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In recent years, the debate over tourist rentals has dominated headlines and conversations in neighbourhood communities throughout Spain. In destinations such as Torrox Costa (Málaga), where tourism is the economic engine, some homeowners’ associations are considering a blanket ban on holiday rentals in their buildings.
At first glance, this may seem like a measure to ensure peace and quiet or reduce neighbourhood conflicts. But the truth is that, in the medium and long term, these decisions tend to have a direct and very negative effect: the depreciation of the properties affected by this restriction.
Why does a property depreciate when tourist rentals are banned?
Loss of profitability: a flat that could generate stable income through holiday rentals becomes less attractive to investors and buyers.
Fall in demand: many buyers are looking for precisely this flexibility to rent on a seasonal basis. If a building prohibits this, the property loses value compared to other options where it is possible.
Market rigidity: limiting the possibilities for using a property makes it a less competitive product, which is particularly serious in coastal areas where second homes and tourism are key.
In a market such as Torrox Costa, where the climate, beaches and quality of life attract both tourists and international buyers, removing the option of holiday rentals means limiting the wealth and diversity of the property on offer.
Not all tourist rentals are the same
It is important, however, to make a clear distinction.
Tourist apartments in well-located residential complexes with services: these add value to the area. Such accommodation enriches the tourist offering, raises the quality of the destination and generates a virtuous circle of investment, employment and economic dynamism.
Tourist rentals in premises, garages or spaces without ventilation or minimum conditions: these irregular cases not only spoil the visitor’s experience, but also damage the reputation of the locality. They do not contribute to the quality or sustainability of tourism, quite the contrary.
The case of Torrox Costa
Torrox Costa has established itself as one of the most attractive destinations on the eastern Costa del Sol. Its promise of ‘the best climate in Europe’ is a claim that attracts thousands of visitors year after year. But precisely for this reason, the challenge lies in maintaining a high-quality, competitive tourist offer that meets international expectations.
If the community of owners decides to indiscriminately ban tourist rentals in well-located and legal apartments, all they will achieve is to slow down investment, reduce the value of their own homes, and weaken Torrox Costa’s position compared to other nearby destinations such as Nerja or Torre del Mar.
Instead, what really needs to be combated is the proliferation of accommodation that, although it meets the minimum conditions of habitability, should not be considered tourist accommodation. These are the ones that damage the image of the destination and should be subject to regulation and control.
Conclusion
In a place like Torrox Costa, regulated tourist rentals are synonymous with economic dynamism, property revaluation and improvement of the destination. Prohibiting them in community of owners is a strategic mistake that can be very costly for those who believe that this is how they protect their investment.
The key is not to ban for the sake of banning, but to differentiate between what adds value and what detracts from it:
Tourist apartments that enrich the offering → positive for everyone.
Premises, garages or spaces without conditions converted into accommodation → a burden on the tourist image.
Ultimately, the future of Torrox Costa depends on finding that balance between neighbourly coexistence, profitability and tourist quality.
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