“Tourists go home”—this is the phrase that many visitors who have booked their tourist apartments in Barcelona encounter when they set foot in the city. The Catalan capital is currently in the midst of a heated debate regarding the regulation of these tourist rentals.
In response to the situation, Mayor Jaume Collboni has announced a ban on tourist apartments in Barcelona starting from November 2028. At Proddigia, we are analysing the measure and evaluating the potential situations that could arise.
The Context of the Decision
In recent years, Barcelona has witnessed a disproportionate increase in housing prices, both for rent and purchase. Rents have risen by around 70%, while the price of homes for sale has increased by an average of 40%. This surge in prices has created a housing accessibility crisis for many residents, especially in the more central and popular neighbourhoods among tourists. It is worth noting that this phenomenon is not unique to Barcelona, but in the Catalan capital, it has had a particularly acute impact due to the high demand from tourism.
But why has this crisis occurred? The proliferation of tourist accommodations has been identified as one of the key factors contributing to this situation. These apartments, which were previously part of the residential housing stock, have been transformed into short-stay accommodations primarily aimed at tourists. As a result, the supply of housing available for local residents has been significantly reduced, leading to fierce competition and, consequently, higher prices.
What Has Been the Government’s Response?
In response to this situation, the Generalitat of Catalonia approved a decree regulating the activity of tourist housing in municipalities with housing access problems. According to this decree, in locations like Barcelona, where the property market has become unsustainable for residents, tourist activity will only be permitted in residential properties if explicitly authorised in the urban planning.
However, the local administration in Barcelona has decided to adopt an even more restrictive stance. Rather than seeking a balance that allows for the coexistence of tourist and residential uses, the municipal government has opted not to promote any urban planning that would allow these two uses to be compatible. This means that no regulations will be promoted to make the tourist use of housing compatible with its residential function.
In other words, the city has decided to completely abolish the licences for existing tourist apartments, a drastic measure that reflects the urgency of addressing the housing crisis and preserving the quality of life for its inhabitants.
The administration seeks to ensure that Barcelona’s residents can access affordable housing and that the city does not become a tourist destination at the expense of its residents. This measure also responds to a growing demand for sustainable tourism, which prioritises the quality of life of residents and the preservation of the local character of neighbourhoods over uncontrolled tourism growth.
Impact on the Market and the Community
Barcelona, with its 10,101 official tourist apartments, has experienced a significant transformation in its real estate and economic landscape due to the tourism boom. However, the real number of tourist accommodations in the city could be considerably higher, with estimates suggesting the existence of over 15,800 units. This discrepancy between official figures and actual numbers is due to approximately 25% of these accommodations operating without the corresponding licence, creating a parallel market that is difficult to regulate.
These tourist apartments have come to represent 67.6% of the total hotel capacity in the city. This large number of tourist apartments in Barcelona has somewhat alleviated the pressure on hotels but has generated other challenges, such as the saturation of certain neighbourhoods and the displacement of local residents due to rising housing prices.
The gradual elimination of these tourist accommodations, as proposed by the local administration, could free up to 10,000 homes for the residential market. But the question is, will this reintroduction of properties into the market be enough to alleviate Barcelona’s housing crisis? In a city where access to housing has become one of the main social issues, this measure could be seen as a necessary step to rebalance the property market in favour of residents.
Not All Neighbours Are in Favour
The decision to abolish tourist apartments in Barcelona is not without controversy. Some experts and sectors of the tourism industry have expressed concern about the possible negative consequences this measure could have on the local economy, especially in neighbourhoods that have come to rely heavily on income generated by tourism.
Tourists who choose to stay in tourist apartments tend to have a different profile than those who stay in hotels. They usually seek a more authentic and local experience, leading them to spend their money in neighbourhood businesses, such as markets, shops, and local restaurants, rather than in large commercial chains.
As a result, the elimination of tourist apartments could lead to a decline in this type of tourism, negatively impacting businesses that depend on this income. Neighbourhoods that have benefited from tourist spending could face a period of adjustment, in which the decline in the number of visitors affects local economic activity.
Moreover, some critics argue that this measure may not be enough to solve the housing market problems in Barcelona. Without proper planning and complementary measures that address other causes of the housing crisis, such as real estate speculation and the lack of construction of new affordable homes, the ban on tourist apartments in Barcelona could have a limited impact.
What Are the Challenges and Future of Tourism in the City?
Barcelona’s decision is part of a broader trend towards regulating mass tourism in European cities. However, the ban has generated strong opposition, both locally and in the courts. The Popular Party has already filed an appeal before the Constitutional Court, and the tourist apartment association (Apartur) is considering taking the matter to the European courts.
In the long term, the ideal solution could be the implementation of European regulations that establish clear rules to ensure a balance between tourism and the quality of life of residents. Although this would be difficult to achieve, some experts suggest that clear and balanced regulations would allow the coexistence of tourist offerings with the needs of citizens.
Professionals at Your Service
We must wait and see if the ban on tourist apartments in Barcelona achieves the desired objectives and if it truly contributes to solving Barcelona’s housing problems. Although the intention is clear, its success will depend on various factors, such as the response from the tourism sector and the city’s ability to manage the potential economic and social consequences.
At Proddigia, we want to keep you informed about how this situation evolves and what the impacts of this measure are on the real estate market. On our blog, you will find more articles like this with sector information, and if you wish to learn about our services for buying or selling a property, do not hesitate to contact our team so we can assist you.
