Tourist licences in Andalucía are now tied to the property, not the owner. Buyers & sellers benefit from smoother transfers, more value, and legal security.
Great news for holiday rental owners and investors in Andalucía!
Tourist licences are no longer tied to the individual owner — they’re tied to the property itself. That means if you buy or sell a holiday rental, the licence automatically transfers with the home. ✅ More value, more security, and far less hassle.
Why This Matters
Until now, Andalucía’s tourism department maintained that tourist licences couldn’t be transferred in a sale. New owners had to start from scratch, reapplying and facing possible delays.
A recent ruling from Spain’s Ministry of Justice has officially changed that. Licences are now recognised as part of the property itself, provided the home still meets regional requirements.
For investors, this adds a layer of stability and makes licensed properties even more attractive. For sellers, it increases the value of their asset.
How the Change Happened
The decision originated in Torremolinos, where a property owner appealed after the land registry refused to recognise a licence because the listed owner didn’t match the tourism register. After several appeals, the Ministry of Justice stepped in, ruling that the licence remains valid as long as the property complies with regulations.
Industry voices, including Juan Cubo of Avva-Pro, have praised the decision for bringing much-needed clarity.
What New Owners Need to Know
- You must still notify the authorities when ownership changes.
- Homeowners’ association rules still apply (if your community prohibits rentals, that restriction remains).
- No need to reapply for a licence if the property is already registered and compliant.
A Growing Market
The timing couldn’t be better. Holiday rentals in Andalucía are booming:
- 150,000+ registered tourist properties across the region
- Offering around 790,000 beds
- Malaga province leads with 86,557 properties, especially in Marbella and Malaga city
With Costa del Sol at the forefront, this ruling gives the market a fresh boost and ensures smoother transactions for both buyers and sellers.
If you’re buying or selling a holiday rental in Andalucía, the licence now comes with the property. A win-win for owners, investors, and travellers alike.
Looking for help managing your holiday rental?
Our team at 4YourHome Property Management makes it easy to handle everything from bookings to maintenance — so you can relax while your investment works for you.
Mikael, owner and founder of
