The Parliament Rejects the Regulation of Temporal Rentals in Barcelona

The Government Fails to Gain PSC Support for a Decree that Rendered Midterm Rentals in Barcelona Economically Unfeasible

Impact of Rejected Temporal Rental Laws on Barcelona's Real Estate Market

This morning, the Permanent Deputation of the Parliament of Catalonia rejected the validation of a decree law that the Generalitat approved in April. This decree regulated temporal rentals in Barcelona, making them economically unfeasible except for recreational or cultural events. Basically, temporal rental laws in Barcelona have changed for the better, and back to how they were. This is a huge advantage to investors and keeps the market truly 'free'. The Executive Council of the Generalitat approved the decree on April 24, with the Parliament already dissolved. However, they did not negotiate it with the PSC or Junts per Catalunya. ERC needed the support of at least one of the two groups to move it forward. Despite adding the votes of the Comunes and the CUP to their own, they couldn't validate the decree. They only achieved the PSC's abstention against the rejection of Junts, PP, Ciudadanos, and Vox.

Political Reactions to Temporal Rental Regulations in Barcelona

Ester Capella, the acting Minister and main promoter of the decree, criticized the rejection. She argued that it "clears the way for speculation and fraud" and distances the Parliament from defending housing as a citizen's right. Mònica Sales, spokesperson for Junts, suggested that "temporal housing needs regulation, but not like this. And we need to listen to the sector." The PSC initially reproached ERC for their initiative. They considered it "more electoral than governmental," in the words of their spokesperson, Lluïsa Moret. Moret criticized the Republicans for making "proposals that have not been agreed upon or debated in parliament." Junts per Catalunya opposed addressing the housing problem solely through regulation. Their number three, Josep Rull, called the decree a "monumental blunder" and criticized the decision as smelling of electoralism.

Key Provisions in the Temporal Rental Laws in Barcelona

The decree introduced a new article in the 2007 Catalonia Housing Law. This article establishes that leases for various purposes will be considered ordinary housing leases, subject to rent control. The decree also regulates the maximum rent for room rentals. It stipulates that the rent for all elements of the property cannot exceed the maximum price set by law for the complete property rental.

Current Status of Temporal Rentals and Room Rentals in Spain

In Spain, there is currently no regulation for room rentals. Temporal rentals are excluded from the LAU. They are governed by the Civil Code, with conditions left to free agreement between the parties. The Minister of Territory, Ester Capella, defended the need to regulate this type of midterm rental. She argued it was necessary to close the "loopholes" in the Spanish housing law. These loopholes have led to an increase in temporal rentals in Barcelona to evade rent control.

If you'd like some free Barcelona Real Estate advice just reach out to us!

Here at SuiteLife we've been helping people buy, sell and rent properties in Barcelona for over 15 years. If you'd like any advice or a free consult to see how we can add value and profitability to your endeavours, you can reach out to Benny at any time at benny@suitelife.com or on whatsapp on +34 615 38 47 45. Cheers! Benny

Unlock the Spanish Golden Visa through Real Estate Investment in Barcelona and Spain

Chapter 1: The Spanish Golden Visa - A Coveted Prize

Introducing the Spanish Golden Visa: The Spanish Golden Visa is an exclusive program designed to attract high-net-worth individuals and their families to invest in Spain. As an esteemed investor, it's not just an ordinary residency permit but a 'Golden Visa,' which provides you with numerous privileges. With this visa, you can relish the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant lifestyle that Spain offers while also enjoying the benefits of being a resident.

Why is it Coveted?

The Spanish Golden Visa program is highly sought after for several reasons:

• Residency Perks: The program grants you and your family members the right to reside in Spain and travel freely within the Schengen Area.
• Quick and Streamlined Process: The application process is straightforward, ensuring that you get your visa with minimal hassle.
• Investment Opportunities: To obtain this visa, you can invest in real estate, one of the most secure and potentially lucrative investment options.
• Access to World-Class Healthcare and Education: As a resident, you gain access to top-notch healthcare facilities and world-class education for your children.
• Cultural and Lifestyle Benefits: Spain is known for its rich culture, vibrant lifestyle, and favorable climate, making it an ideal place to call home.

Chapter 2: Barcelona - The Jewel of Spain's Crown

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a city renowned for its exquisite architecture, sandy beaches, and a thriving arts and culture scene. This coastal metropolis offers the perfect blend of modernity and tradition, making it a prime choice for real estate investment.

Real Estate in Barcelona

Barcelona's real estate market is a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary elegance. Owning a property here is not just an investment; it's owning a piece of the city's soul. From the historic neighborhoods of the Gothic Quarter to the modern luxury apartments along the beachfront, Barcelona offers a diverse range of properties for discerning investors.

Chapter 3: The Spanish Real Estate Advantage

Why Real Estate is the Key: When it comes to obtaining the Spanish Golden Visa, real estate investment is the most popular and secure route. Here's why:

1. Stability and Security: Spain's real estate market is relatively stable, offering a safe haven for investors.
2. Potential for Appreciation: Over the years, property values in Spain have shown a consistent upward trend, offering the potential for significant appreciation.
3. Rental Income: If you're not planning to reside in your property year-round, you can rent it out, generating a steady stream of income.
4. Diverse Property Types: From historic homes to modern penthouses, Spain's real estate market caters to various tastes.

Chapter 4: The Spanish Golden Visa Through Real Estate Investment

Investment Criteria: To be eligible for the Spanish Golden Visa through real estate investment, you need to meet specific investment criteria. The primary requirements include:

1. Minimum Investment: You must invest a minimum of €500,000 in real estate. However, if you're considering Barcelona, the investment threshold is often higher due to the city's higher property prices.
2. No Financing: You should finance the investment with your own funds, meaning no loans or mortgages.
3. Clean Criminal Record: You must have a clean criminal record both in Spain and in the countries where you've resided for the past five years.
4. Health Insurance: It's essential to have private health insurance covering Spain.

The Application Process: Applying for the Spanish Golden Visa through real estate investment involves a few key steps:

1. 1. Property Selection: Choose your desired property, ensuring it meets the minimum investment requirement.
   2. Purchase and Documentation: Complete the property purchase and gather the necessary documents, including proof of investment, background checks, and health insurance.
   3. Application Submission: Submit your application to the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country.
   4. Residence Authorization: Upon approval, you'll receive a residence authorization allowing you to reside in Spain for one year.
   5. Renewal: After the initial year, you can renew your visa, ultimately leading to permanent residency and citizenship.

Chapter 5: Barcelona's Real Estate Gems

Exploring Investment Opportunities in Barcelona: Barcelona offers a diverse range of real estate opportunities for investors. Here are some of the key areas to consider:

1. Eixample

Eixample is known for its grid-like layout, showcasing stunning architecture. It's a prime location for luxury apartments and historic properties.

2. Gràcia

Gràcia offers a more relaxed, village-like atmosphere. It's a charming area with a strong sense of community and numerous unique properties.

3. Sarrià-Sant Gervasi

This upscale district is known for its beautiful homes and proximity to international schools, making it popular among families.

4. Barceloneta

If you dream of a beachfront property, Barceloneta offers a beachy lifestyle with numerous options for waterfront apartments.

5. Poblenou

Poblenou is an up-and-coming area with modern apartments and a thriving tech scene. It's a favorite among young professionals. These are just a few of the many neighborhoods in Barcelona that offer unique real estate investment opportunities. Your choice depends on your preferences and investment goals.

Chapter 6: The Benefits of the Spanish Golden Visa

Obtaining the Spanish Golden Visa through real estate investment brings a multitude of benefits:

1. 1. 1. Residency in Spain: You and your family can enjoy living in one of the most vibrant countries in Europe.
      2. Freedom to Travel: The Spanish Golden Visa grants you access to the Schengen Area, allowing you to explore 26 European countries without additional visas.
      3. World-Class Healthcare: Spain boasts an excellent healthcare system, ensuring you and your family receive top-notch medical care.
      4. Quality Education: Your children have access to high-quality education, including international schools in Barcelona.
      5. Lucrative Real Estate Investment: Your property can generate rental income or appreciate in value over time.
      6. Cultural Riches: Immerse yourself in Spain's rich history, art, and culture.
      7. A Place to Call Home: Enjoy the Mediterranean climate, stunning beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle.

Chapter 7: The Application Process in Detail

Let's delve into the Spanish Golden Visa application process, step by step:

Step 1: Property Selection

First, you'll need to choose a property that meets the minimum investment requirement. Many investors opt for properties in Barcelona, given the city's allure.

Step 2: Purchase and Documentation

Complete the property purchase and gather the necessary documentation, including proof of investment, background checks, and health insurance. This phase requires meticulous attention to detail.

Step 3: Application Submission

Submit your application to the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country. This step involves filling out the necessary forms and providing the required documentation.

Step 4: Residence Authorization

Upon approval, you'll receive a residence authorization that allows you to reside in Spain for one year. During this period, you can make the most of your investment and experience life in Spain.

Step 5: Renewal and Beyond

After the initial year, you can renew your visa, eventually leading to permanent residency and the possibility of Spanish citizenship. Spain welcomes you to become an integral part of its rich tapestry.

Chapter 8: Tips for a Successful Spanish Golden Visa Journey

As you embark on your journey to obtain the Spanish Golden Visa through real estate investment, consider these tips for a smoother and more successful experience:

1. 1. 1. Consult with Experts: Seek guidance from real estate professionals and legal experts who specialize in the Spanish Golden Visa.
      2. Research Property Carefully: Thoroughly research the property you intend to purchase and ensure it meets the investment criteria.
      3. Plan Your Finances: Have a clear financial plan to ensure you can comfortably meet the investment requirements.
      4. Be Diligent with Documentation: Pay meticulous attention to documentation, background checks, and health insurance to avoid delays in the application process.
      5. Embrace the Spanish Lifestyle: Immerse yourself in the local culture and community to fully enjoy your time in Spain.

Chapter 9: Conclusion

The Spanish Golden Visa is a gateway to a world of opportunities, offering you the chance to call Spain home while securing your family's future. With its simple application process, stunning real estate options, and a wealth of benefits, it's no wonder this program is coveted by investors worldwide. Barcelona, with its real estate gems and rich culture, stands out as an ideal destination for this exciting journey. Unlock the Spanish Golden Visa, and make your dream of Spanish residency a reality. Here at SuiteLife, we have helped 100's of clients purchase a property in Spain as part of their golden visa process. If you have any questions at all, we'd love to chat with you, to answer your questions, give you free advice, and guide you on your adventure!

How to negotiate when buying a property in Spain - 12 Tips from a Professional Home Buyer

Buying a property in Barcelona, for international and expat investors, can sometimes seem like a jungle or the Wild West. There is probably a lot less regulation and transparency than what you are used to. 

So you’re thinking about buying a home in Barcelona. Would you like to make sure you use the best negotiation tactics in order to squeeze the most value out of your hard earned money? Then this guide should provide you an excellent overview of how to do that.  

My name is Benny, and for 15 years I’ve been helping my clients buy and sell apartments in Barcelona and Spain. 

My most popular service is called Real Estate Personal Shopper, where I guide our clients through the whole process so they find the property of their dreams at the best price possible, and save time, money, and potentially costly mistakes. A safe and clean buy is of the utmost importance to our clients. 

Here is the most valuable advice I can give you on how to negotiate the purchase price of property in Barcelona and in Spain in general: 

1. Arm yourself with market info, comps, etc..: 

Appraising a property in Spain is more of an inexact art than a science and many times the property you like will be inaccurately priced. It helps to run some numbers in order to better defend your offer.  

The more you can defend your offer, the stronger your negotiation will be. 

You want to know how many days the property has been on the market.

Find comparable properties listed at lower prices.

Find prices of actual recent sales in the same building or on the same street in the registry (something we have access to for our clients). Armed with all of this you’ll have a much stronger position.

Also remember, many times properties are priced by taking the average price per m2 and multiplying it by the number of m2 the property has. However, from the perspective of an investor, you want to look at the potential rental yield and reverse engineer the final price in relation to the expected ROI you want to receive (approx 5% gross is good). Sometimes mocking up these ‘investor’ numbers will give you a lower price point and an intriguing defence to make a more aggressive offer.   

2. Use any improvements the property might need to bargain:

Try and stay away from a common but not very effective way of negotiating, which is listing your personally perceived faults of the property. Meaning, “I’m offering X because there are only 3 rooms instead of 4 and I really wanted something with 15m2 more space, and there’s not that much natural light…so it’s not really my perfect flat”. 

The flat is what it is, and in my experience this type of strategy both offends the seller and is not very effective. 

Instead, look for valid things that you might need to invest into the property. There might be building works that need to be done in the future. The flat might have outdated systems or installations. The bathroom and kitchen might be dated. 

3. D D DILIGENCE:

Doing due diligence is of the utmost importance when buying a property in Barcelona. First, in order to see if there are any problems that will cost you money in the future and/or make the deal not as interesting to you. Secondly, info we get from diligence can often be used to further negotiate the purchase price. 

Some of the things you want to look into are: 

- That the property has all of it’s documentation in order like the ‘cedula de habitabilidad’ (zoning permit). 

- That the building has passed it’s ITE (technical inspection). That there aren’t costly future works that need to be done (those will eventually be partly paid by you).

- That there isn’t an ‘affectation’ of the building in the city’s urban planning. This can be a very serious problem for several reasons. Many buildings in Barcelona are marked with these zoning issues. Theoretically they could one day be torn down by the government. The property owners are forced to sell at a government set price.

- It’s good to see the last few minutes or ‘actas’ from the community meetings to see in general what is going on and if there are debts by other owners in the building and if there are future costs or ‘derramas’ planned. 

- The ‘nota simple’, which is the updated record of the flat in the registry, which will show you wether the flat has any debts against it, what type, etc…

The more info you have the stronger your potential bargaining position will be, but you need to know how to use this info in your favor.

4. Play it cool: 

This might seem obvious but I think it’s worth mentioning. I’ve seen clients fall in love and start giddily praising the property and everything about it with stars in their eyes. Needles to say, that doesn’t really help you in terms of negotiating a price. 

When you find the right property you usually know right away, it’s sort of a gut feeling. 

But if this happens to you, you should play it cool, don’t let on that you just found “THE one”. You don’t have to be aloof. Play it cool. Let them know it could be an option and that you have other options to see. This will help you setup a more effective roadmap for negotiating the price.  

5. Slow and steady does NOT win the race:

You should do all the preparation before hand so when you see the flat you like you can act quickly. Having a reserve payment ready to send with the reserve offer sheet for example. 

Where you can find a lot of bargaining power is if you’re either a cash buyer (not using financing). Or if you have a pre-approval on your financing. Venders are often interested in a ‘fast close’ and the faster you can close the more leverage you’ll have. You might say “I’m able to pay 80% of the asking price, but we’ll be signing in notary and you’ll have the full amount in 7 days”. Not always, but sometimes that really moves the needle. 

6. More deposit = more interesting:

Not everyone can buy a property without financing in cash. One thing you can do that is effective is to offer a higher deposit or ‘arras’ payment. “I’m able to pay 80% of the asking price. However I'll be able to pay you 15-20% in the arras contract (the standard arras payment is 10%). We’ve found this works well because venders are motivated by getting more of the total price up front. Of course this also depends how motivated they are in general to sell.  

Which leads us to our next advice…

7. Determine motivation as much as possible:

Why is the vendor selling? Did they just buy a new home and need to sell this one? Are they getting divorced? Is it an inheritance between siblings the they want to liquidate asap? How long has the property been on the market? How many price reductions has it had? Have there been other offers? If so why were they not accepted?

The more you can play detective and find the answers to these questions the better you’ll be able to gage how motivated (read desperate) the vender is to sell and hence how much you can push on a price reduction. 

Asking polite but direct questions to the listing agent can often get you quite a bit of info. In the end, he or she is trying to close a sale. Often they are surprisingly forthcoming with info to facilitate this end. 

8. Your actual offer: 

How much margin there will actually be depends on quite a few factors. As a very general guideline, a 5-10% offer under ask is aggressive but reasonable. Especially if you can back it up with the right arguments and strategy. Of course how hot the property is, how long it’s been on the market, and the vender’s actual level of motivation will also come into play. 

Throwing out low ball offers doesn’t tend to work too well and can be counter productive in Spain. You run the risk of offending the vendor and having them not take you seriously or doubt your credibility.

Of course sometimes a price seems almost too good, and there are instances when this is the case. Usually it is the result of a very motivated vendor. If you analyse a deal and the price seems great, you can actually lose it by making any offer under asking. Sometimes it’s even worth putting in a very slightly higher offer in order to get a leg up on the competition and jump to the front of the line. 

9. Set a firm limit with the agent:

This might seam obvious but set a firm limit with the listing agent. They will feel they have gotten you to your best offer. Now they will work on bringing the owner down. Always in that order, though, because it's the vendor that pays them. 

10. Use a buyers agent to avoid conflict of interest: 

There are quite a few factors working against you when looking to buy a property in Barcelona. Not having proper representation is where we see buyers lose the most money. A real estate buyer's agent, or real estate personal shopper, as we call our service, takes away the inherent conflict of interest in the Spanish market, and ensures that you have a professional looking out only for your best interests. Simply put, it will save you time, money and costly mistakes.

11. What's the bottom line?:

Ask the listing agent for what they think the sellers bottom line might be.

I know this must seem counter-intuitive. I mean, who's going to tell you that?

They probably shouldn’t give up this info but you'd be surprised at how often they do so.  In the end the listing agent is trying to make a sale and get their commission. They often will let you know at least a range of the lowest the vendor will go. 

12. Make the right initial offer:

Your first offer will set the basis for the negotiation. Depending on the a milieu of things, your starting offer should be substantial. At the same time though it should be realistic and not offensive to the vender. 

I really hope I've given you some deeper perspective on purchasing a property and the best ways to negotiate in Barcelona and Spain in general. I'd love to hear your feedback in the comments or if there are tactics you think I should add. Have you had good luck in negotiating when you've bought property in Barcelona? If you'd like some free Spanish real estate advice I'd love to hear from you any time at benny @ suitelife dot com or text/whatsapp @ +34 615 38 47 45! ~Benny Mouckley

SO WHAT IS THIS REAL ESTATE PERSONAL SHOPPING SERVICE?

Hi! I'm Benny, and I'm a real estate personal shopper, or buyer's agent.

I've been in real estate in Barcelona for over 15 years now and I've done it all. Rentals, sales, investments, golden visas, buildings, hotels, you name it...

My biggest passion though, is helping my clients buy properties in Barcelona and Spain.

You see, in Spain, there is usually only one agent involved in a sales deal, and although they are supposed to be 'intermediating', they get paid by the seller...

This is a HUGE conflict of interest. They will never fight for the best deal for you, the buyer.

They want to nudge both sides to the middle, push the deal through, grab their commission and run.

THIS IS WHAT A REAL ESTATE PERSONAL SHOPPER DOES, AND WHY IT WILL SAVE YOU MONEY AND YOUR SANITY

We act as your exclusive real estate buyer’s agent, guiding you on your journey from start finish, to make sure you find your ideal property, at the best price possible, and that you make your purchase safely without any costly surprises or mistakes.

SOME OF WHAT THE SERVICE PROVIDES:

👂🏻 Initial meeting where we dive deeply into your needs, give you feedback, and establish exactly what you’re looking for, as well as answer any questions you might have about anything about the process and requirements to buy.

🏘️ Extensive and exhaustive property search. We have access to the entire Barcelona market, as well as tools which give us inside info on properties. This way you’ll never miss an opportunity, we have everything that exists on our radar.

👀 Property visits. We will take care of all the logistics of setting up visits for you as well as accompanying you on the visits, acting as your eyes and ears, asking critical questions, taking videos for you for future reference, etc...

📊 Analysing. We’ll help you analyse each of the properties we see in a way that’s customised to your needs, situation and desires to help you make the best choice.

🩻 Diligence. One of the most important steps, we’ll do all the diligence for you looking deeply into the property’s situation legally, urbanistically, and in terms of potential future community costs in order to help you avoid a potentially costly future situation, and to give you more ammunition when negotiating.

💶 Negotiation. We have years of experience in buying property in Barcelona and know all the best strategies and leverage points in order to make sure you get your dream property at the lowest price possible.

⌚️ 24/7 access to us. We are simply always available to you.

JUST SOME OF THE BENEFITS:

⏳ Your time is precious. We save our clients literally 100’s of hours in each of their journeys, doing all the hard and tedious work for them so they don’t have to. This is a big project that requires countless hours of dedication in order to achieve the best results, but for our clients, they experience it as fun and pleasurable as if they were shopping with a friend.

👫🏻 0 conflict of interest. The way the market is here, there is usually only one agent (who get’s paid by the seller btw) between both sides, and this is an inherent conflict of interest, which always ends up costing you money. We help you buy as if we were buying the property for ourselves.

🤓 An expert on your side. With a deal this big there are many moving parts that need to come together, and having an expert on your side, who’s been doing this for 15 years, always makes the operation more profitable for you.

🤯 Costly potential mistakes. We offer you peace of mind. The market here is not as regulated as you might be used to. There are issues areas that, if not looked into properly, will not be declared to you and will often represent unseen future costs and worries, affecting your investment and happiness. We make save you these future costs.

THE COST:

As we work tirelessly and exclusively for the buyer there is of course a cost for our service, which is a small percentage of the final purchase price of the property. However, what we see with all of our clients, is that the amount of value that we provide them in terms of time and aggravation saved, providing expertise in negotiation, and avoiding potentially costly mistakes, we always save our clients considerably more than they pay us.

On top of that, it makes the whole process extremely enjoyable. It feels like shopping with a friend, but if your friend was an expert and shark. We always end up becoming friends with our clients and finding them their dream property.

If you'd like to know more about what we do and if we can help you, or just chat and get some free real estate advice, we'd be super happy to hear from you!

Cheers,

Benny

Hi there! I'm Benny, and I'm an expert on real estate in the Dominican Republic as well as Spain.

Real estate is one of the best investments around, am I right?

But we usually look for real estate investments in our own country or region as they seem more familiar.

If you’re looking to maximise your profitability though, I find that looking internationally is the way to go.

Real estate in the Dominican Republic is exploding right now, with no signs of stopping. Here is why you should be looking right now to buy new build investment properties there:

Why to Invest in Real Estate in the Dominican Republic Reason #1: Strong Covid Rebound

The New York Times says that the DR is “a rare pandemic success story… In 2021 the DR surpassed 5 million tourists, more than any other Caribbean destination… and had its best year economically in 30 years”.

Tourist numbers have not only recovered from pre-Covid, they are trending up and breaking records. February 2022 for example set a record with almost 600.000 tourists coming to the DR. Their goal is to have over 7 million tourists in 2022.

Making this all possible is a government system that both has very lax Covid controls for its visitors but at the same time 100% vaccination of its tourism industry workers.

Why to Invest in Real Estate in the Dominican Republic Reason #2: Your money goes further in the DR

This is obviously relative to where you live but I live in Barcelona, Spain. Here, 100 to 150 thousand USD wouldn’t even get you a breadbox. A nice new well located property for that money is out of the question.

When talking about real estate in the Dominican Republic though, for roughly 100 - 150 thousand US Dollars, you can get a brand new 2 bed 2 bath property by the beach in Punta Cana with as many amenities as you can dream up. And while you’re not using the property to vacation it can be rented on touristic sites like Airbnb and be making you passive income.

Which leads us to our next point.

Why You Must Buy Real Estate in the Dominican Republic Reason #3: Higher profitability

Buying property in the Dominican Republic is so profitable for a few reasons.

If you buy properly you can expect to pay both 0% land transfer tax (that tax is 10% of the purchase price in Spain for example) and 0% property taxes over the first 15 years.

The ratio of the purchase price to the potential rental yield and capital appreciation is very significant. Think about it, you’re paying a relatively very low price for the quality of the property you’re getting, but at the same time the tourists you’re catering to are mostly from Canada, the USA, and Europe and are happily paying the type of rates they are used to in their countries.

If purchased and managed properly, you can expect to yield up to 15% annually on the rental income as well as a minimum of 7% anual capital appreciation if you get into a good project early enough.

Why to Buy Property in the Dominican Republic Reason #4: Tax incentives

I’ve touched on this but the tax conditions when buying real estate in the Dominican Republic are very interesting. The government has made an aggressive effort to attract foreign investment and it’s clearly working and has been a driving force to their accelerated economic growth.

If you buy a property that is part of a special government program call “Confortur” you can expect that many of your initial closing costs and tax obligations to be diminished or scratched.

If you do some more investigation and with the help of a professional setup a Dominican LLC and offshore accounts, you can even further enhance your bottom line.

5. Why Not to Wait to Buy Real Estate in the DR #5: The Golden Visa

The Dominican Republic has a very attractive residency by investment program where if you invest just 200.000 USD, you qualify to receive permanent residency in the country. So for people looking for permanent residence somewhere else, or fiscal residency, this is a very low barrier to entry.

After only 2 years of permanent residency you will qualify for citizenship as well. The DR allows dual citizenship so you don’t need to give up your existing one.

6. Why Not to Wait to Buy Real Estate in the Dominican Republic #6: You Can Vacation at Your Property Whenever You'd Like

What’s better than having a gorgeous and highly profitable income property in the Caribbean?

Being able to book it any time you want and enjoy your own vacation! You get total flexibility to stay in your home whenever you want and of course you greatly reduce the cost of your trip as you only need to pay for flights and not hotels.

Reason #7 Why to Buy Real Estate in the Dominican Republic Right Now: Crazy growing economy and top quality tourism

The Dominican Republic is the biggest economy in the Caribbean and one of the fastest growing in Latin America.

They’re really doing everything right.

The country is gorgeous with its plentiful natural beauty and turquoise warm seas with white sandy beaches. It oozes culture.

It’s safe. The people are warm and friendly and speak English. It’s politically very stable and always has been. And there is just so much to see and do.

Well, that’s it for now!

If you’d like more information or are interested in investing, I would love to hear from you and have a chat about how I can help you. My company, SuiteLife, has just signed on to be brokers for one of the most exciting and recognised new build developments in Punta Cana. The properties are selling quickly but there is still time to get in on the 'ground floor' so to speak. If at the very least I can answer any of your questions or just give you some friendly free real estate advice, I'd be happy to do so.

Benny Mouckley - benny@suitelife.com - Whatsapp +34 615 38 47 45

You are from the US and you are looking for a place which reminds you of home? You want to escape the Spanish food and have some good ol' comfort food? Or do you just want to drink a couple of beers and enjoy a NFL or NBA game with your friends? Well, lucky you! Because we found the perfect place for you to go to! CocoVail Beer Hall in Barcelona!

CocoVail Beer Hall was founded in August 2016 in Barcelona by two friends named Andrés and Toni. Both of them are originally from Barcelona and spend 8 years of living in the USA from 2007 to 2015. After meeting their two friends from Argentina und visiting their beer garden „Brüder“ in Argentina, Andrés and Toni started to follow their dream to create their own beer hall. Therefore, they traveled among the US to get inspired and collected materials in all the different breweries, beer halls, beer gardens and brewpubs.  In 2015, the two all-time friends returned back home to Barcelona to stop dreaming and to start accomplishing. In order to this, in 2016, they bought an old textile factory from the 18th century and transformed it into the first Beer Hall in Barcelona! It is now the most authentic American restaurant which you will find in the city, serving the typical pitcher filled with iced tab water and broadcasting any live games from NFL, NBA to college basketball.

#feelathome

Besides the amazing „beach culture“ that you will experience when entering CocoVail Beer Hall, you will find amazing food. Ugh, the Food! (I can feel the water running in my mouth) There is something to find for everyone and every taste, trust me. You can choose between different kinds of starters like fries, nachos, braves and different kinds of wings, burgers, sandwiches and pokes. BUT. We can highly recommend the wings which they serve. They are just amazing and if you are craving for wings, since good wings are hard to find in Barcelona, than that’s your place to go to! Because here you can get them marinated with 16 different kinds of sauces from the good old classics like buffalo, bbq and teriyaki to exotic marinated ones like glazed orange, Caribbean jerk, garlic parmesan and many many more! If you are at least two really hungry people than go with the two kilos of wings to share option, because there you can get up to 4 different sauces which are included in the price! Our favorites are by far buffalo and honey bbq! Hungry yet? Well I didn’t even tell you the best part of the wings! Because you probably know that there are 2 different kinds of wings, right? The ones with two bones in it, which have less meat and are really nasty to eat and then the good ones with just one bone and a lot of meat. So guess what, at CocoVail they only serve the good ones with just one bone, the „drumsticks“. One more reason to go there! These pictures just below are enough to get us drooling!

Okay that was a big talk about wings and meat. But don’t worry, they serve vegetarian and vegan food as well! For example the vegetarian burger as seen below with caramelized onions and guacamole. So there is definitely something for everyone as I already mentioned above.
But it is not called CocoVail Beer Hall for no reason! They offer over 24 different kinds of craft beer where 90% of those 24 kinds are Catalan beer to support the local and regional beer scene. So, if it is all about drinking beer, watching a NFL game and having a great time with your friends, then I would suggest you to go there on a Sunday evening. Because Sundays are the NFL Sundays which means that you can watch live games broadcast and NFL Red Zone all night! There is also a beer special on those Sundays where you only pay 5€ for a pint of any kind of the 24 craft beers or 15€ for a pitcher of Pilsner. 
But you are not a big fan of beer? Don’t worry! CocoVail has many more events running during the week where you can catch the best deals! Mondays are all about wings with their „Lord of the Wings“ special from 7 to 10pm where you can get 50cent wings! On Tuesdays you can get shots for 2€ or mixers for 4€ between 11pm and 3am because its college night! Wednesdays are more for the wine lovers, since ANY bottle of wine is just 10€. ANY shot for 2€ and sex on the beach for 4€ is what you will get on those thirsty Thursdays at CocoVail. 
Sounds like a good week to me! As you can see, CocoVail Beer Hall is the perfect place for lunch, dinner, cocktails, relaxing evenings with NFL and boradgames and much more, so don't hesitate and check it out and let us know what you think of it!  Cheers Katja 

Catalunya is a fascinating region that offers beautiful historical and natural sites so if you live in Barcelona you must plan every now and then a day trip to visit those wonderful places. Today, for our day trip from Barcelona we take you to Tarragona, back to Ancient times !

Walking on the Roman footsteps

Just one hour away from Barcelona, Tarragona was founded before the 5^TH century BC by the Romans and first called Tarraco. During the Roman Republic, the city was fortified and much enlarged to be converted into a fortress and arsenal against the Carthaginians. The Roman ruins seem to whisper old tales, creating a very unique atmosphere. The first site we visited was the impressive UNESCO listed Roman Amphitheatre. Facing the sea and illuminated by the sun, it used to welcome 15 000 spectators. Its good conservation status allows you to imagine the spectators roaring for blood during the gladiator battles, grrr !
The city also had a centrally located circus of which you can see some well-preserved remains. The Praetorium is a Roman tower that used to have the stairs that connected the lower city to the provincial forum by way of the circus, using underground passageways.
We got up onto the original Roman walls and took a tour of the ramparts where we had a beautiful view on the west side of the city.  To complete your visit, we advise you to go to the National Archaeological museum which has a rich assortment of Roman sculpture, ceramics, clothing, coin and  everyday household items.

The spiritual heart of the city

The Cathedral of Santa Maria, currently a catholic church is located in a site previously occupied by a Temple dedicated to Augustus. Crowning on the highest point of the city, the place is worth to visit. The main facade shows the Gothic style, with a very large rose window that is very beautiful. The inside is even more stunning, especially the Romanesque style cloister that left us with our jaws on the floor. Then you must go on the top of the cathedral to overlook the whole city.

Put down the maps !

After visiting Tarragona Cathedral we decided to put down the maps and get lost in the labyrinth of alleyways, Roman ruins and artisan shops. The old center is romantic and lovely with its colored modernist buildings and decrepit ones, the mixt of different architecture periods gives an incredible charm to the city.
Don’t miss the Pilon’s Street where the pilon are painted in different funny ways! There are plenty of bars and restaurants where you can sit and enjoy very good Catalan dishes. But if you feel like eating fresh fish, you must go to Serallo, the former fishery district where there are restaurants offering tasty fish dishes.

Sunbathe

Tarragona is surrounded by beautiful beaches, so prepare your sunscreen! Platja Arrabassada is the closest to the city center, a 5 minute bus ride or a 30 minute stroll. We advise you Platja Larga , where there is a long sandy stretch from which you can begin a forest coastal walk through the El Bosque de la Marquesa , to join secluded beaches such as the famous Waikiki beach.
If you have time, located 4 km north of the city, the Les Ferreres Aqueduct, is another worth to see Roman ruins, listed in the UNESCO World Heritage. Nicknamed “Pont del Diable” (Devil’s bridge), the  legend says it was built by the devil after he won the soul of a maiden in a bet.

How to get there ?

It’s very easy to get to Tarragona from Barcelona. We took the RENFE train from Barcelona Sants Estacio and we arrived in Tarragona one hour later. The cost is between €8 and €20 depending on what time you travel. Of course you can also drive there by car or take the bus, it’s up to you ! We hope that this article made you want to visit this wonderful city and we would be glad to hear about your day trip experience ! If you have any questions or comments we’d love to hear from you in the comments!

Coworking in Barcelona has gone viral just as it has all around the world and Ciutat Condal just couldn’t avoid this phenomenon. Used by entrepreneurs, work-at-home professionals, or people who travel a lot, coworking promotes a great sense of community and sharing, let’s understand this new way of work!

What is coworking ?

Coworking spaces gather people, who are normally self-employed or working for different small businesses, in the same office or work place, designed to provide a productive and collaborative environment. Workers share the whole infrastructure, the equipment and the costs. But coworking is also and mostly about belonging to a community of workers, who have the same values, the same vision of work. It is a place to meet people, to come up with new ideas, the share knowledge and experiences.

Some History

Bernie de Koven, an American game designer and author, was the first one to use the term  “coworking” in 1999 to describe and analyze the new collaborative work methods in Germany. Actually, coworking is not a new concept! It already existed under different forms, the oldest one going back to the Renaissance, when Italian painting workshops used to gather different artists, like Leonardo Da Vinci or Sandro Botticelli, to share new artistic technics and knowledge. The first modern form of coworking space appeared in Berlin in 1995 with the C-Base, a community of computer engineers who set up an informal “hackerspace” for collaborative working. Although this early space contained some of the basic elements of coworking, the idea would not take full shape until 2005, when Brad Neuberg opened the first coworking space in San Francisco. The place proposed a mixture of desk space, shared lunches and events such as bike rides and group meditation. Sillicon Valley took up the idea a few years later, and since then coworking spaces have been popping up all around the world, and our beautiful city seems to have a new one each week. The number of coworking spaces is growing fast. According to DeskMag, in 2017 there were 13 800 spaces worldwide, compared to 11 300 in 2016, and these spaces have gathered more than one million members. In addition, coworking spaces are becoming more profitable, which shows brighter prospects for the future.

Advantages and disadvantages

Perhaps the most appealing aspect of coworking is the creative environment and the sense of community from like-minded professionals. The place is thought and designed to improve the efficiency and productivity of workers in a laidback atmosphere. If you work at home and feel isolated or not focused, then coworking places are the best solution. Another huge benefit is the potential for networking. The people that you meet at a coworking space could be looking for your kind of work and/or they could be great resources down the road. Of course one of the downsides is it’s not free, but it’s still cheaper than renting your own office and you can find more flexibility, paying a month fee.  Another negative point is you might have the same distractions as you would when working at an office: interruptions from others, noise, and less privacy. To choose the best suited coworking place to your way of working you must consider two major aspects. First the accessibility: your coworking space has to match with your work schedule, with your budget and it has to be in a convenient location for you. Second, the community : it has to gather people who share the same values, who feel like sharing their experience and support other worker.

Coliving : when the concept goes further

The concept of coworking has inspired a new one:  the coliving. It means any shared housing designed to support a purpose-driven life, a modern and sustainable urban lifestyle that values openness, sharing and collaboration. To explain you, it is like sharing a house with other people who have a common interest to collaboratively and efficiently manage and share resources, coordinate activities and strengthen social relations. These shared houses are also designed to offer a great and serious place to work. The purpose is to create a home environment that inspires and empowers its residents to be active creators and participants in the world around them. Coliving seduces in general freelancers, self-employed, people who set up their startup, or young workers who are looking for flexibility and networking. Shared houses offer a lot of benefits like coworking spaces, workshops and activities (excursions, sports, etc) to create a real and lively community. Many of them don’t require a long term lease, you can chose to stay either a week, or month or more, which doesn’t hinder worker mobility. There are more and more companies that work in this new niche market. For instance you have the platforms Welive in New York,  or Coworkation and A Landing Pad in Barcelona which propose to find your community.  More than an opportunity for the real estate sector, the coliving represents a new vision of private/professional life, which philosophy is  “sharing and communion”.

Find your coworking space

La Vaca Coworking
Carrer de la Creu dels Molers, 19, 08004 Barcelona La Vaca was a former dairy shop turned into an original coworking space where you can find a café-chill vibes and many different work spots adapted to your way of working. The community  gathers many freelancers, startups and digital nomads and organizes weekly activities like Afterworks, “Paella Day” … etc to strengthen bounds and create the best atmosphere to work! Cahoot Coworking
Carrer de Floridablanca, 92, 08003 Barcelona Cahoot is located in Sant Antoni in a newly and well redesigned industrial space. They provide you all the equipment and tools to feel comfortable and focus at work while having fun with your co-workers. It is also a strong community of workers that value innovation, empowerment and giving back, organizing many events to cultivate this philosophy. Of course there are many other coworking spaces in Barcelona, and it can be hard to find the suited one. That is why we propose you a list of different places with pictures and description to help you in your research. Just check out The Best Co-Working Spaces in Barcelona We hope that this article helped you to better understand this phenomenon and we would be glad to know your opinion on the subject ! If you have any questions or comments we’d love to hear from you in the comments!

Christmas in Barcelona 2018

Christmas 2018 is here and Barcelona has plenty to offer during this exciting time of the year. Traditionally, Christmas in Barcelona is celebrated in style as locals and visitors love to enjoy a magical and authentic atmosphere. However, if you are expecting crazy cold weather and a lot of snow, you might get upset. Barcelona has actually very pleasant temperature that serves well to those, who do struggle with cold weather. Still, don't worry, despite the weather not being so “Xmassy” Barcelona substitutes that with many amazing events and things to do that will certainly make you remember Christmas in Barcelona like in no other place. However, if you are looking for some tips where to dine, we got your back- check traditional dining places during Christmas in Barcelona.

In nutshell, this article will help you find something to do in Barcelona during Christmas time without you extensively researching online. We going to introduce you to the best Christmas markets, Christmas fiestas, concerts and activities you or families with kids will enjoy greatly. So, sit down, get a cup of your favourite hot drink and let's get going.

Christmas Markets

Christmas markets in Barcelona undoubtedly fit in perfectly with the whole atmosphere of Christmas. Luckily, Barcelona has a plenty to offer and is well suited for every visitor, just choose the one you feel that will be most enjoyable for you. Here are the options:

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christmas in Barcelona 2018[/caption]

Fira de Santa Llúcia 

This is a very traditional market for celebrating Christmas in Barcelona. The beginning dates back to the late 18th century and nowadays this Christmas market is a must see as it offers around 300 stalls full of possible Christmas gifts. You can find here handmade jewellery, toys, clothes, scarves or puppets. On the top of that, you can discover at the same time Christmas trees, moss, candies, and crafts of Christmas decoration. Plus Fira de Santa Llúcia is very family friendly as you can find Tio de Nadal ( Christmas log) full of presents for the children. This Christmas market is great and easy to visit as it is located next to Barcelona Cathedral, so you might as well take both at the same time!

This market opens gates on 30th November to 23 December from 11:00 until 20:30

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winter market[/caption]

Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Familia

Another great place to celebrate Christmas in Barcelona. This Christmas market is located right next to Sagrada Familia so it would not be a bad idea to visit this market if you looking to see the mighty art piece of Gaudí. Other than convenient location, this Christmas market has plenty to offer such as Christmas trees, jewellery, sweets, craft products or Christmas decoration.

The market starts in late November till early December.

Fira de Reis la Gran Via 

One more tip for an amazing place to try if you looking for some more Christmas in Barcelona. Located around Gran Via is one of the old, traditional Christmas markets, that originates in the 19th century. What you can find here? Simply put plenty of inspiration for the Christmas gifts. You can get here anything from toys, handcrafts and food. When it comes to food, make sure you try the Churrerias stalls with churros. We are sure, you will able to smell it from far away! Maybe you can get it with hot chocolate, but we leave it to your imagination. Another important info you need to know about this Christmas market is the best visiting days. These two are  St. Stephen’s Day on 26th of December and evening of Reis from 5th to 6th of January.

You can enjoy this festival from 20th December to 6th January.

Three Kings Parade  (Arribada dels Reis Mags a Barcelona)

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Three Kings[/caption]

Fabulous show for everyone. There is not a better way to reinforce Christmas in Barcelona other than with the arrival of three kings to the centre of Barcelona during the evening on 5th of January.  You have to get ready for the great show and arrival of three kings in fashion. This is a perfect opportunity to take out your friends, family, kids or partner.

The program starts at 4:30 pm and the whole show finishes at around 9:00 pm.  The whole event is hosted in Moll Bosch I Alsina,2 in Ciutat Vella.

Ice Rink 

We already talked about the weather at Christmas in Barcelona. However, there is always a way to get that more traditional Christmas feeling here in Barcelona. Ice skating might be the one activity you have been craving for. To try it out, you need to go to  Roger de flor 168 in Barcelona, where you can find an indoor rink, which is the home ground of the Barcelona team. For those who never tried and want to learn this rink offers ice skating lessons and school. You can find opening hours and prices on ice skating centre website.

Nadal als Museus

These are exciting events in Barcelona to bring Christmas to all . Nadal als Museus runs throughout the city. What you can expect is a manifestation of Christmas in various interactive and engaging ways. These events are designed for everyone of any age. Just to give a better understanding, you can look forward to things, such as Christmas cinema, children’s workshops, Christmas markets, performances, Christmas stalls, live music and others. These events start just before Christmas. Here is a list of some of them:

Tió de Nadal

Where: Moll Espanya, 7 :Ciutat Vella

When: From 22/12/2018 to 24/12/2018.

Nadal al Poble Espanyol

Where: Poble Espanyol de Montjuïc

When: From 06/12/2018 to 29/12/2018.

Cercavila 'La Carassa de Nadal'

Where: Diversos carrers de Ciutat Vella

When: From 01/12/2018 to 23/12/2018.

City of Dreams for kids (Ciutat de Somnis)

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dreamland for kids[/caption]

Specially designed for kids.  The dreamland, where limits are created by the child’s imagination. This one is a truly must visit if you have a young one at home. This event is best for kids aged between 4-12 years of age and their families. City of dreams gets over 100,000 visitors and has around 170 activities, which will for sure keep your little ones fully occupied. Your kids can get all excited about pirate ship crews, turning into policeman or firefighters, lego constructing, painting workshops, costume workshops or driving special kids’ motorbikes. Pretty awesome ?! That is just a glimpse of what you can actually do! So if you want to really give your child a great gift. This is an amazing tip for an amazing family day full of adventure.

This event is held at Fira de Barcelona - Montjuïc from 27 December to 31 December.

Concerts and carol signing

Concert "Barcelona Christmas Gala"

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Christman in Barcelona 2018: Gala concert[/caption]

This an event for true Christmas lovers. During the magical night of this concert, you will be able to hear all the biggest Christmas hits and carol out there. "O Holy Night", "Feliz Navidad", "White Christmas" or even classic songs from artists such as Mozart or Bach.  

Barcelona Christmas Gala is taking place at C Palau de la Música, 2: Ciutat Vella on 19 of December 2018. The tickets for this concert are still available starting at 28 euros.

Teatre "Nadales"

Carol singing. What a better of celebrating Christmas in Barcelona than to come and sing along with the live band some traditional Christmas carols we all know.  Certainly Christmas in Barcelona will resonate in all the visitors' ears. Just get your voices ready! Teatre "Nadales" is taking place at Teatre El Maldà from 18.12.2018 till 22.01.2019.

Nadal al Tren de l'Oreneta

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Santa train[/caption]

Especially for kids and families!!!

Do you want to join a Santa on his train ride !?

Santa Claus will be visiting Barcelona. Yes, he made it and he is coming with his train too! Best thing is you can join him along and get maybe candy or two and signing some carols. The train operates from  25/11/2018 to 30/12/2018 put only certain days. 

Bottom Line

Christmas in Barcelona is a very exciting time and it is very hard to be bored in this city. As we presented for you, there are many markets, workshops, concerts, food stalls and even more to choose from. The only question is how much time do you have to try as many things as possible. It is your chance to explore now!

The whole team of SuiteLife wishes you Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

For a couple years now we have heard about the fight Barcelona vs Airbnb, in which the city tries to curb negative effects of a perceived tourism boom, attacking the famous home-sharing platform. What does it involve? Let us explain you all about this huge issue !

Why Barcelona fights against mass tourism ?

Barcelona is a 1.6 million resident city and receives every year around 30 million visitors and about half of them are day-trippers. The city is a victim of its own success: tourists are attracted by the sun, the beach, Spanish culture, nightlife and cheap prices especially compared to cities such as Paris or London. This is the result after 25 years of relentless promotion of the city as a tourist destination post Olympics. Moreover, low-cost flights, as well as the popularization of home-sharing platforms such as AirBnb and Homeaway, which tend to be cheaper and more convenient than hotels, have definitely contributed to the growing number of sightseers. Of course visitors bring in a huge amount of money which makes the tourist industry one of the cornerstones of the city’s economy. But their excessive and unsustainable number impacts the daily life of local residents.
Indeed the massive upsurge in tourist apartments is driving rents up and residents out. Some investors have begun to speculate and buy entire buildings – some where families have lived for decades – to take advantage of this flourishing industry. Landlords are seeing an opportunity to gain up to four times as much as they would for renting to long-term local tenants. As a consequence, those who live and work here find less housing available and increased rents which raised by 16.5 per cent in 2016 by the way. When you take a walk on Barcelona’s streets you can notice some angry graffiti on the walls: “tourists go home”, “Stop destroying our lives!” or “Tourists you are the  terrorist”. This anger follows up the increase in rental prices but also daily inconveniences. Many residents, especially in the city center, are kept awake by badly behaved visitors, and increasingly find their local shops and bars taken over by gift shops and coffee chains. Not only that, tourism impacts the cost of living, making it more expensive to buy food, clothes etc without seeing any increase in wages.
As a results, it has become a major concern for locals : in a survey carried out by the city council in October 2017, residents see tourism as the second biggest problem after unemployment. Despite some demonstrations, locals know that tourism is positive for the city economy but many think it must be further regulated.

How Barcelona cracks down on illegal holiday flats?

The city council has acknowledged the situation and taken measures to try and contain it. It wants to create a new model that encourages sustainable tourism and benefits all local people, while preserving the traditional features of Barcelona’s old neighborhoods. In that purpose, the local government created a tourist tax applied to accommodation for spending the night in the city and have stopped, since 2015, the licensing and building of new hotels, hostels and touristic apartments. Since 2017, the special urbanism plan for tourism (PEUAT)  has restricted the licensing of tourist accommodation depending on the area to distribute tourists more evenly throughout the city and decongest the most overcrowded neighborhoods.
Barcelona focuses its efforts on cracking down on the illegal, unlicensed flats, that popped up all over the city.  And Airbnb, the dominant home-sharing platform, is in the eye of the storm, although not the only offender. In 2016, Airbnb was hit with a €600,000 fine for listing unlicensed apartments, following a more modest €30,000 fine the year before (that same fine was also levied against HomeAway). In May 2018 the city asked again Airbnb to remove 2,577 unlicensed listings or face a court case potentially leading to another substantial fine. They finally found an agreement whereby Airbnb gives Barcelona officials access to data about what’s being listed around town. The city officials are now able to refer to host data that details specifically where unlicensed apartment are located which will be far easier to pursue rule-breakers and if necessary, fine them.

What are the first results ?

In 2017 there were 75,000 hotel beds in the city and about 50,000 beds in legal tourist apartments, plus an estimated 50,000 illegal ones. According to the council, there are about 16,000 holiday rentals in the city, of which nearly 7,000 are unlicensed. And since then, investigations by the city have already led to 1,500 unlicensed apartments being de-listed. To go further, Barcelona considers a new option that would have hosts in the city submit their rental permit number to Airbnb before listing goes on the website. If the box were left blank or filled in with a false number, the listing would not appear on the site. This would be a major advance in the fight against illegal flats.

How to get a tourist licence for a flat ?

If you want to rent out your apartment in Barcelona to tourists, you absolutely need a tourist licence ! Otherwise you would slide towards illegality and risk a huge fine.  For the City Council a touristic rental includes any rental period less than 32, so summon your patience because there is a lot of administrative proceedings to bear. If you want a touristic rental flat, they are still excellent investments. The licenses used to be transferable from one property to another but now are not. Hence, if you want one you have to buy a flat that already has one. We hope that this article helped you to better understand this current issue and we would be glad to know your opinion on the subject ! If you have any questions or comments we'd love to hear from you in the comments!