Barcelona’s mayor, Jaume Collboni, has announced a bold plan to abolish short-term holiday rentals within the next five years.
The Socialist leader revealed that he will not renew any of the 10,101 tourist licences when they expire in November 2028. This initiative is part of his strategy to address the city’s housing crisis.
During a recent press conference, Mr Collboni emphasised that the apartments, currently listed on platforms like Airbnb and Homeaway, would be repurposed for local residents. He argued that this measure is tantamount to creating 10,000 new homes, addressing the urgent need for more housing amidst soaring rental prices.
Rents in Barcelona have surged by 70% over the past decade, rendering housing increasingly unaffordable. Mr Collboni stated, “More supply of housing is needed, and the measures we’re presenting today are to provide more supply.”
Barcelona has long grappled with a housing shortage, exacerbated by high tourism rates and its burgeoning reputation as a tech hub. The influx of foreign workers has driven up demand, while new construction has lagged behind.
The mayor’s plan has sparked a range of reactions. Left-wing councillors criticised the 2028 target as too distant, with Janet Sanz questioning the delay: “Can we wait until 2028?” In contrast, right-wing politicians decried the move as an infringement on property rights. Dani Sirera, leader of the Barcelona Popular Party, warned against the city council adopting policies reminiscent of Venezuela’s Bolivarian regime, known for property expropriation.
The Association of Tourist Apartments of Barcelona also voiced its opposition, predicting the policy would drive illegal tourist rentals. They dismissed the initiative as a “smokescreen” to distract from the perceived failures of Mr Collboni’s housing policies.
This controversy unfolds against a backdrop of widespread protests in Spain, including in the Canary Islands, where residents have rallied against the detrimental impacts of mass tourism on the environment and local communities.
Barcelona would not be the first city to bring in legislation to ban short-term holiday rentals as New York recently introduced a ban last year.
The ban, which came into effect in September 2023, prohibits short-term rentals of less than 30 days. The new law was a response to concerns that such rentals are exacerbating an already severe housing crisis in New York City.
New York’s State Assembly passed the bill that will introduce heavy fines for property owners who let their homes for less than 30 days, a common practice on platforms like Airbnb. “We have to protect our housing stock,” said Assembly Member Linda B. Rosenthal, who sponsored the bill. “Short-term rentals are driving up rental prices and pushing out long-term residents.”