Imagine planning your dream vacation in Barcelona, only to find that booking an Airbnb or other short-term rental is no longer an option. This could soon be reality, as local authorities in the Catalan capital have announced a sweeping policy change aimed at curbing the surge of short-term rentals that many blame for the city’s soaring housing costs and shrinking availability of residential housing.
Last month, Barcelona’s City Hall declared that it will not renew any tourist apartment licenses after they expire in 2028. Deputy Mayor Laia Bonet explained that the city must prioritize housing for its residents over tourism, even though travelers contribute 15% to Barcelona’s economy. The decision, she says, is driven by a “housing emergency” that necessitates dramatic action to make living in the Catalan capital more affordable for locals.
For property owners who have invested heavily in short-term rentals, it comes as a bombshell. Many, like Bonaventura Durall, whose company owns and manages 52 rental apartments, argue that this move threatens their livelihoods and the local economy. “This is like taking away a bar’s liquor license or a taxi driver’s permit,” Durall lamented.
However, for many Barcelona residents, this change is a long-awaited victory. The city’s population of 1.6 million has increasingly voiced frustration over the impact of “overtourism.” Anti-tourism sentiments have escalated, with protests sometimes becoming confrontational. One recent demonstration in the iconic Las Ramblas district saw participants shouting “Go home!” and squirting water pistols at tourists.
Over the past decade, residential real estate prices in Barcelona have jumped by 38%, while average rents have soared by 68%, making it incredibly difficult for young locals to afford housing. Authorities argue that the proliferation of tourist rentals has exacerbated this crisis by reducing the supply of homes available for permanent residents.
Barcelona is not alone in this struggle. Cities worldwide are grappling with how to balance the needs of residents with the economic benefits of tourism. New York, for instance, recently introduced stringent rules on short-term rentals, requiring owners to live on-site and limiting the number of guests. Maui’s mayor has called for an end to condo rentals to tourists in response to a housing shortage intensified by a devastating fire last year. Venice, too, has the legal framework to limit short-term rentals but has yet to act on it, instead introducing a city entrance fee of 5 euros on the busiest days.
Critics of the new policy argue that it could drive the short-term rental market underground, creating a black market for unregulated holiday rentals. They also contend that the measure is tantamount to property expropriation. However, Deputy Mayor Bonet insists that the city is not confiscating property but rather redirecting its use to address a critical need for affordable housing.
Experts like Ignasi Martí, director of the Observatory for Dignified Housing at Spain’s Esade business and law school, believe that while the initiative may not significantly lower rental costs, it could enhance the quality of life for residents. “Tourist apartments undoubtedly affect the social fabric of neighborhoods,” Martí noted, highlighting how transient visitors can disrupt community bonds and create noise and other nuisances.
For long-time residents like Esther Roset, who has endured years of disruptive behavior from tourists in the apartment above hers, the policy shift is a welcome change. Roset, a 68-year-old retired bank worker, has experienced everything from vomit on her balcony to disturbances from late-night revelers. She also laments the loss of traditional local eateries to tourist-oriented establishments. “I shouldn’t have to leave. This is my home,” she declared, contemplating the possibility of hanging a “Tourist go home” banner from her balcony.
As Barcelona navigates this contentious issue, the city’s efforts could serve as a model for other tourist-heavy locales grappling with similar challenges. The balance between maintaining a bustling tourism sector and ensuring affordable housing for residents is delicate, but Barcelona’s bold move may be a step toward finding that equilibrium.
