Spain tightens regulations on short-term rentals, clamping down on over-tourism and unlawful Airbnb listings as the country struggles with affordable housing and spiraling costs.
Spain’s Tourism Crackdown: Clamping Down on Over-Tourism and Unlawful Rentals
The Spanish government has taken a significant step in addressing the issue of over-tourism by announcing plans to remove nearly 66,000 properties from Airbnb‘s listings. The move comes after a Madrid court ruling that forced the company to withdraw 4,984 properties deemed unlawful.
Airbnb is an online marketplace that allows individuals to rent out their properties on a short-term basis.
Founded in 2008, the platform has grown exponentially, with over 7 million listings in more than 220 countries and regions.
According to Airbnb's own statistics, the average host earns around $924 per month from renting out their property.
The platform has disrupted the traditional hospitality industry, offering travelers a unique and often more affordable alternative to hotels.
The Roots of the Problem: Affordable Housing and Spiralling Costs
The shortage of affordable housing in Spain is a pressing concern, with rental costs doubling over the last decade while salaries have failed to keep up. Tourist apartments are often identified as a major cause of this problem, depriving local residents of accommodation. This issue has been exacerbated by the country’s status as the world’s second most popular tourist destination, attracting 94 million foreign visitors in 2024.
The Government’s Response: Protecting Housing Rights
The government’s decision to crack down on Airbnb rentals is part of a broader effort to address over-tourism and protect housing rights. Minister for social rights, consumer affairs, and the 2030 Agenda, Pablo Bustinduy, has stated that the properties in question have ‘violated various norms regarding housing for tourist use.’ The ministry is now awaiting further judicial rulings on the remaining 60,000 or so properties deemed unlawful.
Pablo Bustinduy is a Spanish politician who serves as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) since 2019.
Born in 1976, he represents the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) in the European Parliament.
Bustinduy has been involved in various EU policies, focusing on agriculture, environment, and climate change issues.
He is also known for his advocacy work on animal welfare and conservation.
Local Governments Take Action
Some local governments are also taking action against Airbnb. For example, Barcelona City Hall has announced plans to eliminate its 10,000 short-term tourist apartments by the end of 2028. In contrast, other cities have reached agreements with Airbnb aimed at ensuring property owners comply with tourist rental rules.
The Barcelona City Hall, also known as the Casa de la Ciutat, is a historic building located in the heart of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter.
Constructed between 1378 and 1380, it serves as the seat of municipal government and a popular tourist destination.
The building features a mix of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles, with a grand facade and ornate details.
It has undergone several restorations over the years to maintain its original charm.
Airbnb Responds: Challenging Regulations and Highlighting the Root Cause
Airbnb has responded to the court ruling and government announcement by stating its intention to appeal against decisions linked to this case. The company claims that no evidence of rule-breaking by hosts had been provided and points to a 2022 Spanish Supreme Court ruling that found the responsibility for listing information lies with the host, not the company.
The firm also highlighted the root cause of Spain’s affordable housing crisis: a lack of supply to meet demand. Governments across the world are seeing that regulating Airbnb does not alleviate housing concerns or return homes to the market – it only hurts local families who rely on hosting to afford their homes and rising costs.
The Future of Tourism in Spain
As the number of foreign visitors to Spain approaches 100 million per year, the impact of over-tourism is expected to continue this summer. Protests against tourism have already begun, with thousands taking to the streets across the Canary Islands under the slogan ‘Canaries have a limit.‘ The unrest is likely to persist as local governments and residents push for measures to address the issue.
The government’s decision to crack down on Airbnb rentals is a significant step towards addressing over-tourism and protecting housing rights. However, it remains to be seen whether this move will alleviate the pressure on affordable housing or simply drive the problem further underground.
