Strategic Options for Existing Properties on Fuerteventura in 2026
- Oliver Schlolaut
- Jan 16
- 3 min read
Keep, renovate, repurpose, or sell?
Fuerteventura is entering a new era.
Since the enforcement of Law 6/2025 on December 13, 2025, property owners are beginning to realize that the old rules no longer apply. The coming months will determine whether an existing property retains its value, gains strategic relevance, or faces regulatory and financial decline.
This guide outlines the four realistic options for owners of existing properties on Fuerteventura — and what each means in 2026.
1. Keep – but only with a Consolidation Check
Why “grandfathered” licenses are no longer safe
Many owners with existing VV licenses feel protected. But Law 6/2025 redefines “grandfathering” in ways that are often misunderstood.
The 5-Year Trap
Existing licenses are only provisionally consolidated. Within five years, owners must prove that their property meets new technical standards:
Minimum surface: 35 m²
Updated energy efficiency
Proper ventilation and infrastructure
Inscripción de Oficio
If the owner fails to submit the “Declaration of Technical Compliance,” the license may be revoked automatically by the authority.
HOA Risk: 60% Majority Rule
Since April 2025, a 3/5 majority in a homeowners’ association can prohibit tourist rentals. Law 6/2025 reinforces this right.
Bottom line:
Keeping a property is viable — but only if it’s technically compliant, legally protected, and HOA-approved.
2. Renovate – the path to Green Premium
Why energy upgrades now define value and licensing
Law 6/2025 aligns with EU Directive EPBD. For many properties, renovation is no longer optional — it’s a prerequisite for survival.
Mandatory Standards
To permanently consolidate a VV license, the following energy classes apply:
D for new builds
F minimum for older properties
Banking Reality
Local banks (CaixaBank, BBVA) increasingly require energy certificates of E or better for refinancing. Class G properties are already losing mortgage value.
Strategic Insight
Renovation in 2026 is not cosmetic — it’s:
A licensing requirement
A financing condition
A value protection measure
A future-proofing strategy
3. Repurpose – LAU and mid-term rentals as lifelines
The smart move for properties in future residential zones
Many areas will become de facto VV-free. For these properties, repurposing is often the most viable — or only — option.
Long-Term Rental (LAU)
Spain’s Housing Law (Ley 12/2023) offers strong tax incentives:
Up to 90% tax reduction on net rental income
Especially relevant in “zonas tensionadas” (high-demand areas)
Medium-Term Rentals (1–6 months)
Ideal for:
Digital nomads
Remote workers
Seasonal professionals
This model is governed by LAU — not Law 6/2025 — and offers a stable alternative for properties no longer eligible for VV licensing.
4. Sell – the strategic exit in 2026
Why the timing window is narrower than most realize
For some owners, 2026 is the ideal moment to exit before market corrections take hold.
Market Correction Ahead
Buyers still underestimate the impact of Law 6/2025. Once municipalities publish their control plans in June 2026, “red zones” (VV bans) will become visible — and prices will drop.
NRA Enforcement Since July 2025
All platforms (Airbnb, etc.) now verify registration numbers. Unlicensed or unstable listings lose visibility.
The Heredero Clause
Transfers of ownership (except inheritance or close-family gifts) often require new license registration — which may be blocked by current restrictions. This is a hidden shock for investors.
Water Consumption Monitoring
Some municipalities (e.g., La Oliva) are exploring water usage as a signal for illegal VV activity. Law 6/2025 allows data sharing with utilities.
The “Residencial Mixto” Trap
Many properties appear tourist-friendly but are legally zoned as residential. Law 6/2025 prioritizes residential use (90%) — regardless of nearby hotels.
Conclusion: Waiting is the worst option
2026 is not the year for hesitation.
Inaction leads to:
Value erosion (Class G energy rating)
License revocation risk
HOA restrictions
Decreased demand in red zones
Rising renovation costs
Regulatory disadvantages
The property doesn’t lose value because of the law — it loses value through inaction.
If you own an existing property on Fuerteventura in 2026, you must choose: Keep, renovate, repurpose, or sell.
Anything else is a risk that compounds with time.
Comments