Málaga has approved new urban planning restrictions affecting all forms of tourist accommodation located in residential areas.
The city of Málaga is no longer restricting only Airbnb properties, but is placing every new tourism investment in residential areas under stricter urban planning control, in what is considered one of the most extensive interventions in Europe to manage overtourism.
Under the new framework, approved by the city council, every new investment involving a hotel, hostel, tourist apartments or a short-term rental property on land designated for residential use will have to undergo a full urban planning amendment procedure, instead of automatically receiving a permit.
Investors will now be required to demonstrate that the project serves the public interest and is compatible with the character of the neighbourhood in which it is planned to be developed.
At the same time, new applications submitted after the measures come into force may be suspended for a period of up to three years, while applications already under review will be assessed under the previous regulatory framework.
Continuation of the restriction policy
The decision follows the measures the city has been implementing since 2024 to limit tourism pressure in residential areas.
In August 2025, Málaga imposed a three-year freeze on new registrations of short-term rental properties in 43 neighbourhoods where tourist accommodation had exceeded 8% of the available housing stock.
The new framework now extends these restrictions to all other forms of tourist accommodation developed within residential zones, including hotels and organised tourist apartment complexes.
According to figures from the regional government, more than 12,000 registered short-term rental properties are operating in Málaga, offering approximately 64,000 beds. The highest concentration is recorded in the city’s historic centre, as well as in the areas of Plaza de la Merced, Pedregalejo, El Palo, La Malagueta and Huelin.
At the same time, other popular destinations on the Costa del Sol are implementing different policies. Marbella continues to accept applications for new short-term rental licences, while Manilva has also introduced a three-year suspension on new registrations.
