ASCAV Denies That Unlicensed Vacation Rentals Will Be Converted Into Residential Housing

The Canary Islands Short-Term Rental Association (ASCAV) has firmly rejected the Spanish government’s recent statement that more than 53,000 unlicensed tourist apartments will be integrated into the residential housing market. ASCAV insists that this claim is “far from reality,” explaining that the absence of a registration number does not make a property illegal. Instead, the newly announced restrictions would simply prevent these homes from being listed on digital platforms, without ensuring that they will be rented out long-term. The association warns that such measures are unlikely to change owners’ behavior in the intended way and stresses that removing listings does not automatically create affordable housing.

ASCAV further points out that the government is basing its announcement on Royal Decree 1312/2024, legislation that is currently being challenged in the courts. Until there is legal clarity, many owners are expected to continue operating short-term rentals informally or even leave their properties empty. The group also expressed strong doubts about whether the government’s promise of boosting affordable housing supply will ever be fulfilled, arguing instead that these measures serve the interests of the hotel industry and large investment funds rather than addressing Spain’s real housing needs.

More: https://radioinsular.es/ascav-rechaza-el-anuncio-del-gobierno-ni-son-ilegales-ni-pasaran-al-mercado-residencial/