Buying a property with a tourist licence in Costa del Sol

News! Buying a Property with a Tourist Licence in Costa del Sol – Do You Need a New One?

Buying property with a tourist licence in Costa del Sol has just become easier. As of October 2025, the Junta de Andalucía confirmed that when you purchase a property already registered as a tourist rental (VUT), you don’t need a new licence or another community (HOA) vote. You only need to file a simple “Cambio de Titularidad” (change of ownership) with the Registro de Turismo de Andalucía (RTA) — and the licence continues under your name.

Q1: What changed recently in Costa del Sol?

In October 2025, the Junta de Andalucía confirmed that when you buy a property already registered as a tourist rental (VUT),
👉 you don’t need to apply for a new tourist licence and don’t need another community (HOA) vote.

You simply submit a “Cambio de Titularidad” (change of ownership) in the Registro de Turismo de Andalucía (RTA), and the licence continues under your name.

📄 Source: Jason Callow Property News – October 2025


Q2: What is a “Cambio de Titularidad”?

It’s the official ownership-update process for tourist rentals in Andalucía.
When a property with a valid RTA licence changes hands, the buyer must notify the Junta through its Virtual Office.

🧾 You’ll need:

  • RTA code (for example VUT/MA/12345)
  • Property deed or nota simple
  • Your NIE + digital certificate
  • Optional: authorisation if Kaida Stay handles the process

No new licence number—just an update.


Q3: Do I need HOA approval again?

No ❌
As of October 2025, the Junta clarified that no new HOA vote is required when a licensed property is sold in the Costa del Sol.
The licence remains valid as long as the property continues meeting all regulations.

You only need a community vote if you are registering a new tourist licence for a property that has never been licensed before.


Q4: What are the current rules for tourist rentals in Andalucía?

SituationWhat You NeedHOA Vote?Notes
Buying a property with an existing licenceFile Cambio de Titularidad❌ NoLicence stays with the property
Applying for a new licenceFull new application✅ Yes (3/5 majority)Since national reform Apr 2025
Licence cancelled or non-compliantReapply after updates✅ PossiblyMust meet Decreto 31/2024

Q5: What should I check before completing the purchase?

Verify the RTA licence – confirm it’s active and linked to the property.
Check municipal planning – each town (Marbella, Mijas, Fuengirola, Estepona, Benalmádena etc.) has its own planning compatibility rules.
Collect previous documents – original registration, prior HOA minutes, and any compliance reports.
Submit the change promptly – within 15 days after completion.
Update your online listings – show the same RTA code under your ownership.


Q6: What if the property never had a tourist licence?

Then you’re starting from scratch.
You’ll need to:

  1. Get HOA approval (3/5 majority);
  2. Confirm urban-planning compatibility with your local council;
  3. Apply for a new VUT registration under Decreto 31/2024.

Q7: What happens if I forget to update the RTA?

If you don’t communicate the ownership change, the previous owner remains legally responsible for the licence.
That can lead to inspection or tax issues.
Kaida Stay handles this step immediately after purchase to keep you fully compliant.


Q8: Can foreign buyers (non-residents) hold a tourist licence?

Yes ✅ Foreigners can own and operate a tourist rental in Andalucía.
You just need a NIE number and a digital certificate.
Many overseas buyers appoint Kaida Stay as their authorised representative to manage the property and paperwork locally.


Q9: How long does the licence transfer take?

Usually just a few working days after filing online—if all documents are complete and the property meets current regulations.
Kaida Stay ensures everything is prepared before closing so you can start renting right away.


Q10: What documents are required?

  • Property deed or nota simple
  • RTA licence number
  • NIE & digital certificate
  • Prior licence certificate (if available)
  • Representation form (if Kaida Stay acts on your behalf)

Q11: What rental income can I expect in the Costa del Sol?

Average 2025 nightly rates:

  • Marbella / Málaga City: €120 – €250
  • Mijas / Fuengirola: €90 – €160
  • Estepona / Benalmádena: €100 – €180

Kaida Stay provides a Free Rental Analysis to estimate your income potential before you invest.


Q12: What if the property isn’t compliant with new standards?

If the home doesn’t meet updated 2024 requirements (surface, bathrooms, independent access etc.), the Junta may suspend or revoke the licence.
Kaida Stay offers a pre-purchase compliance check to protect your investment.


Q13: Can Kaida Stay manage my property after purchase?

Absolutely ✅
We handle:

  • Licence transfer and RTA filing
  • Municipal compliance review
  • Property styling & professional photos
  • Guest screening, check-ins, cleaning & concierge
  • Dynamic pricing and SEO marketing

📩 hola@kaidastay.com 📞 +34 62 360 2332 🌐 www.kaidastay.com

Reach us out for more information: https://kaidastay.com/book-a-call/#Book



Do not hesitate to contact KaidaStay experts if you have any questions.

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