Rentable tourist flats will be converted by the government

During his visit to Málaga on Sunday 14 September, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the government will remove 53,876 tourist flats from the national short-term rental register due to legal irregularities. 

The flats are being converted into permanent rentals for families and young people, in order to address the housing shortage in coastal and urban areas. The announcement was made at a regional Socialist Party (PSOE) event in Málaga, highlighting the government’s focus on housing affordability as a key social priority. The targeted properties had applied for registration under the newly implemented Registro Único de Alojamientos Temporales (Unique Registry of Temporary Accommodation), which became mandatory on 1 July 2025. Many sources claim that the applications for many flats were rejected because they did not meet local or legal requirements. The registration requests of these flats were then revoked and now they are considered illegal tourist apartments. These flats will be removed by platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com.

Sánchez emphasised that the government’s goal is to repurpose these units for permanent rental, helping young people and families who face increasing difficulty finding affordable housing. According to RTVEHe described this measure in the context of a larger strategy to preserve housing’s social function and manage the growth of the short-term rental market, which can increase rents and decrease availability for local residents. Regional data published indicates that  Andalucia accounts for approximately 16,740 Canary Islands, then, is the second most-revoked region (8,698). The total number of revoked rental units is:

• Andalucía: ~16,740
• Canary Islands 8,698
• Catalonia: 7,729
• Valencian Community: 7,499

Most Affected cities:

• Sevilla: 2,289
• Marbella: 1,802
• Barcelona: 1,564
• Málaga: 1,471
• Madrid: 1,257
• Benalmádena: 926

This regional and local distribution shows areas where the housing market has been most affected by tourism and short term rentals.

The government will work with local and regional authorities to make sure that properties are up to standard for long-term rental. Although the announcement includes the number and type of flats that are affected, the precise timelines for the conversion into permanent housing as well as the procedural details have yet to be published. Housing advocates welcomed the decision, noting that it could relieve pressure on rental market in tourist areas. In the meantime, it is expected that landlords and platforms for short-term rental will seek clarification about enforcement mechanisms and measures of compliance. This intervention is one of Spain’s most important regulatory measures for the short-term rentals sector in recent times. The government wants to maintain the economic benefits from tourism while ensuring housing is affordable. Sánchez’s announcement in Málaga has sparked discussions across Spain about balancing tourism, housing affordability, and social responsibility.

The withdrawal of 53 876 tourist flats, if implemented successfully, could give a significant boost to the market for long-term rentals, helping families and younger generations find stable housing. This policy signals the willingness of the government to enforce stricter compliance to registration and licensing laws, and encourages digital platforms and landlords participate in solutions which benefit residents. This initiative is expected be closely watched in the coming month as authorities work on converting the flats into long-term rentals.