Looking after property here means being on top of the latest changes so you stay ahead and avoid surprises. Here’s a fun-easy blog-style guide to four major new rules you should know if you’re buying, selling or renting on the Costa del Sol.
1. Community says “yes or no” to tourist rentals
If you own a flat or villa and want to rent it out short-term (for holidays, Airbnb-style), there’s a big new rule: your building’s owners’ community (Comunidad de Propietarios) must give express approval before you can legally do it.
What this means in Marbella:
•If you’re part of an apartment block and you want to let the place as a holiday rental, check whether the community rules allow it and whether a vote has been taken.
•If you rent out without approval, neighbours can force action.
•Great for long-term rentals or owner-occupied properties, but if you’re investing for short stays, you’ll want to check this ahead.
2. Rental rules get friendlier to tenants (and stricter for owners)
The state-wide rental law for 2025 has introduced new protections and caps. Some highlights:
•Rent increases are now tied to a rental reference index rather than wild swings.
•Security deposits for residential rentals are capped (e.g., two months’ rent limit).
For Marbella this means: if you’re letting out a property long-term, you’ll be operating under these new conditions. It’s more tenant friendly, so owners must be extra sure contracts and processes are clean.
3. Buying or selling? Check the new tax & transfer tweaks
Even though these vary by region, here are things to keep in mind:
•For many purchases you still need an NIE, budget for 10-15% extra costs (taxes, notary, registration).
•As of 2025, some regions (e.g., Catalonia) increased transfer tax rates for certain acquisitions.
•While Costa del Sol/Andalucía may not have exactly the same rate hikes, it signals the direction: always check regional updates.
For Marbella buyers or sellers: make sure your legal/tax adviser checks the Andalucía rules (not just national ones), so you know what you’ll pay or what to expect.
4. Unoccupied homes & “large holders” under the spotlight
The Spanish housing law for 2025 is focusing on making sure properties don’t sit empty while demand is high. Some relevant points:
•Properties left vacant for long periods may face surcharges on local property tax (IBI).
•Owners with many properties (“large landlords” owning many dwellings) may face additional obligations.
For Marbella especially: if you own several units and are not using them or are keeping them empty, you may see higher costs or pressure to rent/sell. Good to plan accordingly.
🎯 Final Thoughts
•Always check community rules before marketing a property for short-term rental.
•Make sure long-term rental contracts reflect the new tenant-friendly legal framework.
•Budget properly when buying/selling: legal compliance + tax + regional rules.
•Think about property usage: leaving something empty is increasingly risky from a cost and regulatory point of view.
