Lorraine Williamson
The city of Málaga has imposed a three-year freeze on the registration of new short-term tourist rentals. The move is part of a wider effort to ease the strain on the local housing market, where long-term rentals have become increasingly scarce and unaffordable for residents.
Mayor Francisco de la Torre confirmed that the measure will remain in place until the General Urban Development Plan (PGOU) is revised. This revision is expected to include stricter regulations on holiday accommodation and is currently under review by the city council.
The freeze, which could be formally approved this week, reflects growing concern about the impact of tourist apartments on the availability of housing. Other Spanish cities are also taking action. Nationally, the ruling Socialist Party (PSOE) is pushing for tougher laws to regulate the short-term rental market.
Rising tensions over housing availability
The decision follows mounting public pressure over Málaga’s housing crisis. A large demonstration demanding more affordable housing is scheduled for Saturday, 5 April, marking the third protest of its kind in less than a year.
Currently, in 43 neighbourhoods where tourist rentals exceed 8% of total housing, no new permits are being granted. The city has also banned holiday rentals in buildings without separate access points. These earlier measures were introduced in response to rising local dissatisfaction.
Many residents blame the surge in short-term rentals for driving up prices and reducing the availability of homes for long-term use. They argue the change is altering the character of their neighbourhoods and disrupting daily life.
1,400 social homes planned
Alongside the freeze, the city has announced plans to build 1,400 social housing units in collaboration with the regional government of Andalucia. Eleven development projects are already underway, with 414 homes scheduled in the first phase.
Weighing tourism against local needs
Málaga’s authorities face a delicate balancing act. Tourism remains a key part of the city’s economy, but the pressure on housing is growing. Mayor De la Torre acknowledged the importance of tourism but said it cannot override the basic needs of residents.
By pausing new holiday rental licences, the city aims to stabilise the housing market while preparing longer-term regulatory reforms. Whether this approach will ease tensions remains to be seen.
Also read: Another explosive surge in rental prices in Spain