Alicante extends moratorium on tourist apartment licences until 2027
Municipality restricts permits for apartments, hostels and boarding houses to curb tourist pressure
On Tuesday 22 July 2025, an extraordinary meeting of the Alicante City Council approved an extended moratorium on the issuance of tourist accommodation licences. The ban now covers not only individual flats (VUT) but also apartment buildings, boarding houses and hostels . The maximum period of the extension is until January 2027 .
The decision was supported by 21 deputies , including representatives of the ruling coalition and the Socialists. The Vox party abstained, and representatives of Compromís spoke out against.
Reason for extension: growth of tourist blocks
Urban development councillor Rocío Gómez recalled that the initial moratorium was adopted on 19 December 2024 , and since then there has been a significant increase in the number of tourist blocks , which is why the ban was extended.
“Our goal is to study the situation comprehensively and develop a sustainable urban policy in the field of tourist housing,” Gomez noted.
The moratorium covers the entire municipality of Alicante and suspends the issuance of all types of licences for new tourist facilities, including construction, redevelopment and commissioning.
Budget adjustment of €35.1 million: priority to key projects
In addition to the moratorium, the meeting approved a second package of adjustments to the city budget for 2025 , providing 35.14 million euros for the implementation of strategic projects . The document was supported by 16 votes of deputies from PP and Vox.
Key initiatives include:
- Creation of La Torreta Park
- Reconstruction of the House of Mercy
- Construction of a rainwater park in La Almadraba
- Platform parking in the Babel area
- Infrastructure investments in the industrial areas of Pla de la Vallonga , Aguamarga , Llano del Espartal , Las Atalayas and Mercalicante
Additionally, provision is made for early repayment of debts and financing of current budgetary obligations using treasury balances .