NEWS

Spain has the power to expropriate beach flats and then grant the owner a 30-year right of use.

The Spanish government is considering expropriating beach flats and other coastal properties to protect the coastline from rising sea levels. 

In exchange, owners will get a 30-year right of use, with a possible extension to 60 years. 

Concessions for activities along the coast will also be limited to a maximum of 75 years.

The Ministry of Ecological Transition is working on changes to the General Coastal Regulation to address the impact of rising sea levels. 

These changes are necessary to protect the coastline from climate change.

However, there are concerns among coastal property owners. 

If sea levels rise, the state may claim the property even if the owner has all the property documents. 

The state may then decide to demolish the property or make modifications. Although owners can get a concession in exchange for their property, they still lose a lot of control over the property.

These new rules can lead to conflicts and legal proceedings between owners and the government. 

Owners can object to expropriation and demand compensation, which can lead to protracted litigation and delays in implementing the new measures.

The expropriation of commercial properties, such as hotels and beach restaurants or Chiringuitos, can also have a negative economic impact on coastal municipalities dependent on tourism. 

Businesses may be forced to close or relocate, leading to job losses and a drop in tourism revenues.

In addition, beach promenades may also be affected by the new rules. 

If sea levels rise, the state may decide that parts of the boardwalk are no longer municipal land, but public property. This could lead to conflicts between local governments and the state over the preservation of boardwalks.