In Spain’s latest bid to crackdown on illegal tourist flats, the southern region of Andalusia is set to introduce tough new laws and fines.
These “unregulated” apartments are set to face fines of up to 600,000 euros (£496,700) through a new Sustainable Tourism Law, which received preliminary approval on Tuesday (February 18).
Inspection measures will also be improved, utilising the latest technology and data.
For serious infractions, fines will range from 2,000 euros (£1,656) to 100,000 euros (£82,780), while the most severe could be up to £496,700, according to The Olive Press.
The law will also allow local councils to allow or deny homeowners to use their properties as holiday flats or villas.
Villas and flats, which have not been subject to the 2012 Tourism Law until now, will also be classed under the same umbrella as other tourist accommodations, like hotels.
“They have the same rights and responsibilities,” Junta spokesperson Arturo Bernal said.
In a groundbreaking piece of legislation, the law is also designed to manage the flow of visitors in popular areas and ensure locals and tourists can peacefully coexist. The minimum number of inhabitants to establish a touristic municipality (100,000) has also been abolished.
Andalusia welcomes approximately 12 million tourists each year.
Under the new law, the registering of guests and declaring property used as holiday accommodation will be enforced. Designated tourist areas will also be established – separate from residential zones – though these may overlap.
“The law hopes to honour our present and transform our future. Andalucia will be an example of how to respect local identity, protect our legacy and generate sustainable opportunities within tourism. It will also establish Andalucia as a key part of the Spanish economy and employment,” the Junta stated.
Found in the south of the Iberian Peninsula, Andalusia is home to many of the country’s most popular tourist destinations including Malaga, Seville, Granada and Cadiz.
Last year, Andalusia welcomed some 13 million international tourists, a significant increase from previous years – 12% from 2023 – and surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The most tourists arrived from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and the US.
However, like many other regions in Spain like Barcelona and the Canary and Balearic islands, there is a significant housing issue, where property owners rent out homes as short-term holiday rentals without the necessary licences. This has resulted in housing shortages for local residents.
Last August, Seville City Council planned to cut off the water supply to around 5,000 illegal apartments in hopes of stopping the spread of these illegal practices. The region’s capital is home to the highest number of tourist rentals in all of Europe with 117,000 homes and 620,000 rooms.
