Marbella is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after destinations in the Mediterranean. Its privileged climate, the exclusivity of its urbanisations and the constant influx of visitors make the holiday rental market in this city an excellent investment opportunity. But to take advantage of its full potential, it is essential to know the process, regulations and best practices to rent your holiday home in Marbella safely and profitably.
In this guide, GuestMarbella, experts in holiday rental management in Marbella, explains step by step what you need to know to turn your property into a successful accommodation.
What is considered a holiday home in Marbella?
A holiday property is one that is rented for short periods (usually less than 60 days) to visitors looking for temporary accommodation, and which is advertised through platforms such as Airbnb, Booking or similar. In order for a property to be considered a tourist property in Andalusia, it must meet a series of legal requirements which are detailed below.
Legal requirements to rent your holiday home in Marbella
1. Registration in the RTA (Andalusian Tourism Register)
This is the first essential step. Your property must be registered in the RTA, and you will be assigned a tourist licence number which must appear on all advertisements.
- Title deed or rental contract.
- Certificate of occupancy or certificate of occupancy.
- Energy certificate.
- Plan of the property.
2. Minimum conditions of habitability and equipment
Your home must offer as a minimum:
- Cooling (in summer) and heating (in winter).
- Sufficient furniture and household items.
- Complaints form available.
- Printed tourist information about the area.
3. Contract and guest registration
It is compulsory to inform the National Police or Guardia Civil about the identity of the guests by means of an entry form. This is done through the online platform provided by the Ministry of the Interior. In addition, you must keep a record of the entries for three years.
4. Income declaration
The profits you obtain from renting must be declared to the Inland Revenue as income from real estate capital. If you are a non-resident, you must also comply with the corresponding tax obligations.
Preparing your property for holiday rental in Marbella
Once you have met all the legal requirements, it’s time to prepare your property to stand out from the competition.
Decoration and fittings
Style and functionality are key. Guests are looking for comfortable, well-decorated and aesthetically pleasing properties. Opt for a neutral, modern and bright décor. Check that all electrical appliances work properly and that the kitchen is well equipped.
Professional photographs
A good image is everything. Photographs are the first filter to capture the attention of potential clients. That’s why GuestMarbella always recommends a professional session that reflects the strengths of your property.
Services included
The more services you offer, the better valued your property will be. Some of the most valued ones are:
- High speed WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Washing machine and tumble dryer
- Bathroom and kitchenware
- Cot and high chair (if family orientated)
Operational management: keys to success
Publication on platforms
Your ad must be visible on the main channels: Airbnb, Booking, Vrbo, etc. But uploading it is not enough. For that reason, it’s essential to optimise it with:
- Attractive and accurate titles
- Detailed descriptions
- High quality photos
- Clear terms of stay
- Booking and calendar management
Avoid double bookings and keep your calendar always up to date. This requires daily attention and, in high season, a quick response to every request.
Check-in and guest service
Reception should be well organised. Some owners opt for key boxes or smart locks, but the human touch makes the difference. At GuestMarbella we offer personalised check-in, assistance in several languages and 24/7 attention to resolve any incident.
Cleanliness and maintenance
The state of cleanliness is one of the most valued aspects in the reviews. That’s why having a professional cleaning team between bookings is a must. It is also vital to have a maintenance service for small urgent repairs.
Why trust GuestMarbella to rent your holiday home in Marbella?
Local expertise and a holistic approach
At GuestMarbella we offer a 360º service for property owners who want to make their Marbella property profitable without complications. Our team takes care of everything:
- First of all, legal paperwork and licensing.
- Next, necoration and set-up of the property.
- In addition, professional photographs and optimised ad copywriting.
- Furthermore, publication on multiple platforms.
- Then, reservation management, check-in/check-out and cleaning.
- Moreover, customer service and incident resolution.
- Finally, guaranteed profitability
Our dynamic price management system allows you to adapt the rates per night according to demand, the calendar of events and the competition, to maximise your profits. In addition, we offer you monthly reports with full transparency on revenue, occupancy and valuations.
Peace of mind and control
Even if you delegate management, you will always be informed. You can check the status of your property, the booking calendar and the revenue generated at any time.
Extra tips for owners
- Update your licence if the conditions of the property change.
- Promote your property on social networks and local directories.
- Ask your guests for reviews: the more positive reviews, the better your listing will rank.
- Invest in regular improvements: renewing textiles, painting walls or updating appliances makes a big difference.
Holiday rental management in Marbella with GuestMarbella
Renting out your holiday property in Marbella can be a profitable, sustainable and rewarding source of income, provided that it is done professionally and in compliance with all legal requirements. However, competition in this market is high, but with the help of experts like GuestMarbella, your property can stand out and become a preferred option for the thousands of tourists who visit the Costa del Sol every year.
Trust us to manage your holiday rental in Marbella successfully. You save time, we take care of everything.


