Spain has ordered the removal of more than 65,000 short-term rental listings from Airbnb’s platform as part of a national effort to enforce tourism housing regulations and address the growing impact of holiday rentals on the domestic housing market.
The decision, announced by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs on Monday, targets listings that fail to meet legal standards, specifically those lacking a valid licence number or omitting details about the nature of ownership—namely, whether the property is let by a private individual or a corporate entity.
Consumer Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy described the measure as a necessary step to address what he called “a general lack of control and illegality” in the short-term holiday rental sector. “No more excuses,” Bustinduy told reporters. “Enough with protecting those who make a business out of the right to housing in our country.”
The enforcement action follows a months-long investigation by the Ministry, which began probing Airbnb in December. The move forms part of a broader campaign by national, regional, and local authorities across Spain to impose stricter controls on platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com. These services have been widely blamed by residents and officials for exacerbating the country’s housing crisis by driving up rents and reducing availability of long-term accommodation.
Housing affordability has become a key political issue in Spain, particularly in major cities where the supply of residential property has not kept pace with rising demand. The situation is especially pronounced in urban centres such as Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Palma de Mallorca, where foreign tourism has fuelled demand for short-term lets.
According to official data, around 321,000 homes in Spain were registered as holiday rentals as of November 2024, marking a 15% increase compared with 2020. A substantial proportion of properties, however, are believed to be operating without proper authorisation.
The Ministry stated that the order to remove the non-compliant listings has the backing of Madrid’s high court. However, Airbnb has challenged the Ministry’s authority over such matters, maintaining that it is a digital platform, not a real estate service. The company argues that regulatory enforcement should fall to regional and municipal bodies, not the national Consumer Affairs Ministry.
Airbnb did not issue an immediate response on Monday. In earlier statements, the platform said it requires hosts to confirm they have the legal right to let their properties and that they comply with all local regulations. It also claimed that the Ministry had not provided it with a clear list of non-compliant listings and that many property owners are not legally required to hold a licence.
The legal status of national versus regional competence over holiday lettings remains contentious. Nonetheless, the Spanish government has signalled its intention to press ahead with further regulation. In January, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez unveiled plans to increase taxation on income derived from short-term rentals. The proposals form part of a broader legislative package aimed at improving access to housing.
The government’s stance is mirrored by local authorities. Barcelona, which has been at the forefront of regulating the sector, announced in June 2024 a plan to ban all tourist rentals by 2028. Mayor Jaume Collboni stated that the measure was necessary to restore the city’s housing stock to serve permanent residents.
Spain is not alone in seeking to rein in the short-term rental market. Other European countries, including Italy and Croatia, have introduced policies designed to curb excessive holiday rentals, citing similar concerns over affordability, urban congestion, and the erosion of community life in city centres.
In Spain’s case, the move to block over 65,000 Airbnb listings is among the most extensive enforcement actions of its kind in Europe. While Airbnb and the Ministry of Consumer Affairs remain at odds over jurisdiction and compliance procedures, the government’s position appears to be hardening.
Minister Bustinduy’s remarks suggest that further action could follow if platforms are found to be facilitating rentals that do not meet regulatory standards. The Ministry has indicated that it will continue to audit listings and liaise with regional authorities to ensure ongoing compliance.
With Spain expecting another record year for international tourism, the pressure on housing is unlikely to ease in the short term. The latest government action highlights the growing tension between the country’s economic reliance on tourism and the imperative to protect the long-term interests of local residents.
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