VV or LAU? What Property Owners Need to Know in 2026

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The widely discussed 10‑year restriction applies exclusively to Vivienda Vacacional (VV) — the classic short‑term tourist rental model.

For many owners this creates uncertainty, but at the same time it opens the door to a second, often underestimated option:

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LAU Rental: The flexible, immediately usable alternative

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Rental under LAU (Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos) — especially for digital nomads, remote professionals and seasonal users — is developing into a stable and highly attractive investment category.

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LAU means:

• no tourist licence required

• immediate usability from day one

• predictable income through mid‑term tenants

• legal clarity and strong social acceptance

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VV suitability for existing properties

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Properties older than 10 years can, in principle, be eligible for VV use.

However, a verification with the local municipality is essential:

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• is the property located within an officially designated VV zone?

• does the building meet current technical and legal requirements?

• does the property comply with the new criteria for obtaining a VV licence?

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Municipalities may apply their own zoning rules, capacity limits and minimum technical standards under the new law. A careful assessment is therefore crucial.