An overview of how tourist licence rules affect property choices on the Costa del Sol, and why buyers should think about rental flexibility before committing.
Costa del Sol Tourist licence considerations
Tourist licences have become a popular topic of conversation with both buyers and sellers alike, and we see many properties now being offered for sale with specific mention of the fact that they have a tourist licence.
One of the main reasons the conversation has become such a hot topic is that tourist licence rules on the Costa del Sol are changing, and for many buyers it is a subject that can be easy to overlook. It is worth noting that tourist licence rules apply to short term holiday rentals and not long term rentals.
Very often buyers start the process with the assertion that they are only looking for a home for their own use. Sometimes, perhaps due to spending a little more on a property than they originally planned, or realising that it may be a while before they are able to use it as much as they would like, renting out in the short term starts to feel like a viable and interesting prospect.
This shift in thinking is very common, and it is where problems can arise if the property or the community does not allow short term holiday lets.
Tourist licences are currently operated at different levels. Firstly, there is the regional law, which is continuing to evolve, and many expect that in time licences may become transferable when a property is sold. Then there are the rules set by each community of owners. Communities have the right, with a qualified majority, to restrict or block tourist rentals for the future. Even if a property has previously been rented out for holidays, it does not automatically mean that this can continue, and this is a point that should be checked when holiday rentals are important to the buyer.
For some buyers, of course, it is a positive when tourist rentals are not allowed in a community, as those communities tend to be quieter and feel more residential. For others, it could be a limitation, especially if circumstances were to change and they later wanted or needed to rent.
A property that suits you now may need to offer more flexibility in the future, whether for income, future planning, or simply keeping options open. This is something worth considering at the time of making your purchase decision. It is therefore very important to understand the exact position before you buy. This includes checking the community rules, confirming whether tourist rentals are currently permitted, and being aware that rules may change following a community vote.
It is not about steering buyers one way or another, but about avoiding assumptions that can affect future plans.
Tourist licences are not a complicated subject, but they are often misunderstood, and each community handles them differently. Thinking about this early on can save a lot of frustration later, especially for buyers who are unsure how they may use the property in the future.
Of course, if you are buying a property that is not part of a community, this particular level of administration and consideration does not apply. However, a tourist licence will still be required to rent the property out on a short term basis.
If you are buying or selling Costa del Sol property we would love to help you, call us on (0034) 952 90 52 00, WhatsApp us, or email info@michael-moon.com.
