In Catalonia, particularly in towns like Calonge, holiday rentals have been an attractive option for many property owners looking to make the most of their homes during the high season. However, the growing number of homes dedicated to this type of rental has raised concerns, especially regarding the availability of long-term rental housing. In response to this situation, the Catalan government has introduced new regulations to govern tourist licences, which will affect both property owners and tenants.
Current Situation: The HUTG Number
Until now, any homeowner wanting to rent out their property to tourists via platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, or other specialised websites, needed to obtain a HUTG number. This number, along with a tourist rental licence, was obtained by submitting a habitability certificate, which detailed, among other things, the maximum number of people the home could accommodate.
Once obtained, this licence was valid indefinitely, allowing owners to rent out their properties seasonally, mainly during the summer.
Emerging Problems
The increase in properties dedicated to holiday rentals has resulted in many of these homes being available for just a few months each year, or in some cases, not being rented out at all, which has contributed to a shortage of long-term rental properties. This situation has severely impacted local residents seeking affordable housing, as the supply of homes for permanent rental has significantly decreased.
The New Decree Law
To address this issue, the government has issued a decree law aimed at more strictly regulating holiday rentals. This decree, considered urgent, is expected to be validated in March of this year. Below are the key proposals of the decree and its potential impact on property owners in Calonge and the Costa Brava:
-
Limitation of tourist licences: In each municipality, the number of homes with a tourist licence cannot exceed 10% of the total number of homes. In other words, for every 100 residents, only 10 homes can hold a licence for holiday rentals.
-
Urban planning requirements: Municipalities must include in their urban plans the specific requirements that a property must meet to qualify for a tourist rental licence. This means not all properties will be eligible, and those that are will need to comply with local regulations.
-
Municipal responsibility: Unlike the current system, where the Generalitat issued the licences, it will now be the responsibility of local councils to grant these licences. Additionally, the tourist rental licence will no longer be indefinite but will be valid for 5 years, after which it must be renewed.
The Situation in Catalonia
There are 262 municipalities in Catalonia, many of which currently exceed the proposed limit of 10 tourist-licensed homes per 100 residents.
In the Costa Brava, several municipalities are well above this threshold. For example, Calonge currently has 20 homes with a HUTG number per 100 residents, meaning that, according to the new regulations, half of these licences could be revoked in the future. Similarly, Platja d’Aro has 25 homes per 100 residents with a tourist licence.
It is important to note that the number of homes that may lose eligibility for tourist rental will vary by municipality and is not yet fully determined. In fact, many local councils are currently negotiating with legislators to raise the permitted limit to 15 or even 20 homes per 100 residents.
Conclusion: Uncertainty Ahead
As this decree law takes shape, it is clear that significant changes are on the horizon for the holiday rental market in Calonge and across Catalonia. For property owners, it will be crucial to stay informed and be prepared to adapt to the new regulations in order to operate within the law and avoid potential penalties.
However, it remains to be seen how exactly these regulations will be enforced, and whether the limit on tourist licences will be increased from 10 to 15 or 20 homes per 100 residents in some municipalities. The outcome of negotiations between local councils and legislators will ultimately determine how these new rules impact property owners and the availability of tourist accommodation.
If you own a property and are interested in obtaining or renewing your tourist rental licence, we recommend staying up to date with the latest requirements and ensuring your property complies with local regulations. Don’t hesitate to contact us for personalised advice and guidance throughout this process.
