Tourist apartments in Spain: smart investing with fewer worries

31.05.2026

A Second Home and Rental Income Under the Spanish Sun

More and more international buyers are looking for property in Spain that not only serves as a holiday home but can also generate attractive rental income. A tourist-licensed apartment offers exactly that combination: personal use whenever you wish and professional holiday rentals when you are away.

For buyers seeking a hassle-free investment on the Costa Blanca, Costa Cálida, or another popular Spanish region, tourist apartments can be a highly attractive real estate solution.

What Is a Tourist Apartment?

A tourist apartment is a property within an officially licensed tourism development specifically designed for holiday rentals. Unlike a standard apartment, the entire complex is developed with tourism operations as its primary purpose.

These projects often offer extensive facilities such as:

Swimming pools
Wellness and fitness areas
Reception and concierge services
Restaurants and bars
Landscaped gardens and relaxation areas
Professional rental management

As a result, owners benefit from a comfortable investment with a clear rental structure and professional support.

Why Choose a Tourist Apartment in Spain?

Regulations regarding holiday rentals in Spain are becoming increasingly strict. With a standard apartment, regional regulations or the homeowners' association may impose restrictions on short-term rentals.

Tourist developments are different. These projects are specifically licensed for tourism activities, providing owners with greater legal certainty and a professionally organised rental system from day one.

Key advantages include:

Legal and regulated holiday rentals
Professional on-site management
Reduced administrative responsibilities
Clear rental conditions
Attractive income potential
Possibility of personal use

For many investors, this means greater peace of mind and a clearer understanding of their property's investment potential.

Generate Passive Income from Spanish Property

One of the greatest advantages of a tourist apartment is the ability to generate income when you are not using the property yourself.

Rental operations are typically managed by a specialised management company responsible for:

Reservations
Marketing
Check-in and check-out services
Cleaning
Maintenance
Customer support

This means you do not need to search for tenants or manage day-to-day operations yourself. Your investment continues to work for you while you are in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, or elsewhere in Europe.

For investors seeking passive income from Spanish real estate, this can be an excellent opportunity.

Combining Personal Use and Rental Income

Many tourist apartments are sold fully furnished and ready to move into. This allows you to start using the property or renting it out immediately.

Depending on the project's conditions, owners can often stay in their apartment during certain periods of the year. This makes tourist apartments particularly appealing to buyers who:

Want a second home in Spain
Seek investment returns
Plan for future winter stays in Spain
Wish to combine ownership with holiday rentals

You can enjoy your own place under the Spanish sun while generating income during the periods you are not using it.

Important Consideration: VAT

The purchase of a tourist apartment generally attracts 21% VAT, compared to the standard 10% VAT applicable to most new-build residential properties.

Although this may initially seem like a higher investment, there may be opportunities in certain situations to recover part or all of the VAT when the property is used for commercial rental activities.

As every situation is different, professional legal and tax advice is essential. A specialised lawyer or tax advisor can assess which options may apply to your circumstances.

Why Professional Guidance Is Essential

Not every property marketed as an investment offers the same level of security or return potential.

Before purchasing, it is important to understand:

Whether the project has the required tourist licences
The legal structure of the development
The rental management system
Expected rental income
Monthly ownership costs
Owner usage conditions
Tax implications

A thorough review helps avoid unexpected surprises and allows you to make a well-informed investment decision.

Investing in a Tourist Apartment with Vidando Estates

At Vidando Estates, we assist buyers looking for profitable property investments in Spain with complete transparency and personal guidance.

We support you with:

Project selection
Legal due diligence
Purchase assistance
Rental advice
Access to local specialists
After-sales support

Thanks to our knowledge of the Spanish property market and our extensive network across the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida, we help you invest with confidence.

Discover the Opportunities of Tourist Property in Spain

Would you like to combine a second home with rental income? A tourist apartment could be the ideal solution. With professional guidance and the right project, you can create an investment that offers both lifestyle benefits and long-term potential.

Interested in discovering tourist-licensed developments currently available in Spain? Contact Vidando Estates for personalised advice and explore the opportunities that match your goals and investment plans.

Discover the benefits of tourist apartments in Spain. Combine personal use with rental income and invest with confidence through the expert guidance of Vidando Estates.