Seasonal rentals rise as Costa Blanca owners seek flexible income

Property owners in Spain's Costa Blanca, particularly in the provinces of Alicante and Valencia, are increasingly choosing "seasonal rentals" as a legal, flexible and more profitable way to let their homes. Unlike short‑term tourist rentals, which require a tourism registration number (NRU) and community approval from April 2025, seasonal rentals are governed by the Urban Leases Law (LAU) and can cover stays of eleven days to several months without any tourism‑related registration.

The model appeals to tenants who need housing for work relocations, training, medical treatment or extended vacations, and offers owners higher rental yields than long‑term leases, greater control over the property, lower risk of non‑payment and reduced daily management. It also avoids the price caps and bureaucratic steps imposed on short‑term tourist rentals.

Data from the tourism association HOSBEC show that Alicante accounts for 63 % of the region's tourist‑housing stock, making it the second‑largest province in Spain for such accommodation. The number of active tourist homes on major platforms fell from 44,589 in August 2024 to 29,697 in November 2025, reflecting owners' shift toward the seasonal‑rental format after the introduction of regional decrees 10/2021 and 9/2024, which tightened requirements for short‑term tourist lets.