Rental & investment
Renting out your property in Spain
Enjoy it yourself and rent it out part of the year? Discover what is allowed per region, which permits you need and how to invest wisely.
Renting out: what is possible?
Many buyers want to use their property themselves but also rent it out (part of the year). That can be attractive, but the options differ significantly per region.
What is possible depends on the region where you buy and on the rules within the owners’ association (comunidad de propietarios). It is best to discuss this before you buy.
Costa Blanca · Alicante province
Valencia region
In the Valencia region a distinction is made between tourist rental and seasonal rental, with a threshold of 10 days.
Tourist rental (up to 10 days)
- Rental of up to 10 days is considered tourist rental.
- A tourist rental licence is mandatory for this.
- Since 2025, apartments and homes within an owners’ association need prior approval from at least 3/5 (60%) of the owners and 3/5 of the ownership shares. Without this approval, no new tourist rental can be started.
- A rental licence is personal and tied to the owner. On sale it cannot automatically be transferred; in many cases the new owner must submit a new application.
Seasonal rental (from 11 days)
- Rental from 11 days falls under seasonal rental in the Valencia region.
- No tourist rental licence is required for this, although the general legal rules for renting do apply.
Costa Cálida · Murcia region
Murcia region
Different rules apply to properties in the Murcia region. The same fixed 10-day threshold as in the Valencia region is not used here. Depending on the nature of the rental, a tourist licence may be required even for longer stays. Owners’ associations here can also, with the required majority, decide to allow or restrict tourist rental.
My advice
Planning to rent out your property (partly)? Discuss it before buying. I am happy to check whether tourist rental is possible at the location in question and, if you wish, connect you with reliable specialists for permits, regulations and management.
Investing
New build with tourist rental potential
More and more new-build projects are developed with a tourist exploitation model. These homes are specifically intended for personal use and tourist rental, and often already meet the conditions to operate as holiday accommodation.
For some investors this can be attractive: you benefit from professional management, can use the home part of the year and rent it out when you are away.
Key points to consider
The purchase price is often subject to 21% VAT (IVA) instead of the usual 10% for regular new build. Depending on your situation this VAT can sometimes be (partly) reclaimed, but conditions apply.
Additional administrative and tax obligations apply.
You are often affiliated with a professional rental organisation, with agreements on management and rental.
Not every project offers the same flexibility for personal use, so always check the conditions.
My advice
Not every investor benefits from a tourist exploitation model. Sometimes a regular property with seasonal rental is a better and simpler choice. For the right investor an exploitation model can deliver an attractive return, but it requires good preparation and expert tax advice. I am happy to explain the differences so you can make an informed decision.
Frequently asked questions
Renting in Spain: frequently asked questions
Can I just rent out my property in Spain?
Not always. Whether renting is allowed depends on the region, the type of rental and the rules of the owners’ association. On the Costa Blanca (Valencia region), tourist rental (up to 10 days) requires a licence and, since 2025, approval from at least 60% of the owners within the association.
What is the difference between tourist and seasonal rental?
In the Valencia region, rental of up to 10 days counts as tourist rental, which requires a licence. Rental from 11 days is seasonal rental; no tourist licence is needed for that, though the general rules still apply.
Can I take over the rental licence when I buy a property?
Usually not automatically. In the Valencia region the tourist rental licence is personal and tied to the owner. On sale, the new owner must in many cases submit a new application. Always check this before buying.
Why do I pay 21% VAT on new build with tourist exploitation?
New-build projects with a tourist exploitation model are often subject to 21% VAT (IVA) instead of the usual 10% for regular new build. Depending on your situation this VAT can sometimes be (partly) reclaimed, but conditions apply. Seek tax advice on this.
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