PROPERTY SEARCH

Date Published: 21/03/2025

Cádiz council cracks down on tourist rentals amid growing national push for regulation

City suspends new tourist accommodation registrations as part of a wider effort to reclaim housing for residents

The Cádiz City Council has announced a temporary suspension on the registration of new tourist accommodation across the city as it prepares to amend the General Urban Development Plan (PGOU). The new restrictions will prohibit tourist-use housing on the ground, first, and second floors of buildings in the Extramuros district, a move designed to curb the spread of short-term lets in key residential areas.

Mayor Bruno García described the measure as a "decisive step" towards reducing the number of tourist properties in Cádiz. The council, in collaboration with the Andalusian Regional Government, has already removed 425 homes from the Tourist Housing Registry for failing to meet planning regulations, with a further 49 properties expected to be removed by the end of 2024. Additionally, authorities have imposed fines of up to 10,000 euros on those continuing to operate illegally.

The move follows a wider trend across Spain, where several regions and cities are tightening restrictions on holiday rentals. Málaga recently imposed a near-total ban on tourist accommodation in 43 neighbourhoods as part of efforts to curb soaring rental prices. Similarly, in Murcia, authorities have introduced new requirements for short-term lets to display a valid tourist registration number, making it easier to track and regulate these properties.

Cádiz’s crackdown also builds on previous attempts to regulate tourist housing in the city. While the previous local government had placed some restrictions on rentals, these new measures go further, extending limitations to additional floors and expanding enforcement efforts.

With the latest decree from the Andalusian Regional Government granting municipalities greater control over local urban planning, Cádiz is seizing the opportunity to tighten regulations and prioritise long-term housing for residents. The proposed changes will be open for public consultation for 20 days before being formally presented to the plenary session in April.

Image: juv/Pexels

Sign up for the Spanish News Today Editors Roundup Weekly Bulletin and get an email with all the week’s news straight to your inbox

Special offer: Subscribe now for 25% off (36.95 euros for 48 Bulletins)