In a decisive move to address the escalating housing costs and ensure residents can afford to live in their city, Barcelona’s local government has announced a ban on short-term apartment rentals to tourists, set to take full effect by 2028.
The new regulation will revoke permits for 10,101 apartments currently authorized for short-term rentals by November 2028. “We are tackling what we see as the biggest problem facing Barcelona,” the city’s authorities declared in an official statement.
The rise in short-term rentals in Barcelona, Spain’s most visited city, has significantly contributed to the unaffordability of housing for many residents. Over the past decade, rental prices have surged by 68%, and property prices by 38%, making housing increasingly inaccessible, particularly for young people looking to move out of their parents’ homes and gain independence.
This measure aims to curb the trend that has made housing a driver of inequality in the city. It is also expected to benefit hotels, which have faced stiff competition from the short-term rental market.
By implementing this ban, Barcelona seeks to restore balance in its housing market and ensure that the city remains livable for its residents amidst the booming tourism industry.