Altea Approves Landmark Tourist Accommodation Rules To Protect Local Housing

Altea / 2 July 2026

New Regulations Aim To Balance Tourism And Residential Living

Altea has officially approved sweeping new regulations governing tourist accommodation, becoming one of the first municipalities in the Valencian Community to introduce a comprehensive planning framework designed to protect housing for permanent residents while supporting sustainable tourism.

The new ordinance, which came into force following its publication in the Official Gazette of the Province of Alicante (BOP) and a favourable report from Spain's Directorate General for the Coast and the Sea, concludes a two-year planning process that began in early 2024.

The measures are intended to curb the rapid growth of short-term holiday rentals, which local authorities say have placed increasing pressure on the residential housing market and changed the character of many neighbourhoods.

Tourist Accommodation Reduced By Nearly A Quarter

According to Altea Town Hall, the new policy has already delivered significant results.

Since the regulatory process began:

• Tourist accommodation has fallen from 2,119 properties at the end of 2023 to 1,622, a reduction of 497 properties (23.45%).
• New registrations have dropped from more than 15 per month following the pandemic to just two or three each month.
• Tourist accommodation now represents 8.85% of the town's housing stock, down from 9.8%.

Local officials believe the figures demonstrate that tighter regulation is helping restore balance between tourism and residential living.

New Planning System Based On Data

Rather than imposing an outright ban on holiday lets, the council has introduced a technical planning model based on a Territorial Vulnerability Indicator.

The system assesses several factors before allowing new tourist accommodation, including:

• Residential pressure from existing holiday rentals.
• The proportion of permanent homes in each neighbourhood.
• Housing density across urban areas.

Neighbourhoods are then classified according to their vulnerability, allowing the council to approve or restrict new licences depending on local housing pressures.

Officials say the approach provides greater legal certainty while ensuring tourism development remains compatible with residents' needs.

Council: "Homes Are For Living In"

Councillor for Urban Planning José Orozco described the regulations as a milestone for the municipality.

He said: 'the objective was not to discourage tourism but to ensure it develops in a sustainable and balanced way. We were among the first municipalities to tackle this issue seriously," Orozco said. "The regulation is working. It has slowed the uncontrolled growth of tourist accommodation, reduced pressure on residential housing and allows us to manage the impact tourism has on public services."

He added that Altea would continue to defend the principle that homes should primarily serve local residents.

Tourist Lets Face Higher Waste Charges

Alongside the planning changes, Altea has introduced a separate waste collection charge for tourist accommodation.

Properties operating as holiday rentals will now pay an annual waste collection fee of €364, reflecting their classification as commercial activity rather than private residential housing.

The council says the measure ensures businesses contribute fairly towards municipal services used by visitors.

Part Of A Wider Trend Across Spain

Altea's decision reflects a growing movement across Spain, where local and regional authorities are introducing stricter controls on tourist accommodation amid rising concerns over housing affordability.

Cities including Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca and several municipalities across the Canary and Balearic Islands have all introduced measures ranging from licence caps and zoning restrictions to outright bans on new holiday rentals in some districts.

The issue has become increasingly prominent as Spain experiences record tourism levels, with many residents arguing that the rapid expansion of short-term rentals has reduced the supply of long-term housing and pushed up property prices.

Sustainable Tourism The Goal

Altea remains one of the Costa Blanca's most popular destinations, attracting visitors with its historic old town, Blue Flag beaches, marina and cultural events.

Council leaders insist the new regulations are designed to support sustainable tourism rather than restrict visitors, ensuring the town remains an attractive destination while protecting quality of life for year-round residents.

The Town Hall has also launched an online interactive map allowing property owners and investors to check which areas remain eligible for new tourist accommodation licences under the updated planning rules.

Officials say the ordinance provides a long-term framework that balances economic growth, environmental sustainability and access to housing for local people.