Madrid recuperó 538 viviendas turísticas ilegales para uso residencial mediante duras sanciones

The measures implemented by the municipal government of Madrid since April of last year to promote the use of residential properties over tourist options are yielding positive results.

In 2024, the number of properties increased by 82% where, previously used irregularly for tourism, legality has been restored. These are properties where owners have voluntarily complied with the directives of the Activities Agency upon the commencement of proceedings. Throughout the past year, legality has been restored in 251 properties, a significant increase compared to 2023, when this number was 138.

This shift in trend occurred after the City of Madrid activated an action plan against tourist properties last April: the issuance of new licenses was suspended, the penalty system was toughened with fines of up to €190,000 for VUT owners without municipal licenses, the number of inspectors was increased, and a list of legally operating VUTs in the city with their locations was published.

Additionally, the Activities Agency introduced its first Urban Inspection Plan last year, which prioritized tourist properties along with nighttime entertainment among other matters.

In November, the Governing Board initially approved the RESIDE Plan with the dual objectives of protecting regular housing use and relocating tourist apartments outside residential buildings. This plan, which has recently completed the public information process, will come into effect throughout 2025.

In the annual review of tourist property, the Inspection and Discipline Service of the Activities Agency received a total of 2,310 documents in 2024, with 1,299 being complaints. Of the inspections conducted last year, 623 properties dedicated to tourism were identified, representing a 30% increase from 2023. The management report also documented the initiation of 490 procedures for the restoration of urban legal compliance, affecting a total of 578 properties.

This marks a 59% increase from 2023 when 308 procedures for restoring urban legal compliance were initiated. The agency issued 337 resolutions last year, ordering the cessation of 405 VUTs and closing 42 cases for compliance, as they were no longer used for tourism. In total, including these 42 VUTs and the 251 that restored compliance upon the commencement of proceedings, 293 properties have been reverted to residential use in 2024.

A total of 542 coercive fine procedures were initiated, most of which led property owners to voluntarily restore compliance. This occurred in 251 properties in 2024 that ceased to be used for tourism. 89 coercive fines were imposed (ranging from €1,000 to €3,000).

Furthermore, 92 sanctions were imposed for implementing and conducting activities incompatible with urban planning regulations, stemming from the operation of tourist housing without the required license. Of these sanctions, 89 were €30,001 each, and the remaining three were €60,001 each due to repeat offenses.