Barcelona to Ban Short-Term Tourist Rentals by 2028 in a Bid to Curb Housing Crisis

Barcelona, one of Europe’s most visited cities, has announced a radical plan to eliminate all short-term tourist rentals by 2028. The city’s mayor, Jaume Collboni, unveiled the plan, citing the urgent need to address escalating housing costs and increasing inequality among residents.

Over the past decade, the proliferation of short-term rental apartments has significantly driven up living expenses in Barcelona. Mayor Collboni revealed that rental prices have surged nearly 70%, while the cost of buying a home has risen by almost 40%. This surge has made it increasingly difficult for locals, especially young people, to afford housing in the city.

Collboni stressed that the move is crucial to ensure equitable access to housing and to prevent the displacement of residents due to the tourism boom. "It's unacceptable that young people looking to move out on their own have to leave Barcelona because they can't afford to live here," Collboni stated during a City Council meeting.

Since 2012, Barcelona has imposed strict regulations on short-term rentals, requiring a specific tourist license for any apartment rented for fewer than 31 days. The regulations were further tightened last year, limiting the number of tourist apartments to ten per 100 inhabitants and abolishing permanent licenses, instead requiring renewals every five years. These measures were part of a broader effort to reduce the number of illegal tourist rentals and curb their impact on the housing market.

As the deadline for the ban approaches, the local government has intensified its efforts to close down illegal rentals, signaling a major shift in policy aimed at prioritizing residents' needs over tourism. This landmark decision highlights the growing tension between maintaining a thriving tourism industry and ensuring affordable housing for locals.

The upcoming ban has sparked mixed reactions. While some residents and housing advocates welcome the move as a necessary step to reclaim the city’s housing for locals, others in the tourism and rental sectors fear it could have negative economic repercussions. However, the city administration remains firm in its stance, emphasizing the long-term benefits of creating a more balanced and sustainable urban environment.