21/04/2026
Can You Still Get a Holiday Rental Licence on the Costa del Sol in 2026?
If you’re thinking about buying a property on the Costa del Sol, there’s a good chance rental income is part of your plan. And naturally, one of the first questions that comes up is:
“Can I still get a holiday rental licence?”
The short answer is yes, but it’s no longer as simple as it once was. Over the past couple of years, regulations have tightened, and the process now requires a bit more attention to detail. The opportunity is still very much there, but understanding how things work today is key to avoiding problems later on.
What’s Changed?
In Andalucía, short-term rentals (often referred to as “VFT” licences) are still allowed, but the biggest change is the role of the community of owners.
Previously, many buyers focused purely on the property itself — location, price, rental potential — and assumed a licence would follow. Now, the community rules play a central role.
Some developments allow holiday rentals without issue. Others have introduced restrictions, and in some cases, communities have voted to prohibit new licences altogether. This means two identical apartments in the same area could have completely different rental possibilities depending on the building they’re in.
Why This Matters for Buyers
This shift has caught many people off guard.
It’s quite common to see buyers assume that if a property has been rented before, or even currently holds a licence, everything will continue as normal. In reality, that’s not always guaranteed. Regulations evolve, and communities can update their rules.
The key point is this:
You need to confirm what’s allowed today, not what was allowed in the past.
What You Should Check Before Buying
If rental income is important to you, there are three things you should always verify before committing to a purchase:
1. Community Statutes
These are the official rules of the development. You’re looking for clear wording that allows short-term or tourist rentals.
2. AGM (Annual General Meeting) Minutes
These give you insight into any recent discussions or votes. Even if rentals are currently allowed, it’s important to know if restrictions are being considered.
3. Written Confirmation
Ideally, you want something in writing from the community administrator confirming that holiday rentals are permitted. This removes uncertainty and protects you moving forward.
The Reality on the Costa del Sol
From what we are seeing on the ground, there are still plenty of good opportunities, but they’re more specific than before.
Areas like Calahonda continue to offer strong value and rental demand, particularly in well-established communities. In Cabopino, the combination of beach, marina, and lifestyle keeps demand high, but communities there are often more closely managed. Meanwhile, La Cala de Mijas is growing rapidly, and with that growth comes increasing regulation in certain developments.
What this means in practice is that it’s no longer enough to choose the right area; you need to choose the right development within that area.
A More Selective Market — But Still a Strong One
While the process has become more detailed, it hasn’t removed the opportunity. In fact, in some ways, it’s created a more stable market.
Buyers who take the time to understand the rules and secure the right property are still achieving excellent rental returns, particularly in locations with consistent year-round demand.
The difference now is that success comes from being informed and selective, rather than assuming everything will fall into place.
Final Thoughts
The Costa del Sol remains one of the most attractive places in Europe for lifestyle and investment. Holiday rentals are still very much part of that, but the landscape has changed.
If you’re considering buying with rental income in mind, the best approach is simple:
Do your checks early, get clear answers, and don’t rely on assumptions.
If you’re ever unsure about a property or a specific development, we are always happy to give you a straightforward, honest view based on what’s actually happening locally.
No pressure, just clear advice so you can make the right decision.
