Over the past year, Spain has seen an overall decrease in the density of tourist apartments in populated areas. According to recent data, the national average has dropped from 6.8 to 6.6 rental properties per square kilometer, indicating a gradual shift in the short-term rental market structure.
The most significant decrease in the number of tourist apartments has been recorded in the provinces of Alicante, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Pontevedra. In Alicante, which ranks second in the country for tourist housing density, this figure fell from 20 to 18.8 apartments per square kilometer. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, density declined from 14.38 to 13.57, and in Pontevedra—from 6.14 to 5.32.
A similar trend is observed in other popular summer destinations. In Valencia, the average is 11.34 apartments per square kilometer, in Murcia—6.58, in Cantabria—5.05, and in A Coruña—4.02. Provinces such as Castellón and Cádiz have also seen a drop in density, now at 10.55 and 13.36, respectively. The Balearic Islands, Asturias, and Gipuzkoa are showing a similar decline, though less markedly.
In several provinces, such as Las Palmas, Navarra, Huesca, and Lugo, changes match the national average. This suggests that overall, Spain’s tourist rental market is stabilizing, and in some regions, it is even contracting.
However, not all parts of Spain are seeing a decline. In Málaga, Sevilla, and Girona, the density of tourist apartments has actually increased. Málaga remains the leader in this indicator, with 19.31 rental units per square kilometer. In Sevilla, the figure is 12.49, and in Girona — 11.40. Slight growth has also been recorded in Granada, Bizkaia, and Córdoba.
In Madrid and Barcelona, the situation has remained almost unchanged: in the capital, the density is 16.04 apartments per square kilometer, while in Barcelona it stands at 13.04. Other regions, such as Almería, Huelva, and La Rioja, have also seen a slight increase.
Experts attribute these changes to the introduction of new regional and local regulations, as well as active efforts by authorities to monitor and regulate the short-term rental market. As a result, several provinces have succeeded in reducing pressure on the housing stock, but in tourist hotspots, demand for rental apartments remains high.
Thus, the tourist accommodation market in Spain is becoming more balanced, although certain provinces still have a high concentration of short-term rental properties. It is expected that further legislative developments and oversight by authorities will continue to shape the dynamics of this sector.
