The Spanish government is cracking down on short-term and seasonal holiday lettings to address rising concerns over affordability in the housing market. Consumer rights minister Pablo Bustinduy announced an investigation into platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com to ensure listings have proper licences.
Rents in Spain have increased by an average of 13% in June, with popular tourist cities like Barcelona and Madrid seeing an 18% surge. Barcelona’s mayor plans to phase out short-term lets by 2028, sparking debate over the legality of such measures.
Residents in tourist hotspots are struggling to find accommodation, with some resorting to sleeping in caravans or cars. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has announced plans for a registry of holiday rental properties to limit listings and verify hosts’ eligibility.
The government is also considering curbing mid-term rentals and giving neighbours a say in whether properties can be listed online. While some union officials criticize these measures as insufficient, the government aims to strike a balance between promoting tourism and addressing housing concerns.