Barcelona, Spain, announced on September 28, 2024, that it will not renew short-term rental licenses in a bid to tackle its housing crisis, which has been exacerbated by mass tourism. Mayor Jaume Collboni stated that over 10,000 homes are currently rented out to tourists, and if licenses are not renewed, these vacation rentals will disappear by November 2028.
The decision is a response to rising rental prices, which have increased by 68% over the past decade, making housing unaffordable for many residents. A study from 2020 indicated that short-term rentals contributed to a 7% rise in rental prices in the city. Experts argue that the proliferation of vacation rentals has led to significant increases in both rental and property prices.
Similar measures have been adopted in other tourist-heavy cities like New York, where short-term rentals are heavily regulated. The issue has sparked political debate across Europe, with various cities implementing restrictions to combat housing shortages linked to tourism.
As the European Union prepares new regulations aimed at better data sharing between online rental platforms and local authorities, experts express skepticism about whether these measures will effectively address the housing crisis. Critics warn that banning rentals could lead to an increase in illegal short-term rentals and negatively impact family tourism.
This decision reflects a growing trend among cities worldwide to balance tourism with the housing needs of local residents.