Barcelona Mayor Plans to Ban Short-Term Apartment Rentals by 2028

Barcelona’s mayor, Jaume Collboni, recently announced plans to ban short-term apartment rentals by the end of 2028. This decision comes after concerns regarding the impact of short-term vacation rentals on the city. Collboni referred to short-term vacation rentals as “Barcelona’s largest problem,” highlighting the increase in rents by 68% in the past decade, coupled with a 38% rise in the cost of buying a home.

If implemented, more than 10,000 apartments would lose their short-term rental licenses in Barcelona. This move is aimed at addressing the housing affordability crisis in the city. Similar measures have been taken in other cities like New York, where a crackdown on short-term rentals of 30 days or fewer was put into effect last September. However, the effectiveness of such regulations has been a topic of debate.

Airbnb, a popular vacation rental platform, has been critical of these regulations. Jay Carney, Airbnb’s head of global policy and communications, expressed concerns about the impact of such regulations on the housing market. According to Carney, regulations like the one in New York have led to a surge in hotel prices, while not addressing the underlying issues of housing affordability.

While there is a need to address the challenges posed by short-term vacation rentals, finding a balanced solution is crucial. Collboni’s decision to ban short-term apartment rentals is a step towards improving housing affordability in Barcelona. However, it is essential to consider the impact of such measures on both hosts and the local economy. Finding a middle ground that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders is key to creating effective regulations.

The decision to ban short-term apartment rentals in Barcelona reflects the city’s commitment to tackling housing affordability issues. By taking a stand against short-term vacation rentals, the city aims to create a more sustainable housing market. However, it is important to carefully evaluate the impact of these measures and work towards a solution that benefits all parties involved.