The vacation rental industry is at a turning point. With the entry into force of Royal Decree 1312/2024, Spain has established a new mandatory framework for all properties advertised as short-term rentals. This measure is not future; it is already having direct consequences, especially in areas with high tourist concentration, such as the Costa Blanca.
In Alicante, and more specifically in our area from Jávea to Altea, listings are beginning to be removed from platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com that do not meet the required standards. Some owners have already received notifications, and in many cases, they weren't even aware that they needed an updated registration, a valid license, or proper zoning compliance. The lack of information and the difficulty of the entire process on an individual basis, in these cases, is costing money.
In short, Royal Decree 1312/2024 created the State Registry of Tourist Accommodation and established that, from July 1, 2025, no property may be advertised on digital platforms without a unique and valid registration number. This number is not a mere formality: it is linked to the property's compliance with all regional, municipal, and sectoral regulations, including tax and urban planning obligations.
For the Valencian Community, this means that regional regulations remain fully applicable. In other words, the new registry does not replace existing requirements (such as the declaration of responsibility or registration in the regional tourist registry), but rather reinforces them and connects them to a national control system.
Although full compliance will begin in July 2025, platforms are already adapting their systems to comply with the law. In practice, this is causing:
And most seriously: properties purchased as investments that, due to improper structuring from the outset, have lost their ability to legally generate income.
This new legal environment cannot be resolved with a simple form. It requires a comprehensive view of the asset, both legally and fiscally, to ensure that your property:
At Abahana Sales, we see it every week: owners who come to us after buying without proper tax or legal advice, and who now face restrictions, audits, or penalties. In this new scenario, having an expert manager who is well-versed in both regional and national regulations is essential.
Compliance isn't enough—you have to anticipate. The rules are changing, and they're changing fast. What is a recommendation today may be a legal obligation tomorrow with a direct economic impact.
The new national registry for tourist accommodations is already changing the rules of the game. And in areas like the Costa Blanca, where vacation rentals are part of the economic fabric, it's vital to act proactively.
If you're thinking of buying a property to rent out, or you already have one in operation, make sure everything is in order: not only to continue generating income, but also to protect your investment and its future value.
At Abahana Sales, we guide you every step of the way: from choosing the asset to its legalization and tax compliance. Because true luxury today is having everything done right from the start.
