New tourist rental ordinance in Altea: where licenses can be obtained and how it affects Sierra de Altea–Azure Altea Homes
20.11.2025
A new stage in tourist rental regulation in Altea
The Altea City Council has taken a decisive step towards more sustainable management of residential tourism by approving Complementary Ordinance 4-8 of the PGOU, which regulates tourist-use homes (VUT) in the municipality.
This regulation seeks to balance the arrival of visitors with residents’ quality of life, avoiding urban saturation and ensuring an orderly development model.
The full text of the ordinance can be consulted on the municipal portal:
👉 Complementary Ordinance 4-8 of the PGOU of Altea (official PDF)
From its entry into force, new tourist homes must obtain a favorable urban compatibility report issued by the City Council, in addition to complying with the technical and environmental requirements established by regional regulations.
Zoning and urban vulnerability: four levels of regulation
The ordinance introduces a Territorial Vulnerability Indicator (IVT), which classifies different areas of the municipality according to housing density, tourism occupancy, and availability of habitual residence. Based on this indicator, four main categories are established:
- Vulnerable areas: no new VUT licenses allowed, except heritage rehabilitation projects.
- High-risk areas: maximum limit of 4% tourist homes.
- Medium-risk areas: up to 8% VUT.
- Low-vulnerability areas: no specific limit, subject to municipal control.
A global limit of 16% tourist homes across the municipality is also set. Currently, Altea is around 9.8%, leaving room for new licenses in areas with low tourism pressure.
Areas where it is possible to apply for a license
The new regulation allows low-density residential zones outside the urban core to host new tourist-use homes. According to the first municipal maps and available public information, the areas enabled include:
• Sierra de Altea
• Mascarat Sur and Les Galeres
• L’Olla and Villa Gadea
• Montahud and Altea la Vella
• La Nucía Road and Foieta
• Garganes residential area
These areas present low tourist saturation and a predominance of villas and single-family homes, making them compatible with tourist use according to the new planning criteria.
Sierra de Altea and Azure Altea Homes: an opportunity within the new legal framework
Sierra de Altea, home to the Azure Altea Homes development, is located in a low-vulnerability zone, allowing tourist-home licenses as long as technical and administrative requirements are met.
This location combines tranquility, sea views, and low building density, which favors compatibility with tourist use.
Owners interested in renting their home for vacation purposes may follow these steps:
- Request an urban compatibility report from the Altea City Council.
- Comply with regional regulations regarding tourist homes: habitability, accessibility, safety, and energy efficiency.
- Register the property in the Tourism Registry of the Valencian Community.
- Demonstrate compliance with density limits in the area and the municipality.
Thanks to this new ordinance, a model that supports both tourism investment and the preservation of Altea’s residential and natural environment is strengthened.
Balance between tourism and quality of life
The regulation of tourist rentals in Altea sets a precedent in the region, promoting sustainable tourism with controlled urban impact and respect for neighborhood coexistence.
Areas such as Sierra de Altea or Mascarat Sur stand out as ideal environments for high-level tourist homes integrated into consolidated urbanizations with first-class services.
Living or investing in Azure Altea Homes
The Azure Altea Homes development offers modern, bright villas with spacious terraces overlooking the Mediterranean, precisely located in an area where the new ordinance allows tourist licenses.
A perfect setting both to enjoy life in Altea and to consider a real estate investment with tourist potential within the current legal framework.
Discover the elegance and design of these homes in the following video on our YouTube channel:
Villa Tempo at Azure Altea Homes — Grupo VAPF
Villa Blanc 19 at Blanc Altea Homes-Grupo VAPF
Interested in learning more about available villas or about applying the new tourist rental regulations in Sierra de Altea?
Visit Azure Altea Homes at vapf.com and discover all the opportunities this exclusive residential complex offers.