The city has imposed a sweeping moratorium on short-stay rental permits as part of a broader clampdown, aiming to rebalance housing supply while revising its urban plan.
Málaga city has officially pressed pause on new tourist rental licences, following through on a promise made earlier this year by mayor Francisco de la Torre. The city council’s governing board has approved the launch of a revision to Málaga’s urban master plan (PGOU) that will suspend new permits for tourist accommodation across the municipality for the next three years—or until new rules are in place.
Final step in a clampdown
This is the final step in a series of local measures designed to rein in the rapid growth of short-stay rentals. First came a ban on licences for properties without an independent entrance and services—so guests wouldn’t have to pass through shared communal areas. Next, new tourist rentals were blocked in 43 neighbourhoods where they already make up more than 8% of the housing stock. Now, the shutters have come down city-wide.
According to the mayor, Málaga has 12,754 licensed tourist rentals on the books, though only 8,596 are actually operating. He has also called on the regional government in Andalusia to strike non-compliant properties from the registry, in line with measures already in force.
The legal basis for the freeze comes from the Andalusian government’s Decree-Law 1/2025, which allows municipalities to suspend tourist rental licences—either everywhere or in specific zones—if the move is deemed necessary and proportionate.
Tourism versus housing
De la Torre stressed that tourism remains vital to Málaga’s economy, but argued that the moratorium is needed to study the impact of tourist rentals and boost the supply of long-term lets in a market short on housing. He also pointed a finger at Spain’s wider rental market problems, saying many owners prefer short lets because of the legal difficulties of evicting tenants who don’t pay.
Looking ahead: the new PGOU
While the mayor offered few details on the new PGOU, he highlighted possible directions: promoting alternative residential models like cohousing and coliving, rolling out the red carpet for five-star hotels, smoothing the path for developers, and positioning Málaga as a national and international hub capable of attracting and retaining talent.
This move will be welcomed by residents concerned about housing access, but will no doubt frustrate owners and investors banking on short-stay income. Either way, Málaga has set a three-year clock ticking on the future of tourist rentals in the city.
