Large-Scale Property Owner: What Is It? Everything You Need to Know

August 18, 2025

Before renting a property, it is crucial to verify whether you qualify as a large property owner. This status, defined in the Housing Law 12/2023, entails specific commitments and significant measures. measures.

With the implementation of this legislation, it is essential to be aware of the rights and duties. So it is important to know what they are, what your considerations are and the risks you must assume.

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What does it mean to be a great housing tenant?

Being a large property owner means holding a certain number of urban residential properties. This legal concept was created to regulate and promote access to housing for lower-income people. 

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How many dwellings must someone own to be a large property owner?

The Housing Law 12/2023 refers to a large property owner as a natural person or company owning 10 or more urban residential properties. This concept also applies to residential constructions exceeding 1,500 m2.

However, an Autonomous Community may adjust this concept, provided the properties are located in a territory declared as a high-pressure area. This is the case in several parts of Catalonia, including Barcelona and its metropolitan area, where owners with 5 or more properties are considered large holders.

Differences between a large property owner and a small landlord

The law also distinguishes between a large property owner and a small landlord, as described below:

Both parties must stay informed of any change or update that may affect their long-term management.

How can you tell if an owner is a large property owner?

Spanish legislation has formalized the term "large property owner" to identify those who have a significant impact on the housing market. 

Number of properties

The Housing Law therefore considers as a large property owner those holders who possess 10 or more residential units. It also extends this definition to owners of 5 or more properties located within the same designated high-pressure area.

Additionally, ownership of buildings of more than 1,500 m² intended for residential use is also classified here.

Types of properties

Of course, the law is explicit about the types of properties that determine this status. The following are included in this category:

  • Urban properties. These are located in developments intended for residential rental.
  • Entire buildings. Owning an entire building counts toward the total number of properties that determine this status.
  • Building size. Ownership of a construction of 1,500 m² or more is also considered under this status, regardless of whether the number of individual units is below ten.

It should be clarified that the law excludes commercial premises, storage rooms, garages, offices and other non-residential assets from this definition.

What are the obligations of large property owners?

Under the law, this status entails certain additional commitments. Likewise, large owners must comply with a set of regulatory measures intended to balance operations and protect tenants.

Contract formalisation

  • Comply with applicable legislation, the minimum leasing terms and the conditions described in the Urban Leases Act (LAU).
  • They are obliged to offer social housing to vulnerable people.

Rental pricing

  • Adjust prices considering the limit stipulated by the local authorities of any stressed area.
  • Do not exceed the permitted rent increase during the term of the contract.

Legal transparency

  • Maintain an up-to-date register with all legal details of the properties, including the conditions established for renting.
  • Provide contract-specific information.

Social considerations

  • A portion of the portfolio is allocated to reduced-price units for vulnerable populations.
  • Provide stable rental conditions, with the possibility of automatic renewal.

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Being in this position undoubtedly implies stricter obligations, so it is wise to act proactively and anticipate possible legislative changes.

Considerations in high-pressure residential markets

Rents in Spain are governed by Law 12/2023 on Housing. However, the government can also exercise its powers in designated high-pressure areas — for example, Barcelona has been declared fully “tense” (a high-pressure housing market).

Among the most relevant considerations in these areas are the following:

  • Rental Pricing. Rents must comply with the stipulated price caps. This provision is designed to prevent disproportionate or excessive amounts that could harm tenants.
  • Regulated contracts. The Tenancy agreements are governed by specific conditions and a minimum duration; the purpose of this rule is to protect the tenant from abusive practices.
  • Maintenance: they are responsible for providing decent housing in optimal conditions for rental; therefore, they must comply with all habitability and safety standards.

Although these provisions are intended to protect both parties, they also represent a challenge for large owners, who must adapt to a stricter regulatory environment.

Current regulations in Spain regarding major property owners

The presence of large property owners in Spain has been the main reason for the implementation of specific legislation. To regulate real estate operations and ensure general welfare, the following laws are applied:

  • Urban Leases Law (LAU)
  • New Housing Law 12/2023
  • Law on urgent measures in housing and rental matters (2019)
  • Civil Procedure Law (Ley de Enjuiciamiento Civil)
  • Horizontal Property Law

It is worth noting that this topic remains on the legislative agenda. Therefore, as the market evolves, the legislation is expected to continue adapting to protect the rights of all parties involved.

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Impact of major owners on the real estate market

Being a major property owner has a significant impact on the real estate market. Indeed, this status plays a key role in managing rentals — particularly when signing or extending a lease, increasing rent, or in eviction proceedings.

It is the owner’s duty to align the rent with the official standard set by the Ministry of Housing.

  • It is the owner’s duty to align the rent with the official standard set by the Ministry of Housing.
  • Under no circumstances may the price be increased freely, unless there is a very specific technical and legal justification.
  • When entering a new contract, the rent cannot be set higher than the previous agreement (this applies to properties that have been rented during the last five years).

Housing availability

They have a duty to offer alternative rental options to vulnerable tenants. In this way, they must cooperate fully with public authorities to guarantee access to housing in cases of housing emergency.

Benefits of being a major property owner

The status of amajor property owner carries certain benefits; below are some of them:

Negotiation

Greater negotiating power with other parties involved due to their market position.

Diversification

Holding multiple investments reduces risk, so it is common to own several properties across different developments.

Profitability

Greater access to financial resources, which guarantees more opportunities for higher returns compared with small landlords.

Cutting-edge information

They obtain up-to-date information for informed decision-making and can implement investments more quickly.

Flexibility

The investment strategy is more flexible, since large holders have greater capacity to invest across different financial fields.

Risks and challenges

Given that the Autonomous Community does not currently apply specific restrictions, the status of a large property owner carries various risks and challenges, including:

Negotiation with municipal authorities

The City Council may adopt different policies (more flexible or stricter) regarding this status. There is also the possibility of temporary agreements and the development of feasible housing in collaboration with local authorities.

Reputational risk

Although large property owners operate legally, they can become targets of protests, media campaigns or social movements if they fail to maintain good relations with tenants.

In this regard, it is important to be transparent in every respect, offer fair prices and services, uphold ethical standards and accept social responsibility.

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Conclusion

In Spain, the large property owner is a key actor due to their prominent role in rental management. However, with rights come responsibilities that help ensure accessibility and residential stability.

Despite its influence on supply and demand, the regulation imposes limitations such as price caps, increased costs, greater bureaucracy and legal uncertainty in the face of long-term political changes.

Being aware of these considerations allows large property owners to operate legally. Likewise, it contributes to developing a fair and sustainable relationship between the parties involved.

Sergio Navarro

Expert in blockchain, investments and personal finance.

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