How to Buy or Sell a Hotel in Spain (2025 Guide by Carlton HotelBrokers Spain)
A complete 2025 guide to buying, selling, and investing in hotels across Spain
Spain Hotel Market Trends 2025: Why It Matters for Investors
Spain remains one of the world’s top tourism destinations, welcoming more than 80 million international visitors annually. Hotels in Spain are not just real estate assets — they are living legacies of family businesses, cultural heritage, and global hospitality demand.
For investors, the Spanish hotel market in 2025 combines solid occupancy levels, high tourism resilience, and diverse destinations — from urban hubs like Madrid and Barcelona to lifestyle regions such as Costa del Sol, Balearic Islands, and Andalusia.
Strong ADR growth and limited new supply continue to support long-term capital appreciation.
According to Turespaña, Spain’s hospitality industry recorded record RevPAR growth in 2024, setting a positive tone for 2025.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Buy a Hotel in Spain (2025)
Buying a hotel in Spain requires more than just finding a property.
Investors should consider:
1. Location & Market Positioning
Urban hotels in Madrid or Barcelona offer year-round occupancy, while coastal resorts and boutique countryside properties rely more on seasonal tourism but attract premium rates.
2. Legal & Regulatory Framework
Hotel acquisitions in Spain must comply with tourism licensing, local zoning (urbanismo), and specific regional hotel classifications. Our team assists investors through every step, from due diligence to permits.
3. Financial Performance
Beyond purchase price, review EBITDA, ADR, RevPAR, and long-term demand sustainability. Carlton HotelBrokers provides EBE-based valuations (EBITDA adjusted) to assess the real profitability of the operation.
4. Operator Strategy
Decide whether to self-operate, partner with a boutique operator, or franchise under a major brand. Operator choice directly impacts yield, financing, and exit strategy.
As specialized hotel brokers in Spain, we guide investors through every step — from financial and legal due diligence to operator selection — ensuring a smooth, secure acquisition process.
Selling a Hotel in Spain: Expert Advice from Carlton HotelBrokers
Selling a hotel in Spain is not just about speed — it’s about protecting the property’s legacy while maximizing value.
Owners should focus on:
- Preparing audited financial statements and clear performance history.
- Understanding current buyer profiles (institutional investors, family offices, boutique groups).
- Choosing between confidential off-market sales or public listings to protect discretion.
- Negotiating not only the price, but also continuity, legacy, and post-sale conditions.
Carlton HotelBrokers Spain specializes in discreet hotel transactions, ensuring owners pass on their properties with dignity, confidentiality, and optimal market value.
Why Work with a Hotel Broker in Spain
Hotel transactions differ significantly from residential or commercial real estate.
A specialized hotel broker:
- Provides exclusive off-market opportunities unavailable on public portals.
- Connects you with qualified international investors and operators.
- Delivers real financial analysis, not just listing prices.
- Protects confidentiality throughout the process.
- Negotiates favorable and secure terms for both buyer and seller.
Learn more about Carlton HotelBrokers Spain’s hotel advisory services.
Hotel Investment Models in Spain (2025)
There are multiple ways to invest in the Spanish hospitality market:
- Direct acquisition of boutique or mid-scale hotels.
- Joint ventures with local operators or family-run properties.
- Syndicated investments with private investors or funds.
- Repositioning heritage assets into luxury or lifestyle concepts.
The key is to match your investment horizon (3–7 years) with the right property type and operator strategy for long-term value creation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can foreigners buy hotels in Spain?
Yes — Spain is fully open to foreign investment. Legal structures such as Sociedad Limitada (S.L.) can be set up easily with proper legal and tax guidance.
Q: What is the minimum investment to buy a hotel in Spain?
Boutique hotels may start around €1–5 million, while larger city or resort hotels often require €20 million+.
Q: Where are the best regions to buy hotels in Spain?
Top investment areas include Costa del Sol, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Barcelona, Madrid, and heritage-rich towns such as Ronda, Granada, and Cádiz.
Q: Why not use a residential real estate agent?
Hotel brokerage is a specialized discipline. It requires expertise in financial models, operator negotiations, legal frameworks, and confidentiality — areas where Carlton HotelBrokers excels.
About the Author
Javier Del Carpio is the Managing Partner of Carlton HotelBrokers Spain, based in Marbella.
He advises hotel owners, investors, and operators on buying, selling, and repositioning hotels across Spain. His mission is to preserve the legacy of each property while creating measurable value for the future.
???? Connect with Javier on LinkedIn
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or reposition a hotel in Spain, Carlton HotelBrokers Spain provides confidential, expert guidance from valuation to closing.
Contact us today to discuss your project in confidence and receive a personalized assessment of your hotel investment strategy.
