ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
On the Costa Blanca, property rental has become much more complicated and rules & opportunities are constantly changing. 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 freeze 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
