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Danielle Heerkens

Anyone who knows me a little knows that I love Spain. I visit the country at least once or twice a year. But now the Spanish government is tightening the reins significantly. Starting at the end of 2024, tourists must provide identification details at hotels, car rentals, and campsites. And now the Spanish state is forcing Airbnb to remove a total of 66,000 listings from its platform. Will we even be able to go to Spain in the future?

Spain: sun, sangria, and... housing crisis?

When we think of Spain, we might think of Andalusia, Seville, beach days in Mallorca, or partying in Ibiza. But this amazing country has, alongside the sun, a darker side: a huge housing crisis. Affordable rental housing has become rare, especially in the popular cities. And tourism – or rather: the uncontrolled vacation rentals via platforms like Airbnb – plays a major role in this.

66,000 fewer Airbnb listings: the big Spanish cleanup

The Spanish government has taken a hard stance against Airbnb. A total of 66,000 listings have been removed. Most of these apartments did not comply with local legislation and only exacerbated the housing crisis further. This is the strictest measure against tourist rentals that Spain has ever implemented. And to be honest? It was probably really time.

Barcelona: from dream city to ghost district

Spaniards in Barcelona are so happy about this development. There are really enough hotels. But what is missing is affordable housing for ordinary people. Neighborhoods where children used to play and the elderly sat on benches have become Airbnb neighborhoods where rolling suitcases thunder over the cobblestones early in the morning. Housing is a basic right. Not a business model for real estate speculators.

Why this can (and should) become a trend

The Spanish Minister of Consumer Affairs stated it clearly: ”No economic interest should be more important than the right to housing.” And let's be honest: this is not just about Spain. Cities like Lisbon, Paris, Amsterdam, and even Berlin are struggling with the same problem. A quote from a Dutch reader expresses it well: ”This should apply to all countries affected by a housing crisis.”

The future of your vacation: hotel or hostel?

Okay, does this mean we can no longer book a weekend trip to Barcelona & Valencia? Absolutely not. But expect fewer cheap Airbnb options. Instead, choose a legally registered apartment or go back to classic hotels. There are plenty of them.

So what do people think about it

”I come from Barcelona and I am sooooo happy that the government is finally doing something about these tourist apartments. There are really enough hotels. Let people live where they were born, for God's sake.” – Lucía, 34 ”This should apply to all countries affected by a housing crisis.” – Anne, Amsterdam ”Of course, it's sad that we can no longer stay in that cozy little Airbnb place, but honestly: it had gone too far. These cities are not backdrops for tourists – they are homes for ordinary people.” – Tom, recurring traveler to Spain ”I rented out my apartment via Airbnb. It was good money, yes. But when I heard that my neighbor on the floor below was evicted because her apartment was sold to an investor... well, then I got a bad feeling.” – Mark, Málaga ”This is why I love Europe! The residents come first. Every thought is about protecting their living conditions.” – Sophie, Rotterdam

Is this really the end for Airbnb in Spain?

Probably not. But it will change. Stricter regulations, more control, and hopefully: more balance. Tourists are welcome – but not if it means taking over the cities. And to be honest, I really agree with that.
By
Anyone who knows me a little knows that I love Spain. I visit the country at least once or twice a year. But now the Spanish government is tightening the reins significantly. Starting at the end of 2024, tourists must provide identification details at hotels, car rentals, and campsites. And now the Spanish state is forcing Airbnb to remove a total of 66,000 listings from its platform. Will we even be able to go to Spain in the future?

Spain: sun, sangria, and... housing crisis?

When we think of Spain, we might think of Andalusia, Seville, beach days in Mallorca, or partying in Ibiza. But this amazing country has, alongside the sun, a darker side: a huge housing crisis. Affordable rental housing has become rare, especially in the popular cities. And tourism – or rather: the uncontrolled vacation rentals via platforms like Airbnb – plays a major role in this.

66,000 fewer Airbnb listings: the big Spanish cleanup

The Spanish government has taken a hard stance against Airbnb. A total of 66,000 listings have been removed. Most of these apartments did not comply with local legislation and only exacerbated the housing crisis further. This is the strictest measure against tourist rentals that Spain has ever implemented. And to be honest? It was probably really time.

Barcelona: from dream city to ghost district

Spaniards in Barcelona are so happy about this development. There are really enough hotels. But what is missing is affordable housing for ordinary people. Neighborhoods where children used to play and the elderly sat on benches have become Airbnb neighborhoods where rolling suitcases thunder over the cobblestones early in the morning. Housing is a basic right. Not a business model for real estate speculators.

Why this can (and should) become a trend

The Spanish Minister of Consumer Affairs stated it clearly: ”No economic interest should be more important than the right to housing.” And let's be honest: this is not just about Spain. Cities like Lisbon, Paris, Amsterdam, and even Berlin are struggling with the same problem. A quote from a Dutch reader expresses it well: ”This should apply to all countries affected by a housing crisis.”

The future of your vacation: hotel or hostel?

Okay, does this mean we can no longer book a weekend trip to Barcelona & Valencia? Absolutely not. But expect fewer cheap Airbnb options. Instead, choose a legally registered apartment or go back to classic hotels. There are plenty of them.

So what do people think about it

”I come from Barcelona and I am sooooo happy that the government is finally doing something about these tourist apartments. There are really enough hotels. Let people live where they were born, for God's sake.” – Lucía, 34 ”This should apply to all countries affected by a housing crisis.” – Anne, Amsterdam ”Of course, it's sad that we can no longer stay in that cozy little Airbnb place, but honestly: it had gone too far. These cities are not backdrops for tourists – they are homes for ordinary people.” – Tom, recurring traveler to Spain ”I rented out my apartment via Airbnb. It was good money, yes. But when I heard that my neighbor on the floor below was evicted because her apartment was sold to an investor... well, then I got a bad feeling.” – Mark, Málaga ”This is why I love Europe! The residents come first. Every thought is about protecting their living conditions.” – Sophie, Rotterdam

Is this really the end for Airbnb in Spain?

Probably not. But it will change. Stricter regulations, more control, and hopefully: more balance. Tourists are welcome – but not if it means taking over the cities. And to be honest, I really agree with that.
By