Spanish cities announce plans to cut the number of tourist rentals 

In response to concerns about over-tourism, Spanish cities have gradually implemented regulations to control the number of tourist apartments, including setting limits on tourist rentals.

Despite these efforts, Spanish government data shows a 9% increase in tourist apartments over the past year, bringing the total to over 340,000. This translates to one tourist rental for every 1.5 square kilometres and one for every 139 residents in some cities.

Spain is also dealing with a severe housing crisis, making it increasingly difficult for people to afford rising rents and home prices. Many young adults can’t find affordable housing and end up living with their parents well into their 30s.

The surge in Airbnb-style rentals exacerbates this issue by driving up market prices and reducing the availability of housing for locals.

Recently, Barcelona announced a bold move to eliminate all tourist rentals by 2028. This proposal received mixed reactions from both local Catalans and the city’s large foreign-born population, which now comprises 25% of the residents.

Barcelona is among several Spanish cities taking action against tourist rentals. In April, Madrid’s City Council, overseeing more than 14,000 tourist apartments, nearly twice as many as Barcelona, temporarily halted the issuance of new tourist licenses.

Similarly, in May, Valencia City Hall announced a suspension of new licenses for at least a year, with the possibility of extending it further. Valencian authorities have also intensified efforts to crack down on illegal tourist apartments and increased fines for violations.

Seville, the capital of Andalusia, decided last month not to renew any tourist rental licenses in the historic centre’s main neighbourhoods.

Málaga, despite being only the sixth largest city in Spain by population but having the third highest number of tourist flats, has also imposed restrictions. New tourist apartments are now required to have their own separate entrances, limiting the number of eligible properties since most are located within apartment buildings.

Critics argue that banning tourist apartments could prevent locals from earning income from their properties and benefiting from tourism. 

However, most properties are owned by large businesses rather than individuals. For instance, Barcelona City Council reports that only 34.8% of tourist license holders own a single apartment, while the majority own five or more.