Barcelona has announced a bold initiative to phase out apartment rentals to foreign tourists by 2028, marking a significant move aimed at curbing skyrocketing housing costs and improving livability for local residents. Jaume Collboni, the city’s mayor, emphasized the urgency of addressing what he views as Barcelona’s most pressing issue: housing affordability. Currently, there are 10,101 licensed short-term rental apartments in the city, which will gradually lose their licenses by November 2028 under the new plan.
The surge in short-term rentals has contributed to a sharp increase in rental prices over the past decade, with rents climbing 68% and housing purchase costs rising by 38%. Collboni highlighted that access to housing has become a major source of inequality, particularly affecting young people. This move by Barcelona reflects a growing trend across Europe where cities grapple with the balance between tourism revenues and housing accessibility, often facing issues of gentrification and property owners prioritizing lucrative short-term rentals over long-term housing solutions.
