Ready to invest in Spain? Contact me to find the best properties and connect with top professionals. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more expert insights on buying property in Spain as a foreigner!
