Barcelona has drawn a firm line on short-term holiday rentals. Mayor Jaume Collboni has announced that the City Council will not renew any licences for tourist-use apartments once they expire in November 2028. The measure will affect more than 10,000 legally licensed apartments across the city and signals a major shift in the city's approach to tourist accommodation.
Mayor Collboni is expected to personally convey the decision to Airbnb President Brian Chesky during a meeting scheduled in the coming weeks. According to the City Council, the objective is clear: to reclaim these properties for long-term residential use and help curb soaring rental prices that continue to place pressure on Barcelona’s housing market.
"We want to return these flats to the residential stock and facilitate access to housing for the residents of Barcelona," stated Mayor Collboni, presenting the move as part of a broader strategy to curb gentrification and reassess the city’s tourism model.
The decision – part of a wider trend of tightening regulations on tourist accommodation – has sparked vigorous debate. Supporters argue it is a step toward a more liveable and sustainable city, while critics warn of potential economic fallout from curbing a key sector such as tourism.
The City Council maintains that this is not a hastily made decision, but rather a carefully planned transition. Officials emphasise that the extended timeline allows property owners ample opportunity to adapt, while giving policymakers time to develop alternative strategies that balance economic vitality with residents’ right to affordable housing.
Airbnb has yet to issue an official response. However, the upcoming meeting between President Brian Chesky and Mayor Collboni is expected to be a pivotal moment in shaping the future relationship between the platform and the city.
The countdown has already begun. If no changes are made, Barcelona will bid farewell to licensed tourist apartments in 2028, and the city as we know it could be transformed for good.
Canary Islands strike deal with Airbnb to remove illegal holiday homes
The Canary Islands Government and Airbnb have signed an agreement to identify and remove holiday rental listings that breach regulations in the archipelago. Both parties issued a joint statement confirming that this initiative will also cover tents, campervans, yurts and boats, as they are "clearly inconsistent" with the island's regulations.
Andalusia to create police force to inspect illegal tourist flats
The President of the Andalusian Regional Government, Juanma Moreno, has announced the creation of the "Titan Group," a unit within the national police dedicated to monitoring and inspecting illegal tourist accommodation.
Could holiday rentals disappear in Spain?
Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni has announced that the city will withdraw all 10,101 tourist accommodation licences by November 2028. The aim, according to the city council, is to free up homes for residential use and improve access to housing. However, the measure has sparked swift backlash from the sector, which sees it as a blow to a well-established economic model.
Country houses exempt from Spain's new tourist rental register
Rural houses already registered on regional tourism registries are exempt from the new Single Register of Short-Term Rentals starting 1 July. This was confirmed by the Spanish Rural Tourism Association (Asetur) after meetings with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda.
Spain’s new short-term rental registry explained
Spain has introduced a new short-term rental registry to regulate tourist accommodations. Property owners must now register rentals with regional authorities, ensuring compliance with safety and zoning rules. The move aims to improve oversight, combat illegal listings, and protect long-term housing availability for residents.
How does the CPI affect rent updates in Spain in 2025?
Article 18 of the Spanish Urban Leases Act (LAU) outlines, among other provisions, the procedure for updating a property's rent. Although the LAU states that, in the absence of a specified index, the Competitiveness Guarantee Index (IGC in Spanish) will apply, the most commonly used benchmark for rent adjustments is the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Renting a room in Madrid: costs and insider tips
Opting for a room in a shared apartment goes miles beyond saving money by splitting rent and bills. With the rising rental prices in Madrid, coliving is part housing solution, part social adventure—an experience as unpredictable as the city itself. You’ll cross paths with people you might never otherwise meet—future best mates, language partners, or even just expert locals who know the best menú del día spots.