Mayor’s Bold Move to Address Housing Crisis
In a significant announcement, the mayor of Barcelona has committed to eradicating short-term holiday lets within the city by 2028.
Jaume Collboni, the city’s mayor, revealed on Friday his plans to prohibit apartment rentals to tourists, marking a remarkably drastic decision.
This initiative comes as Barcelona grapples with exorbitant housing costs, rendering it unaffordable for its residents.
Collboni declared that by November 2028, the city aims to revoke the licenses of the current 10,101 apartments permitted for short-term rentals.
During a news conference, he emphasized that this step will address “Barcelona’s most pressing issue,” as it will make these apartments accessible to locals.
Over the past decade, rent prices in the city have surged by 68%, while the cost of purchasing a house has escalated by 38%, according to Collboni.
Being Spain’s most sought-after destination by foreign visitors, Barcelona’s housing accessibility issue has exacerbated inequality, particularly among the youth, as highlighted by the mayor.
Expressing his commitment on social media, the city’s mayor stated, “We are determined to secure the right to reside in Barcelona and effectively tackle the enduring housing crisis. Hence, we are taking action from the municipal level.”
The Spanish national government heavily relies on tourism, but the residents of Catalonia are being priced out due to gentrification and overtourism, already contentious issues in Spain.
Recent protests in Spain’s Balearic Islands witnessed thousands marching against mass tourism.
Spain’s housing minister Isabel Rodriguez expressed her support for Barcelona’s resolution, emphasizing the necessity to make concerted efforts to ensure affordable housing for all.
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The ban proposed by Barcelona’s tourist apartments association APARTUR has raised concerns that it could lead to a surge in illicit tourist accommodations.
APARTUR cautioned, “Collboni’s decision is likely to exacerbate poverty and unemployment.”
The local government affirmed that it would uphold stringent inspection practices to identify potential illicit tourist rentals once the ban is enforced.
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Responding to the ban proposal, Dani Sirera, leader of the Barcelona Popular Part, cautioned against resembling the property expropriation allegations faced by the Bolivarian regimes, such as the Venezuelan government.
The hotel industry stands to gain from this development, as Collboni hinted at potentially easing previous restrictions on new hotel openings.
Barcelona has not permitted any new tourist apartments in recent years.
Since 2016, the local government has ordered the closure of 9,700 unauthorized tourist apartments, with nearly 3,500 units reclaimed for primary housing for local residents.
Similar restrictions on short-term rentals have been announced by local administrations in cities like Lisbon, Berlin, and Spain’s Canary Islands.
