Barcelona’s Bold Move on Rentals
Image: Shutterstock/ Vunav
BARCELONA s decision to prohibit tourist apartments by 2028 has sparked a range of reactions from residents, business owners, and tourists. We hit the streets to gather opinions on this controversial policy.
Paul from Burnley and a resident of Lo Pagan said ‘Stopping tourist rental won t make that type of property available to local workers it will just mean people who don t want to rent them will have more choices. The people you want to help will be negatively affected because tourists bring a lot of money into the area and based on a 2 bed apt you will lose about 1000 tourist nights per property per year a massive loss of income to bars, restaurants, and shops and therefore jobs.
In Barcelona, the effect might not be as bad because there is other employment, but in tourism-based areas, such as Mallorca, the effect could be massive. It would be better to introduce a tourist tax system to re-invest in new properties outside the centre and also invest in the transport network.’
Paul Image: Catherine McGeer
Michael, on holiday from the UK, stated ‘I visit Barcelona often, and I love staying in local apartments to get a feel for the city. I m disappointed by this news. It might mean higher costs for accommodation in the future. It will push hotel prices up. But if it helps locals live better, I can understand the reasoning behind it.’
Pepe from San Pedro del Pinatar, on the Costa Calida, added ‘This town has always had an influx of holidaymakers in the summer, mostly people with second homes from Madrid. It has never been a problem here but we do complain about them in August!
Kevin from Ireland said ‘Instead of an outright ban, there should be a compromise that balances tourism and residents needs.’
Kevin Image: Catherine McGeer
Ana from San Javier stated ‘The prices are through the roof because of all the tourist apartments. I think this policy will help young people who are trying to start their lives here.’
Image: Ana/Catherine McGeer
Barcelona s decision to eliminate tourist apartments by 2028 got mixed reactions. While many residents applaud the move for its potential to make housing more affordable, property owners and tourists express concerns about the economic impact and future travel experiences. The debate highlights the challenge of balancing a thriving tourism industry with the needs of the local community.
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Written by
Catherine McGeer
I am an Irish writer who has been living in Spain for the past twenty years. My writing centers around the Costa Cálida. As a mother I also write about family life on the coast of Spain and every now and then I try to break down the world of Spanish politics!
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