New Law Change in Andalucía: Tourist Rental Licences Now Transfer Automatically to New Owners
A recent reform in Andalucía allows tourist rental licences (VUT) to transfer automatically when a property is sold. This simplifies buying and selling for owners and investors alike.
The Costa del Sol property market has long attracted investors, expats, and holiday homeowners. However, anyone buying or selling a property with a tourist rental licence (VUT) knows the rules were often complicated. Fortunately, a new law in Andalucía has simplified this process significantly.
Now, licences remain with the property rather than the owner. As a result, buyers and sellers can complete transactions faster and with less uncertainty. In addition, investors can confidently plan short-term rental operations without delays. Consequently, this change is a major improvement for the Costa del Sol property market. Importantly, it benefits both domestic and international buyers.
What Has Changed With Tourist Rental Licences in Andalucía?
Previously, selling a licensed tourist rental property required the new owner to:
- Submit a new VUT application
- Wait for approval
- Sometimes obtain community of owners’ consent
These steps often caused delays and uncertainty. In some cases, owners risked losing the ability to legally rent the property. However, under the new law, this process is no longer required.
Now:
- ✔ The tourist rental licence transfers automatically to the new owner
- ✔ No new licence application is necessary
- ✔ Community approval is not required solely due to the ownership change
Importantly, the licence is now officially considered part of the property, not tied to an individual owner. Therefore, buyers can proceed with more certainty.
What Buyers Must Do When a VUT Licence Transfers in Andalucía
However, this is only a simple administrative step. It is not a new application. In addition, it ensures that the Tourism Registry has accurate contact and legal details. Meanwhile, a property lawyer can help complete this step correctly during the conveyancing process.
Why the Andalucía Tourist Rental Licence Change Matters
1. Faster Sales of Properties With Tourist Rental Licences
Properties with tourist licences are now even more appealing. As a result, buyers no longer face waiting periods or uncertainty. Consequently, transactions can move faster and more smoothly.
2. Increased Property Value
Licensed tourist rental properties already commanded higher prices. Now, because licences transfer automatically, their market value is likely to increase further. In addition, buyers recognize the reduced risk when purchasing.
3. More Security for Investors
Investors can purchase with confidence. Therefore, short-term rental operations can continue without interruption. In addition, the risk of losing rental permissions is minimized.
4. Reduced Bureaucracy
Overall, the change removes unnecessary paperwork, delays, and possible rejections. Importantly, this simplifies the process for both buyers and sellers. Moreover, it allows transactions to proceed more efficiently.
Important Notes for Buyers of VUT Properties
Even though licences transfer automatically, buyers should still check the following:
- The existing licence is valid and compliant
- The property meets current technical and safety standards
- The community of owners has not restricted future tourist rentals
- Ownership-change notification is submitted promptly
In addition, a property lawyer in Andalucía can help with these checks to ensure the process goes smoothly.
Tourist Rental Licence Rules in Other Regions of Spain
This reform applies throughout Andalucía. It covers Costa del Sol areas such as Marbella, Málaga, Estepona, Benalmádena, Mijas, and Fuengirola. By contrast, other regions like Valencia or the Canary Islands have different rules. In some locations, licences do not transfer, and a new application is still required. Therefore, if you are buying outside Andalucía, always check local regulations before proceeding.
Final Thoughts on Tourist Rental Licences in Andalucía
This new law is one of the most investor-friendly changes in recent years. By tying licences to the property instead of the owner, Andalucía has simplified the buying process and increased the value of licensed properties. In addition, it makes the Costa del Sol even more appealing to both domestic and international buyers. Consequently, anyone considering buying or selling a property with a tourist rental licence now has a stronger position than ever before.
Contact Us for More Information
If you have questions about buying or selling a property with a tourist rental licence in Andalucía, we are here to help. Importantly, you can contact us directly through the home page to get in touch. Our team can provide guidance, answer your questions, and ensure you understand the latest regulations. In addition, we will help you navigate the process smoothly and confidently.
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