Large, fast-growing residential city near Málaga airport with international schools, golf and strong expat infrastructure
The Andalusian tourist licence is required for short-term lets. Long-term residential lets are the stronger income stream in this location. Properties near international schools or the golf course are the easiest to let to quality long-term tenants.
Why Alhaurín de la Torre?
Let out property in Alhaurín de la Torre — the letting market
Looking to let out property in Alhaurín de la Torre? Alhaurín de la Torre on the Costa del Sol has solid demand for holiday accommodation year round. Letting out property in Alhaurín de la Torre provides an ongoing return and covers maintenance and property tax during the periods you are not using it yourself.
The Andalusian tourist licence is required for short-term lets. Long-term residential lets are the stronger income stream in this location. Properties near international schools or the golf course are the easiest to let to quality long-term tenants.
Tourist licence and rules in Alhaurín de la Torre
To let your property in Alhaurín de la Torre on a short-term basis (under roughly 2-3 months per tenant) you need a valid tourist licence. In Andalusia this is issued by the Junta de Andalucía, and you must register the property with a specific licence number that must appear in all listings.
The rules are actively enforced, and fines for illegal letting can run into several thousand euros. It is therefore essential to have the licence sorted before you start advertising the property on Airbnb, Booking.com or similar platforms.
Expected rental income in Alhaurín de la Torre
In high season, a property in Alhaurín de la Torre can typically be let for 700-1,800 EUR per week in high season for an apartment or smaller villa. Over a full year, with a realistic occupancy rate of 50-70% in the most popular areas, this can provide a solid ongoing return — particularly if the property is also used privately outside the season.
Remember that rental income must be taxed in Spain (typically 19% for EU citizens on net income) and may also need to be declared in your home country — but double taxation treaties typically prevent you from paying full tax twice on the same income.
How to get started letting in Alhaurín de la Torre
Start by applying for a tourist licence from the Junta de Andalucía, and make sure the property meets the requirements for safety, fire equipment and signage. Next, you should invest in professional photos — in a market like Alhaurín de la Torre, where 5 km from málaga airport — exceptional accessibility is a big part of the appeal, good photos make a real difference to your booking rate.
Consider whether you want to manage the letting yourself, or use a local property management company that handles key handover, cleaning and guest communication — particularly relevant if you do not live in Spain full time.
Long-term letting as an alternative in Alhaurín de la Torre
If you prefer a more stable, less administration-heavy solution, long-term letting (over a year) to locals or expats can be a good alternative to seasonal short-term letting. It does not require the same tourist licence, but is instead governed by the general tenancy law (LAU), which gives the tenant stronger rights.
Life and culture in Alhaurín de la Torre
Alhaurín de la Torre retains its own town centre and local feria tradition, celebrating its annual Feria del Alhaurín de la Torre in May with flamenco, fairground tents and the characteristic Andalusian horse culture. The town has a pleasant central plaza and market, and while it is not a cultural destination in the way that Ronda or Nerja is, it functions effectively as a genuine working Spanish town with all necessary services.
Nightlife is low-key and residential — a selection of bars and restaurants in the town centre and around the golf club. Many residents enjoy the proximity to Málaga city for more varied cultural and nightlife options, which is easily reached in 20–30 minutes by car. The town's British and Scandinavian expat community generates its own social scene through associations, sports clubs and restaurants.
Location and infrastructure
Alhaurín de la Torre has no rail connection, but Málaga airport is approximately 5 km away by road — one of the closest airport distances of any residential town in the entire Costa del Sol area. Málaga city centre is around 20–25 minutes by car. Bus services run to Málaga and to Fuengirola, though most residents use their own car for daily life.
The town is well served by a bypass road and the A-404, connecting it quickly to the A-7 coastal motorway and beyond. The close airport proximity is particularly valuable for residents who fly regularly, effectively eliminating the transfer stress that affects residents of towns an hour or more from Málaga.
Tourism & leisure
Alhaurín de la Torre is inland and has no direct beach access, but the coastal beaches of Fuengirola and Málaga are within 20–30 minutes. The Club de Golf Alhaurín offers 27 holes on a course that uses the natural topography well, and is one of the better value golf memberships in the region. A municipal sports centre, paddle tennis facilities and a cinema are among the standard leisure facilities.
The town is quiet and residential in character, with very little nightlife noise. The Sierra de Mijas provides good hiking terrain directly accessible from the municipality. The climate benefits from a slightly elevated inland position — summers can be a degree or two hotter than the coast at midday but are generally well ventilated, while winters are mild and mostly dry.
Everyday costs & what to know before you let out in Alhaurín de la Torre
Day-to-day living costs in Alhaurín de la Torre are among the most affordable in the Málaga metropolitan area, as the town functions primarily for its residents rather than tourists. International supermarkets, Spanish hypermarkets, and a good range of local services keep grocery and household costs competitive. Property prices are well below those in coastal Málaga neighbourhoods or Fuengirola.
Before you buy: the town has expanded rapidly and some newer urbanisations at the periphery can feel car-dependent and far from services — assess the specific location carefully. The Andalusian tourist licence is required for short-term lets, though long-term residential lets are the more practical market here. Check community fees for urbanisations with shared pool and garden facilities.
Areas in Alhaurín de la Torre
Explore the individual areas in Alhaurín de la Torre for more specific information on prices and character:
Frequently asked questions about letting in Alhaurín de la Torre
Do I need a tourist licence to let my property in Alhaurín de la Torre?
Yes, if you let it short-term to tourists. The licence is issued by the Junta de Andalucía in Andalusia, and the licence number must appear in all your listings on platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com.
How much can I earn letting out my property in Alhaurín de la Torre?
In high season, a property can typically be let for 700-1,800 EUR per week in high season for an apartment or smaller villa. The annual return depends on the occupancy rate, but 50-70% during the most popular periods is realistic for a well-located property in Alhaurín de la Torre.
Which platforms should I use to let my property in Alhaurín de la Torre?
Airbnb and Booking.com are the most widely used platforms and offer the broadest exposure. For luxury properties, specialised platforms aimed at premium holiday rentals can attract a more qualified pool of guests.
What is the difference between short-term and long-term letting in Alhaurín de la Torre?
Short-term letting requires a tourist licence and generates higher income per night, but requires more administration and is subject to seasonal swings. Long-term letting does not require a tourist licence, provides a more stable income, but is governed by the general tenancy law, which gives tenants stronger rights.
Do I need to declare rental income from Alhaurín de la Torre in my home country?
In most cases, yes — rental income typically needs to be declared in your home country, but you usually pay Spanish tax on the income first (around 19% for EU citizens), and this can then be offset against tax owed at home under the relevant double taxation treaty, so you are not taxed twice on the same income. Check the specific rules that apply in your country of residence.
Need help letting out your property in Alhaurín de la Torre?
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