Spanish Government to Approve Housing Rental Reform Package, While Asturias Moves to Impose Tourist Tax

The Spanish coalition government announced that a comprehensive housing reform decree will be presented for approval in July. The package aims to extend rental contracts, tighten regulation of seasonal and room rentals, and raise VAT on tourist apartments to 21 %. It also includes tax incentives for landlords who lower rents and measures to increase the supply of affordable housing. Analysts note the reforms could shift many short‑term rentals toward the sale market, potentially expanding the stock of homes for purchase and easing price pressure for families and young buyers.

In parallel, the Asturias regional government approved a draft law to introduce a tourist levy starting in the 2026 high‑season period. The tax will charge up to €3 per night for hotels and short‑stay accommodations, with lower rates for campgrounds and rural stays, and will be applied during the summer months and the central days of Holy Week. Municipalities may opt in voluntarily, and several exemptions are provided for minors, persons with disabilities, medical travelers, students, researchers and others. Asturias will become the fifth Spanish autonomous community to adopt such a tax, following Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, Galicia and the Basque Country.