Hi, we have a dream to set up a rural bed and breakfast or eco-lodge type business in the south of spain. Has anyone on here got experience of something similar? From what I can understand if you go somewhere rural you have to apply for permission to change the land use and this can take years?? Does anyone have any advice about anything to do with this kind of idea? Thank you

Hi. We looked at this last year and its fraught with danger. Well I exaggerate slightly.

If you are considering buying an existing business you will only have to ensure your lawyer is good at their job. They should contact all the relevant authorities to get the licenses etc transferred to your name.

HOWEVER If you are thinking of buying some land and building. Be very careful. The land has to be designated suitable for habitation. It would be easier to buy a house and modify it to suit.
Thats what we were looking at.
All B&B's or even room rentals must now have a tourist license and number.
All rooms must be of a certain size and have a certain standard of fittings, as well as the fire regs etc.

I got a lot of my information here
https://www.spanishpropertyinsight.c...ay-rental-law/
https://www.spain-holiday.com/rental...-laws-in-spain

As well as from family and friends who live in the area. We also know a couple of local estate agents who gave us some good advice.
There is a good chance you could do all the work and then not get permissions, we spoke to a local estate agent in the area we looked at and he said that the local hotels were actively encouraging the local government to stop B&B's from opening.
The other thing to remember is you would be better off living in the area you want to run your business in for 6 months or so to make sure you will have enough to keep your guests occupied.
We now own a nice apartment in the area we wanted to open a B&B in and once we move over next year we will then start looking for suitable properties to reform.

Hi
Thank you so much for your reply. It does unfortunately sound like it's made much more complicated than it needs to be by authorities (and competitors!) That's really good advice about living in the area first to check what's around.
I'll take a look at the links you sent.
Our most realistic plan for our budget would have to be to buy a property and convert it, but from what you say we may struggle to buy somewhere with big enough rooms.
Lots to think about and research - cheers

Helen, don't forget you are up against Airbnb.

And fire exits.
And I read somewhere about having a seperate entrance for guests?

Thats correct if you live in the same premises.

I´ve stayed here : Cortijo La Fe | Ecoturismo | Montefrio Granada Casa Rural Superior CR/GR 00217 .. they have doors all over the place, fire escapes, fire extinguishers, etc etc. Theres fireplaces in the bedrooms. its lovely.. but very remote and not cheap... the track to reach the house is maybe.. 6 or 7 km of very up & down rough track.

Have a look for ideas ?

Why would she be "up against" AirBnb? It's the world's largest and most successful b&b booking platform, and the first place her establishment should be listed. It would keep her b&b booked virtually continuously.

Agreed and if you do everything legally and get your tourist licence putting the number on the adverts (which you have to do legally) will if anything bring more people to your door as they know you have taken the trouble to comply with the local regulations.