Malaga Implements Stricter Regulations for Tourist Accommodation

Malaga has taken a significant step in controlling the expansion of tourist accommodation by introducing new regulations that restrict the issuance of licenses to properties with a separate entrance. This move aligns Malaga with other regions in Spain that have implemented similar measures to manage the impact of tourism on local housing markets.

The city of Malaga currently has 12,124 dwellings licensed for tourist use, contributing to the national total of over 350,000 tourist accommodation properties with 1.75 million available spots. Notably, Malaga stands out among large Spanish cities, with 2.7% of its properties designated for tourists, surpassing the national average of 1.33%. Over the years, there has been a substantial 14-fold increase in tourist housing in Malaga.

The rapid growth of tourist accommodation in Malaga has had adverse effects on local residents, particularly in terms of rising rental and property prices. Experts attribute the surge in tourism-related housing to the escalating cost of living in the city, making it challenging for residents to afford housing in their own neighborhoods.

The Malaga Tenants’ Union has expressed concerns about the consequences of the proliferation of tourist accommodation, citing the displacement of residents from various areas as properties are converted for tourist use and rental prices escalate dramatically.