The Costa del Sol property market has always been a magnet for investors, expats, and holiday homeowners. But anyone involved in buying or selling a property with an Airbnb-style tourist rental licence (Vivienda de Uso Turístico, or VUT) knows how complicated the rules have been in recent years.

That complexity has now changed — in a very positive way.

A recent legal update in Andalucía means that tourist rental licences no longer need to be re-applied for when a property changes ownership. Instead, the licence is now considered to be attached to the property itself, not to the individual owner.

This is a significant shift with major implications for buyers, sellers, and investors throughout the Costa del Sol.

What Has Changed?

Traditionally, when a licensed tourist rental property was sold, the new owner was required to:

• Submit a new VUT application
• Wait for the new licence to be approved
• In some cases, seek fresh approval from the community of owners

This created delays, uncertainty, and sometimes even risked losing the ability to legally rent the property in the short-term market.

Under the new laws, this process is no longer required.

Now:

• ✔ The tourist rental licence transfers automatically to the new owner
• ✔ No new licence application is needed
• ✔ No new community approval is required solely because of the ownership change

The reasoning is simple: the licence is now officially recognised as a characteristic of the property, not the owner.

What Does the Buyer Need to Do?

This is an administrative formality — not a new application — and ensures the Tourism Registry has the correct contact and legal information for the property.

Why This Change Matters

1. Faster and Easier Sales

Properties with tourist licences have become even more attractive because the licence remains intact and valid during the sale. Buyers no longer face uncertainty or waiting periods.

2. Increased Property Value

Licensed tourist rental properties already commanded higher prices. Now, with licences fully transferable, that premium is likely to increase.

3. More Security for Investors

Investors can purchase with confidence that the ability to legally operate short-term rentals will not be interrupted.

4. Reduced Bureaucracy

The change eliminates a significant layer of paperwork, delays, and possible rejections.

Important Notes for Buyers

Although the licence transfers automatically, buyers should still ensure:

• The existing licence is valid and compliant
• The property meets current technical and safety standards
• The community of owners hasn’t implemented new rules restricting future tourist rentals
• They complete the ownership-change notification promptly

A property lawyer in Andalucía can assist with this process during the conveyancing.

What About Other Regions in Spain?

This reform applies to Andalucía — including the Costa del Sol areas such as:

• Marbella
• Málaga
• Estepona
• Benalmádena
• Mijas
• Fuengirola

Other regions of Spain, such as Valencia or the Canary Islands, have very different rules. In some areas, licences do not transfer and a brand-new application is still required.

If you’re buying outside Andalucía, always check the local regulations.

Final Thoughts

This new rule is one of the most investor-friendly changes Andalucía has made in years. By tying the licence to the property rather than the owner, the region has simplified the buying process, strengthened the value of licensed properties, and made the Costa del Sol even more attractive to both domestic and international buyers.

If you're considering buying or selling a property with a tourist rental licence, this change puts you in a much stronger position than ever before.