Spain, the largest country on the Iberian Peninsula, is intensifying measures to control short-term rental operations such as Airbnb and Booking.com. With the nation in the worst housing affordability crisis ever, that urgency is laudable. Known for being one of the world’s most visited destinations, Spain’s major cities are facing increasing pressure from rising housing costs, particularly in urban centers.
In May, Spain’s newly created consumer rights ministry ordered Airbnb to delist about 65,000 of its Spanish listings for flouting local rules. The leftist government is doing this in the context of a larger plan to go further. They’re absolutely right to think that the short-term rental industry is significantly increasing housing costs. That opinion is widespread among Spaniards of all political stripes, resulting in a rare joint chorus of outrage demanding accountability from these companies.
The move by the federal government comes after Booking.com was threatened with a $1.3 million fine. The fine, which was levied in 2024, amounted to 413 million euros – roughly $448 million. This fine addressed the company’s abuse of its dominant market position over the previous five years, illustrating the government’s commitment to regulating the sector and ensuring fair competition.
Barcelona is taking a proactive approach by planning to phase out all 10,000 apartments licensed for short-term rentals by 2028. The city’s effort will help protect the affordable housing stock serving the local community against alarming national trends affecting affordability.
Spain’s consumer rights minister, Pablo Bustinduy, underscored the need for immediate action on Spain’s housing crisis, saying that
“There are thousands of families living on the edge because of the housing crisis, while a few enrich themselves with business models that evict people from their homes.”
Airbnb is already joining on with the Spanish authorities to help enforce the new regulations. Combined, they’re rolling out a national registration system for short-term rentals. Since January, more than 70,000 listings on the platform have added in required registration numbers. This new detail represents a big step in the right direction toward increased accountability in the industry.
Many regions in Spain now mandate that rental listings include license numbers to ensure compliance with local laws and protect residents’ interests. Spain is in the midst of a tremendous shift in its policy towards mass tourism and housing. This regulatory effort aims to strike that balance—to improve the experience of visitors while preserving the quality of life for local communities.
