Spain has tightened regulations on short-term rentals, drawing criticism from Airbnb. According to Oxford Economics, the new laws could jeopardize 400,000 jobs and nearly €30 billion in revenue.
Starting January 1, 2025, property owners must register in a national database, obtain a permit for renting, and collect personal data from guests. From July, violations of these rules will result in fines of up to €600,000.
The government argues that the excessive number of short-term rentals worsens the housing crisis. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated the need to prioritize housing for residents over tourism. The government also plans to raise VAT on rentals to 10% and impose a tax of up to 100% on property purchases by non-EU foreigners.
Airbnb claims the restrictions will negatively impact small businesses, family tourism, and rural development. The company highlights that 70% of its bookings are in rural or sparsely populated areas, promoting tourism diversification.
Amsterdam’s experience suggests that such measures do not reduce tourism but instead increase it in urban areas. Experts warn that in Spain, these regulations could lead to higher housing prices, the emergence of an illegal rental market, and greater reliance on major hotel chains.
The primary issue, according to experts, is the lack of new housing. In recent years, Spain has been building fewer homes than needed. Airbnb emphasizes that regulations should be more balanced to support local communities and sustainable tourism.
