Overview
Starting on the 1st of July 2025, a new EU regulation will impact all short-term rental properties in Spain, including highly popular tourist destinations like the Costa del Sol. Whether you’re renting out a luxury property in Nueva Andalucía, a beachfront in Estepona, or a holiday home in Sotogrande, this rule applies to all listings promoted on platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com. From this date forward, every short-term rental must be registered and display a valid registration number in order to be listed online.
Purpose of the regulation
This regulation has been introduced to:
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Improve transparency in the short-term rental market.
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Prevent fraud and eliminate illegal listings.
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Ensure properties meet both local and EU-wide standards.
It’s particularly relevant for regions like the Costa del Sol, where short-term holiday rentals are a key part of the local economy.
What this means for property owners
If you own a property in Spain, especially in high-demand areas such as Marbella, Mijas, Benalmádena, or Fuengirola, and plan to rent it out to tourists or digital nomads through online platforms, you are required to:
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Register your property with the relevant local authority.
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Obtain a valid registration number.
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Complete this process before the 1st of July 2025.
Without this registration number, platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com will not allow your Costa del Sol rental property to remain online.
Next steps for hosts
To stay compliant and avoid disruptions to your rental income, property owners should:
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Start the registration process as soon as possible.
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Make sure the registration number is clearly displayed in all online listings by the 1st of July 2025 deadline.
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Check with your local town hall for any additional regulations, especially in popular areas like Torremolinos, Nerja, or Sotogrande.
Conclusion
This regulation represents a major shift in the short-term rental landscape in Spain, and especially in regions like the Costa del Sol, where tourism and holiday rentals are a significant source of income. The goal is to create a safer, more transparent market for both hosts and guests. Property owners should take prompt action to register and ensure their listings meet all requirements before the deadline.
