In January 2024, Spain introduced new regulations for short-term rentals, sparking debate about their impact on the economy and housing.
Airbnb and Industry Concerns
Airbnb criticized Spain’s rules, warning they could threaten 400,000 jobs and reduce €30 billion in income.
The regulations require property owners to register in a national database, obtain permits, and collect sensitive guest information.
A proposed VAT hike for short-term rentals aims to match the 10% rate hotels pay. Non-compliance fines could reach €600,000 starting July.
Rental platform leaders highlighted confusion due to varying rules at local, regional, and national levels.
Government’s Perspective on Housing
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez argued that Airbnb contributes to Spain’s housing crisis by prioritizing tourist rentals over homes.
He noted that in 2023, 27,000 properties were bought by non-EU residents to generate rental income, not for living.
The government proposed a 100% tax on property purchases by non-EU buyers and emphasized prioritizing housing for residents.
Sánchez also pointed to anti-tourism protests in 2024 as a sign of local frustration with overtourism.
Economic and Tourism Impacts
Airbnb warned that excessive restrictions could harm rural communities, small businesses, and family tourism.
In 2023, 141 million guest nights were spent in short-term rentals, generating €5.4 billion for hosts and €29.6 billion for the economy.
Eurostat data showed a rise in rural tourism, with 33.6% of nights spent in rural areas, up from 31% in 2018.
Airbnb argued that restrictions may concentrate tourism in urban areas, driving up prices and limiting benefits for local families.
Lessons from Other Cities
Restrictions in cities like Amsterdam did not reduce tourism but shifted visitors to hotels. Short-term rental guest nights dropped 52%, while total guest nights increased.
An informal rental market emerged, with hosts bypassing platforms to avoid regulations.
Airbnb emphasized the need for targeted regulations and collaboration with governments to balance tourism and housing needs.
Root Causes of Housing Crisis
Experts cited insufficient housing supply as the core issue, not short-term rentals. Spain built fewer homes in the last decade than any time since 1970.
Rental platforms highlighted that Spain has over four million vacant homes, accounting for 14% of its housing stock.
Discussions on tourism quotas and sustainable urban planning were proposed to address overtourism and housing challenges.
Airbnb’s Response
Airbnb argued that short-term rentals promote rural tourism, support local communities, and reduce reliance on overcrowded urban areas.
The platform warned that overregulation could harm Spain’s tourism economy, benefiting international hotel chains while limiting opportunities for local families.
