Barcelona, a city synonymous with stunning architecture and vibrant culture, is taking a bold step to address its housing crisis. In a surprise announcement, Mayor Jaume Collboni declared a ban on tourist apartment rentals by November 2028. This ambitious move aims to curb skyrocketing housing costs and ensure the city remains a liveable space for its residents.
The decision comes as Barcelona, Spain’s most popular tourist destination, grapples with the unintended consequences of a booming short-term rental market. The surge in tourist apartment rentals, exceeding 10,000 according to the city, has pushed long-term rents up a staggering 68% in the past decade. Owning a home has become equally out of reach for many residents, with prices jumping by 38%.
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“We are confronting what we believe is Barcelona’s largest problem,” Mayor Collboni stated, highlighting the widening gap in affordability. This situation, he stressed, is particularly detrimental to young people struggling to find a foothold in their own city.
The impact of tourism on housing affordability is a growing concern across Europe. National governments, while acknowledging the economic benefits of tourism, are increasingly forced to grapple with the issue of resident displacement. Cities like Lisbon, Berlin, and Spain’s Canary Islands have already implemented measures to regulate short-term rentals.
Spain Government seems to be on board with Barcelona’s plan. Socialist housing minister Isabel Rodriguez expressed support for the decision, emphasizing the importance of ensuring access to affordable housing.
The announcement, however, has drawn mixed reactions. While hoteliers may see an upswing in business with the decline of tourist rentals, industry bodies like Barcelona’s tourist apartment association APARTUR fear the ban will lead to increased unemployment and poverty. They also warn of a potential rise in illegal tourist rentals.
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The local government remains resolute. They plan to maintain strict inspections to deter illegal activity and ensure the freed-up apartments return to the long-term rental market or are put up for sale. This, they hope, will provide much-needed relief to Barcelona’s residents.
Barcelona’s decision to prioritize its residents over short-term tourist rentals is a bold move with significant implications. Only time will tell if the city can achieve a healthy balance between tourism and livability.
