New rules for tourist apartments in Spain
What has changed and why is it important?
Starting today, significant changes to the law regulating life in apartment buildings have come into force in Spain. Now, in order to open a tourist apartment in a multi-family building, owners will need to get approval from 60% of their neighbors. Here’s how this will impact the real estate market and why residents supported these new regulations!
What are the changes?
Previously, it was difficult to ban a tourist apartment in one’s building: it required changing the homeowners’ association rules, which took time and money. Now, neighbors can simply vote — and if 3 out of 5 owners (60%) oppose it, the project won’t happen. If someone opens a tourist apartment without consent, the community has the right to demand its closure.
Important: the new rules do not apply to already legally operating apartments.
Why is this relevant?
Spain is experiencing a housing crisis, and the rise of tourist apartments is exacerbating the situation. In the past year alone, their number has increased by 16.6% (to 396,883!). Half of these are concentrated in Andalusia, Valencia, and Catalonia. Many of them operate illegally — for example, in Madrid, there are between 13,000 and 15,000 “shadow” apartments.
What’s next for the market?
The government hopes the new measures will:
- Help residents protect their homes from uncontrolled tourism.
- Improve the availability of long-term rentals.
- Simplify the fight against illegal businesses.
By July 2024, a unified digital platform will be launched: all owners of tourist accommodations will need to obtain an ID number confirming compliance with regulations.
Our advice
If you plan to invest in tourist property, it is now important to:
- Discuss the idea with your neighbours in advance.
- Check the legality of the property (especially in the secondary market).
- Stay updated on news about the digital platform.
These changes are a step toward balancing the interests of tourism with the comfort of local residents. Stay tuned for updates so you don’t miss important news!