On the Costa Blanca, particularly in the municipalities of Marina Alta and Marina Baixa, the letting of properties has become much more complicated. Towns such as Calpe, Dénia, Altea and Jávea have been subject to a two-year moratorium on new holiday rental licences since August 2024. The licence ban applies until at least 2027 - only holiday rentals that are already registered may continue to operate. These licences are now a rare commodity - and are correspondingly sought-after.
Holiday rental - strictly regulated
Anyone who still has a valid licence must adhere to stricter requirements. From 2025, tourist rentals will be limited to a maximum of 10 consecutive days. Longer stays are no longer considered tourist rentals and must be concluded as fixed-term rental contracts in accordance with Spanish rental law (LAU).
Further regulations:
- Consent of the community of owners is mandatory
- Key boxes in public spaces or communal areas are prohibited
- Only the entire property may be let, not individual rooms
- The licence is valid for 5 years and must then be renewed
Some municipalities - including Altea and Calpe - also require additional safety precautions, such as fire protection plans or noise protection measures.
Seasonal and long-term rentals: permitted and in demand
As new holiday licences are hard to come by, many owners are opting for seasonal rentals (up to 11 months) or classic long-term rentals. Both models are legal, licence-free and currently in high demand.
Due to the decline in holiday flats, rental prices for long-term rentals are rising - in many places by more than 10 per cent. Well-equipped properties with a terrace, balcony or garden are particularly in demand - in other words, year-round properties with living comfort.
Penalties and controls: Illegal letting becomes expensive
Anyone who lets without a licence risks severe fines. Even minor offences - such as missing registration numbers or misleading online advertisements - can lead to fines of up to 600,000 euros.
Outlook: Letting remains attractive - but requires planning
Despite the new hurdles, letting remains a profitable option. In sought-after locations such as Jávea, Dénia and Calpe, the demand for living space continues unabated - both from holidaymakers and locals.
But without legal clarity, the risk is high. If you want to let your property long-term or use it as a source of income, you need to familiarise yourself with the new regulations at an early stage. Today, it's not just what and where you rent out that counts - but also how.
- Registration in the new regional holiday apartment register is mandatory
- The registration number must be stated in every advert
- Proof of insurance, hygiene and safety must be available at all times
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