If you’re planning to sell a property with a tourist licence in southern Spain, this year’s rule changes could affect your ability to sell—and your buyer’s ability to rent.
In a sweeping shift now impacting Granada, Málaga, and Barcelona, over 1,000 tourist licences have already been revoked in the city of Granada alone. And from 3rd April 2025, new legislation has come into effect that prohibits the transfer of tourist licences when a property changes ownership.
For owners in the Costa Tropical and inland regions like the Lecrín Valley and the Alpujarra, the implications are clear: You cannot assume that a tourist licence will remain valid after your sale. And if your buyer is expecting to use your property for holiday rentals, this could derail the deal.
A significant legal and marketing shift
Historically, tourist licences (viviendas turísticas) could be transferred from seller to buyer, subject to the correct procedure. This is no longer the case.
The new rules require that any buyer of a previously licensed property must reapply from scratch. This includes submitting updated documentation, and complying with the most recent urban planning regulations—requirements that may differ significantly from those in place when the original licence was granted.
What makes matters more complex is that some legal advisors remain unaware of these changes, which risks both buyer confusion and transaction delays.
“My agent said the licence stays with the property”
We’ve already spoken with several sellers whose agents have told them this. Unfortunately, it’s no longer true.
The revised legislation is region-wide, and sellers are strongly advised to verify any claims about licence transferability directly with experienced estate professionals or legal advisors who are working closely with local authorities.
Failing to do so could expose you to liability or failed sales.
What does this mean for sellers?
If your property currently holds a tourist licence, you’ll need to:
1. Make it clear in your marketing that the licence is not transferable
2. Be transparent with buyers who intend to let the property
3. Offer documentation showing that the property previously met tourist use criteria (if applicable)
4. Consider applying for a new licence in your name, before selling, to demonstrate eligibility, if allowed by your municipality
More importantly, you need an agent who understands these rules—and how to communicate them effectively to potential buyers.
Why buyers are nervous
For many international clients, especially from Northern Europe and the United States, the ability to rent a property for tourism is central to their investment. Removing that assurance—without explanation—can lead to hesitation or lost offers.
An agent without a strong grasp of this issue may focus on promoting your property’s rental income potential without disclosing the change in rules. In today’s climate, that’s not just misleading—it’s damaging.
A new layer of strategy
At Hola Properties, we’ve adapted our entire sales strategy around these changes.
– We work with legal teams who are up to date with the latest licensing framework
– We advise buyers clearly and early, preventing confusion or failed transactions
– We tailor our marketing to reflect honest, fact-based selling points—not vague assumptions
For properties that qualify under new regulations, we also assist owners in navigating the application process where it’s still possible.
Thinking of listing?
If you’re preparing to sell a home that previously operated as a holiday rental—or you’re not sure whether your licence is still valid—now is the time to get expert advice.
The regulations are complex. The rules are evolving. And choosing the wrong agent could lead to months of lost time and a failed sale.
Contact Hola Properties
✔ Website: www.holaproperties.com
✔ Telephone: 0034 858 215 333
✔ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@holaproperties?sub_confirmation=1
✔ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HolaPropertiesInmobiliaria
We’re here to help you sell confidently, with transparency and up-to-date knowledge. Because in today’s market, trust matters more than ever.
