Spain introduced strict regulations for short-term rentals, prompting criticism from Airbnb and concerns about economic and tourism impacts.
New Regulations and Their Impact
Spain now requires property owners to register in a national database and obtain permits before listing homes on platforms like Airbnb.
Landlords must also collect guests’ sensitive personal information and may face fines up to €600,000 for non-compliance after July 2025.
The government plans to increase VAT on short-term rentals to 10%, matching the tax rate for hotels.
Airbnb warned these rules could threaten 400,000 jobs and €30 billion in income, citing an Oxford Economics study.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez defended the regulations, saying they address Spain’s housing crisis and prioritize housing for residents over tourists.
Rising Overtourism and Regional Challenges
Spain faced anti-tourism protests in 2024 as visitor numbers rose 10%, reaching 94 million foreign tourists, according to Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu.
Confusion over regulations remains a challenge. Regional variations, such as differing rules in Andalucia and Madrid, complicate compliance for property owners.
“There is no standardization, which creates significant uncertainty in the market,” said Samuel Toribio of rental platform Homelike.
Airbnb Defends Its Role in Tourism
Airbnb highlighted its contributions to rural tourism, where 70% of its bookings come from low-density urban and rural areas.
The Oxford Economics report showed short-term rentals generated €29.6 billion for Spain’s economy in 2023, benefiting small businesses and local communities.
“Airbnb disperses tourism benefits to rural areas, empowering communities and encouraging sustainable travel,” said Juliette Langlais, Airbnb’s EMEA Public Affairs Director.
HomeToGo reported that 87% of its 2024 Spain searches were for rural destinations, reflecting a trend away from urban hotspots.
Does Regulation Solve Overtourism?
Amsterdam’s 2022 restrictions on short-term rentals reduced Airbnb stays by 52%, but overall tourism increased by 12%, with hotels absorbing the demand.
Airbnb warns Spain’s regulations could drive tourism toward overcrowded urban areas, concentrating benefits in international hotel chains.
“The main issue isn’t short-term rentals but a lack of housing supply,” Toribio said, citing production costs and limited investment.
Airbnb noted Spain built fewer homes in the last decade than at any time since 1970, with household growth outpacing construction by 3:1.
Toribio called for broader discussions about tourism capacity and quotas to ensure sustainable growth in Spanish cities and regions.
“These regulations risk fueling mass tourism while harming rural economies and limiting affordable accommodation options,” Airbnb concluded.