What happens to existing tourist rental licences in 2028?
Many Costa Brava owners are asking what the 2023 Catalan planning changes mean for existing HUT properties as the transitional period approaches 2028.
Already have a HUT registration and hearing things about 2028? You do not need to guess what happens next. The date matters, but the answer depends on the permit, the municipality and the particular property. Start with these checks.
The date 2028 appears frequently in discussions about holiday rentals in Catalonia because Decree-Law 3/2023 introduced a new planning-licence regime for tourist-use dwellings in a list of affected municipalities. The rules entered into force on 9 November 2023 and include transitional provisions for homes that were already operating.
Why 2028 matters
The decree introduced temporary urban-planning licences with a five-year duration for tourist-use dwellings in the municipalities covered by the regime. Existing operators were given transitional treatment rather than being required to stop immediately. This is why owners often describe November 2028 as an ‘expiry date’. In practice, however, the legal position of an individual property depends on the transitional provision, municipal planning and any later regulatory or planning decisions.
| Question | Practical meaning |
|---|---|
| Was the HUT already operating before 9 November 2023? | The transitional regime may be relevant; keep proof of the earlier legal status. |
| Is the municipality included in the special regime? | If yes, planning compatibility and the five-year licence framework need particular attention. |
| Has the municipality adopted or changed its planning rules? | Local planning can determine whether continued tourist use can be authorised. |
| Has later legislation changed the framework? | Always check the position again before relying on an older licence or article. |
Do not wait until the last month
Owners with an existing HUT should keep their municipal file, tourism registration, occupancy documentation and any historical authorisations together. If tourist rental income is important to the property’s value, it is sensible to verify the municipal planning position well before the transition date. The same applies when buying or selling a home marketed as having a tourist licence: the economic value of an old registration depends on whether the activity can lawfully continue.
The 2023 decree is in force. The precise outcome for an individual property in 2028 should not be assumed from the HUT number alone; it requires a current municipal and, where appropriate, legal check.
Frequently asked questions
Will every existing HUT automatically disappear in 2028?
That is too simple. The decree created a transitional framework, but the effect for a particular home depends on the municipality, planning compatibility and the applicable transitional conditions.
Can I sell a property together with its HUT?
A sale should not be presented as an unconditional transfer of a perpetual right. Changes of ownership can interact with tourism, planning and occupancy rules, so the file should be checked before the transaction.
Should I stop taking bookings now?
Not solely because 2028 is approaching. Existing lawful activity may continue under the applicable framework, but owners should prepare early and monitor municipal decisions.
Keep the options for your property clear
Gather the HUT documentation and request the current municipal position for your address. If you want to plan occupancy and property management around the outcome, explore our service for holiday-home owners.
This article was reviewed on 17 September 2026 against the official source linked to this knowledge-base entry. Rental and housing rules can change at national, Catalan and municipal level. For decisions about a specific property or contract, verify the current position for that address and situation before acting.
This article is informational; always check current official rules and your agreement.