Can You Buy a Property on the Costa del Sol and Rent It Out on Airbnb? 2026 Guide

Buying a Costa del Sol property that can also generate holiday-rental income sounds attractive — but not every home can legally or profitably be rented to tourists. Here are the questions worth asking before you buy.

Costa del Sol apartment with terrace suitable for holiday rental investment

Buying a home on the Costa del Sol that you can enjoy yourself — and rent out when you are away — is an attractive idea. For many international buyers, rental income can help cover running costs and turn a second home into a more productive investment.

But there is an important catch: not every apartment or villa can automatically be listed on Airbnb or Booking.com. Before choosing a property based on its rental potential, there are a few things worth checking first.

Can I simply buy an apartment and put it on Airbnb?

Short answer: not automatically. Whether a property can be used for holiday rental depends on several things working together:

  • the rules of the community of owners (the building's homeowners' association),
  • the planning rules of the local municipality,
  • Andalucía's tourism requirements for holiday accommodation,
  • and the suitability of the individual property itself.

The good news is that these checks can normally be made before you buy — and a well-chosen property in the right location can still be an excellent holiday-rental investment.

Do I need a tourist licence?

In most cases, yes. Qualifying holiday accommodation in Andalucía generally needs to comply with the region's VUT tourism framework (Vivienda con Fines Turísticos) and be registered with the Registro de Turismo de Andalucía.

You will often hear a seller say: "It already has a tourist licence." Useful information — but still verify what is actually registered, and whether anything needs changing when ownership or operator details change. An existing registration does not automatically transfer to a new owner without the proper steps.

Can the community of owners say no?

This became more important in April 2025. For new tourist-rental activity in many communities, prior express approval from the community is now generally required. Since April 2025, new holiday-rental activity generally requires approval from three fifths of the owners representing three fifths of the community quotas.

Why does this matter? If rental income is an important part of why you are buying, check the community's position before you buy — not after completion.

What if other apartments in the building are already on Airbnb?

A very fair question — and one we hear often. Seeing other Airbnb listings in the same building is encouraging, but it does not automatically prove that a new owner can start another tourist rental today. Rules have changed over time, and some existing rentals may have older rights or approvals that would not be granted to a new listing now.

Think of it this way: existing Airbnbs in the building are a useful clue — not legal confirmation.

Are the rules the same in Marbella, Fuengirola and Mijas?

No — and this surprises many buyers. Municipalities can have their own planning restrictions and approaches to tourist accommodation. The situation in Fuengirola may differ from Benalmádena, Mijas, Marbella, Estepona or Málaga, and it can even vary between neighbourhoods.

The key message is simple: always check the individual municipality and the individual property. There is no single Costa del Sol answer.

What changed with Spain's national short-term rental number in 2026?

Spain introduced a national short-term rental registration framework, which led many 2025 guides to state that a national registration number was required for online listings. In 2026, Spain's Supreme Court annulled important provisions governing that registration procedure — so be careful with older information you find online.

Importantly, this did not abolish Andalucía's separate VUT and tourism rules. Because the national system changed in 2026, owners should check the current official position when they are ready to list.

What makes a good holiday-rental property?

Enough about rules — this is the enjoyable part. The properties that perform best as holiday rentals tend to share a few qualities:

  • walking distance to the beach, restaurants and shops,
  • an attractive terrace and, ideally, sea views,
  • a pool, air conditioning and fast, reliable Wi-Fi,
  • parking where guests are likely to hire a car,
  • a practical bedroom and bathroom layout for groups or families,
  • easy access from Málaga Airport,
  • a location with year-round appeal, not just peak summer,
  • and a well-maintained community that guests enjoy returning to.

Different guests want different things. A central Fuengirola apartment works because guests can walk everywhere. A Calahonda or Mijas property may benefit more from parking, outdoor space and a pool. A Marbella property may target a different guest and pricing profile entirely.

How much money can a Costa del Sol holiday rental make?

The honest answer: it depends — heavily. Potential income is shaped by the exact location, property quality, guest capacity, views and outdoor space, season, pricing, your own use, competition, marketing and reviews.

One distinction matters more than any other: gross bookings are not the same as owner profit. Before the income reaches you, there are real costs to consider:

  • community fees
  • utilities
  • maintenance and repairs
  • cleaning and linen arrangements
  • platform fees
  • property management
  • insurance
  • tax

A €40,000 booking calendar does not mean €40,000 in profit — which is why we prefer looking at the complete rental picture before judging an investment. For a deeper look at the numbers, see our guide to holiday rental yields on the Costa del Sol, and make sure you also understand the full costs of buying property in Spain.

Airbnb or mid-term rental — which is better?

Holiday rental is not the only option, and for some properties it is not even the best one.

Holiday rental means shorter stays, seasonal pricing and higher income potential — but also more turnover and operational involvement. Mid-term or seasonal rental means longer stays, less turnover and a different guest profile under a different contractual framework. Stays with the same tenant for more than two continuous months fall outside Andalucía's VUT decree, although other rental rules still apply. Our rental management team can talk through both options for a specific property.

What should I check before buying?

Before buying a property for holiday rental, check:

  • Can tourist rental be used at this property?
  • What does the community say?
  • Are there municipal restrictions?
  • Is there an existing VUT registration?
  • How many guests can it realistically accommodate?
  • What are the annual running costs?
  • What has similar property actually rented for?
  • Is holiday rental really the best strategy for this property?

If the numbers only work when holiday rental is possible, check the rental position before committing to the purchase. Our complete guide to buying property in Spain as a foreigner covers the wider purchase process in the same practical spirit.

Can Nordic Estate Group help before I buy?

Yes — and honestly, that is where we add the most value. Before you commit, we can help you:

  • identify properties that genuinely fit your investment goals,
  • assess commercial rental potential and compare locations,
  • estimate realistic rental positioning and likely operating costs,
  • coordinate with independent legal professionals when formal legal verification is required,
  • and manage the property after purchase if you wish.

Frequently asked questions

Can foreigners buy Airbnb properties in Spain?

Yes. International buyers can purchase Spanish property. Whether that property can be rented to tourists is a separate question, answered property by property.

Do I need community approval for Airbnb in Spain?

For new qualifying tourist-rental activity in communities, prior express approval is generally required under the rules effective from April 2025. The individual community should always be checked.

If the apartment already has a tourist licence, am I safe?

It is a positive sign, but the existing registration, the community position, municipal compatibility and any changes required for the new owner or operator should still be verified.

Can I rent for three or six months instead?

Potentially, yes. Longer seasonal or mid-term rentals follow a different framework from Andalucía's VUT tourist-rental rules.

Which Costa del Sol areas are best for holiday rental?

There is no single winner. Fuengirola, Benalmádena, Mijas, Marbella, Estepona and other areas attract different guest profiles, budgets and seasons. The right location depends on your investment strategy.

Can Nordic Estate Group estimate rental potential before I buy?

Yes. We can assess rental potential and compare the property with its local market before you commit.

Looking for a property that works for you and your guests?

A good holiday-rental investment starts with buying the right property — not simply putting any property online after completion. Nordic Estate Group helps international buyers find homes and investment properties across the Costa del Sol, and assess their commercial rental potential before purchase.

Last reviewed: 29 August 2026. Rental and tourism rules can change and may vary by municipality and property. This article provides general information and is not legal or tax advice.

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