In another decisive move to address the housing crisis linked to the rapid growth of tourism, the Malaga City Council approved a three-year moratorium on the construction of new hotels, tourist apartment complexes and other tourist accommodation facilities on land designated for residential use.
The measure, which is expected to come into force next week following its publication in the Official Gazette, bans the development of new tourist infrastructure in residential areas, while commercial areas are excluded from the restrictions.
The decision follows the three-year suspension of issuing new licences for short-term rentals that has been in place since August 2025. The suspension applies to areas where tourist accommodation exceeds 8% of the total housing stock.
Tourism growth and the housing crisis in Malaga
According to municipal data, Malaga currently has around 9,600 beds in tourist apartments and 14,000 hotel beds, while licensed short-term rentals exceed a total of 64,000 beds.
Projects for which planning permit applications had already been submitted before the official approval of the moratorium will proceed as normal, although municipal authorities acknowledge that there was an increase in applications after the announcement of the upcoming restrictions.
At the same time, the municipality is tightening the framework for converting commercial properties into homes. Conversions will continue to be permitted, provided that they are not used for tourism purposes, meet new habitability requirements and are not carried out on main streets or public squares.
The initiative is part of Malaga’s overall strategy to balance tourism development with the protection of the housing market and ensure permanent residents’ access to affordable housing.
