As of Tuesday, 14 January, Malaga has implemented a ban on registering new tourist rentals in 43 neighbourhoods. The city council’s decision, published in the Boletín Oficial de la Provincia (BOP), aims to control the expansion of holiday rentals and prioritise housing for local residents.
If you own or plan to buy property in Malaga, it is vital to understand these changes and their implications.
Which neighbourhoods are affected?
The ban targets areas where tourist rentals exceed 8% of available housing. Key districts include the historic centre, La Merced, Lagunillas, La Malagueta, and Pedregalejo. In total, 43 neighbourhoods are now closed to new registrations.
Additionally, 32 neighbourhoods with tourist rentals comprising 4.53% to 8% of housing still allow new registrations—but only until the 8% threshold is reached. Areas with less than 4.53% tourist rentals remain open for new registrations, though future changes are possible.
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Impact on existing landlords
Existing licenses for registered tourist rentals are unaffected by the ban. However, landlords should prepare for stricter inspections by the Junta de Andalucía and Malaga city council to enforce compliance.
Properties without proper permits or failing to meet current standards may face difficulties. New agreements prevent the re-registration of such properties, even if they are sold or transferred.
Considerations for potential buyers
For those seeking to invest in Malaga property for vacation rentals, checking neighbourhood classifications is essential. Moreover, in banned areas, tourist rental registration is no longer an option. Elsewhere, opportunities depend on the percentage of tourist rentals in the chosen area.
An additional rule, introduced last year, requires new licenses to be issued only for properties with independent access and facilities. This significantly impacts properties in shared buildings or complexes.
Why are these measures being introduced?
The Malaga city council’s goal is to rebalance the housing market by addressing the rapid growth of vacation rentals. A recent study highlighted how this trend has limited the availability of affordable housing for residents.
Currently, Malaga has over 13,000 registered tourist rental properties, offering nearly 68,000 beds. This is almost four times the capacity of the city’s hotels and hostels. The council hopes these regulations will improve housing availability and the quality of life in impacted neighbourhoods.
Future developments
The new measures are provisional and will be reassessed within three years. After one year, authorities will review the maximum number of tourist rentals allowed per neighbourhood. Additionally, the Junta de Andalucía plans to introduce a new decree with further regulations for holiday rentals.
For landlords and investors, staying informed about policy updates is crucial to avoid complications.
Also read: Overtourism in Andalucia: These places are saturated