Your Personal Guide to Exclusive Living

The Old Rules No Longer ApplyFor years, Spain’s real estate market was a haven for foreign investors. Sun, sea, and the ability to rent your apartment on platforms like Airbnb—it was a near-effortless path to passive income.But in 2025, that model has been turned on its head.New regulations, mounting local resistance, and a shifting political climate have redefined what it means to invest in Spanish property. If you're still chasing tourist licenses like they're golden tickets, you're already a step behind.

The Myth of the “Golden Ticket” Tourist License

In major cities like Barcelona and Madrid, tourist licenses have become rare and expensive, often adding €100,000 or more to a property’s price.

But here on the Costa del Sol, the situation is different. The license alone won’t guarantee rental income. You also need the community’s consent —and that’s a variable too many investors overlook.

At Sandtons Property, we’ve seen clients lose thousands by failing to understand this new layer of regulation.

What You Really Need to Know Before Buying

Investors can no longer afford to treat tourist rentals as simple business ventures. Here’s what you must evaluate in 2025:
– Is the tourist license valid and transferable?
– Is the homeowners’ association likely to approve new rentals?
– Is the property compliant with the July 2025 national registry requirement?
– Are there upcoming community meetings or pending restrictions?

If you can’t answer all four questions with confidence, you may be investing in a liability—not an asset.

My Advice for Foreign Investors

With over 30 years in this market, I’ve helped hundreds of buyers succeed. But now more than ever, the winners are those who invest smart, not fast.
Here’s what I recommend:
1. Verify license transferability – Work with a local lawyer before signing anything.
2. Research the community – If the building opposes tourist rentals, walk away.
3. Explore long-term rental options – They face fewer restrictions and offer stability.
4. Budget for legal compliance – Future regulations may require upgrades or alterations.
5. Stay informed* – Municipal rules can change overnight. Know what’s coming.

The Bigger Picture: Spain’s Housing Crisis

Why the crackdown? It’s not just politics—it’s people. Spain is facing a housing shortage, especially in popular cities. Nearly 100 million tourists visited in 2024, and locals are being priced out.

Municipalities are pushing back. Barcelona will phase out tourist licenses by 2028. Other regions are raising taxes, banning licenses, or capping the number of properties per investor.

These are not temporary measures—they’re structural changes driven by public pressure.

Still Worth It—But Only With the Right Strategy

The Spanish property market hasn’t collapsed—it has evolved and going great guns. The days of easy passive income are over, but for informed investors who understand the landscape, the opportunities remain.

You can still profit here—if you work with the right experts, do your due diligence, and approach every purchase with a strategy tailored to the new legal framework.

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about investing in Spanish property in 2025, don’t rely on assumptions or outdated advice. At Sandtons Property, we help foreign investors succeed by aligning opportunity with reality.

Want tailored guidance? Contact us to speak with one of our legal and property specialists today.

Let’s make your Spanish property dream a smart, sustainable investment.