I've heard a rumour that government (I'm being vague on purpose here) has recently passed legislation permitting localities to start amnesties on illegal properties. Not sure if this is national government or the Balerics (I'm in Mallorca). Local municipalities will need to to form their own rules.

Anyone have any insight on the topic? I'm asking local lawyers, but thought this group is inevitably more in touch.

Planning laws are mostly set by the regional governments, so these changes will be local. Andalucia have introduced similar laws, but it is still difficult and expensive to legalise illegal properties.There are many protected areas where properties will never be legalised.