Buying a home with a tourist licence in Catalonia: what to know in 2026

Updated: October 2026 · REIMSS

Many Costa Brava homes are sold with a tourist-use dwelling licence (HUT). It is real value if you want to let the property by the night, but the rules in Catalonia have changed and it is worth understanding them before you buy. This guide sums them up plainly.

What Decree-Law 3/2023 says

In November 2023 the Catalan government approved Decree-Law 3/2023, which applies in 262 municipalities with housing-access pressure or a high concentration of tourism. In those towns:

• A new tourist-use dwelling needs a prior planning licence from the town hall, and municipal planning must expressly allow it.
• Numbers are capped at a maximum of 10 tourist dwellings per 100 inhabitants.
• New licences last 5 years, renewable.

The Constitutional Court upheld the decree on 13 March 2025, and on 30 June 2026 the Catalan Parliament rejected repealing it: it remains in force.

Does it affect the REIMSS area?

Yes, almost the whole coast. The list of 262 municipalities includes, among others, Blanes, Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar, Malgrat de Mar, Palafolls, Pineda de Mar, Santa Cristina d'Aro, Castell-Platja d'Aro, Calonge i Sant Antoni and Begur. Tordera is not on the list.

What happens to existing licences

Tourist dwellings that were already legally registered can keep operating during a 5-year transition from the decree's entry into force, that is, until November 2028. Before then they must obtain the new planning licence or stop the activity. A single extension of up to 5 more years can be requested if the owner shows the investment is not compensated.

If you buy a home with a licence

• The licence is attached to the property, not the person, so in principle the home can be sold with it: the new owner reports the change of holder and inherits the same calendar (the 2028 deadline does not restart).
• Ask for the registration number and check with the town hall that the licence is active and in the seller's name.
• Ask whether the town's planning is expected to allow tourist dwellings in that area after 2028: whether you can obtain the new licence depends on it.
• In an apartment, check the community of owners: since April 2025 a new tourist flat needs the approval of 3/5 of the community; flats already operating legally before can continue.
• Value the property also as a home for your own use or long-term letting: that is the prudent way to buy.

How we help

If you are looking for a home for holiday letting, we can also show you options in towns that are not on the list.

Sources

• Government of Catalonia: the decree applies in 262 municipalities with prior planning licence
• BOE: Constitutional Court ruling 64/2025 of 13 March

More guides

• Buying a home on the Costa Brava as a foreigner: step by step
• Taxes and costs when buying a home in Catalonia (2026)

General information, not individual tax or legal advice. Figures can change: we review them when the law changes.