Legal & Permits

Horizontal Property Law and tourist rentals: why the community must vote before renovation

07 July 20263 min read
Horizontal Property Law and tourist rentals: why the community must vote before renovation

Why this trend matters now

In July 2026, Aptur CV reminded managers that since 3 April 2025 the Horizontal Property Law requires express 3/5 community approval for tourist use in buildings with a community. For an owner, the useful reading is not only the headline: it is whether to renovate before selling, buying, renting or requesting quotes. The decision has to connect market context, permits, efficiency and real project cost.

At Reformia we treat it as a decision route. First, confirm the economic goal; then separate technical work from cosmetic work; finally compare line items with guides such as habitation certificate and building permit.

It also helps to read this trend alongside related coverage such as Valencian tourist-rental requirements, because a profitable renovation rarely depends on one data point. It depends on district, starting condition, timing, regulation and exit strategy.

Before moving budget, write a simple hypothesis: what problem the renovation solves, which buyer or tenant will pay for it and what proof they will need to trust it. That hypothesis avoids spending on finishes that do not change the decision and makes quotes easier to compare.

Horizontal Property Law and tourist rentals: why the community must vote before renovation
Supporting image for the renovation analysis.

Impact for owners and buyers

Investing in a tourist-rental renovation without community approval can leave a beautiful home without registrable tourist use. If the property is in Alicante Centro, Playa San Juan, El Campello, Torrevieja, Benidorm, Denia, Javea or Altea, the same headline can translate into different decisions. The works should answer the demand that actually reaches that area.

The priority is removing objections: old services, poor cooling, weak windows, damp, unclear layouts or missing documentation. These points often matter more than eye-catching decoration.

When the renovation affects works, activity, community rules or efficiency, estimating materials is not enough. You need to review full renovation, certificates, technical visits and trade schedules before accepting an offer.

What to renovate first

The renovation should prepare coexistence: acoustic insulation, secure door, visible rules, access control and a residential fallback plan. A good strategy starts with what protects value: electrical safety, plumbing, envelope, ventilation, HVAC, accessibility and kitchens or bathrooms that no longer meet expectations.

Finishes come afterwards. For foreign buyers, rental or resale, a neutral and resistant base usually works better than a highly personal renovation. In premium homes, execution, views, quietness and documentation matter as much as material choice.

If the budget is limited, compare replace windows or doors against the full scope first. Phased renovation makes sense if each phase leaves the home usable, safe and easy to price in the next visit.

A practical rule is to separate invisible works, comfort works and commercial works. Invisible works avoid problems, comfort works improve daily use and commercial works help photograph, explain and defend the price. When all three work together, the SEO content also becomes more useful for someone trying to make a real decision.

Practical checklist

Use this order to turn the trend into a measurable renovation decision.

  1. 1
    Read bylawsCommunity

    Before works, check bans, agreements and minutes.

  2. 2
    Vote firstDecision

    The 3/5 majority can change the whole strategy.

  3. 3
    Reduce nuisanceCoexistence

    Noise, access and waste are common objections.

  4. 4
    Prepare Plan BRisk

    If approval fails, it should still rent or sell well.

Horizontal Property Law and tourist rentals: why the community must vote before renovation - detail
Visual detail for planning materials, permits or comfort.

Frequently asked questions

Can I renovate before the vote?
You can, but you take risk if the goal is tourist use and the community does not approve.
Does approval last forever?
It depends on the agreement, rules and registry. Document it well.
Which renovation helps convince?
Measures reducing noise, insecure access, smells, faults and conflicts.

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