Spain blocks over 65,000 Airbnb properties - Government aims to stop the country's housing crisis
Spain has ordered the removal of over 65,000 properties listed on Airbnb that violate the platform's rules, a move aimed at slowing the country's housing crisis.
Spain has ordered Airbnb to remove more than 65,000 vacation rental listings that violated the platform's existing rules, a move aimed at cracking down on the business blamed for the country's housing crisis.
Most of the Airbnb properties that will be blocked do not include their license number, while others do not specify whether the owner was an individual or a corporation, the Ministry of Consumer Rights said in a statement.
Ministry sources stressed that the aim was to put an end to the "lack of control" and general "illegality" in the sector. "Enough with the excuses. Those who do business should not be protected from the right to housing in our country," officials said. Meanwhile, Madrid's high court is supporting a request to withdraw up to 5,800 listed properties.
Airbnb said it will appeal the decision. The company believes the ministry lacks the authority to make decisions on short-term rentals and failed to provide an evidence-based list of accommodations that do not comply with regulations.
The Spanish government, as well as city councils and regional authorities, have launched a general crackdown on tourist rentals through websites such as Airbnb and Booking.com. Many Spaniards say the companies are creating overcrowding in tourism, reducing the supply of accommodation and making rent unaffordable for many locals.
Housing has become a major problem in Spain, as construction has failed to keep pace with demand since the real estate crisis erupted more than 15 years ago.
According to official data, there were around 321,000 homes with holiday rental licenses in Spain as of November last year, 15% more than in 2020. Many more operate without official licenses.
The Ministry of Consumer Rights opened an investigation into Airbnb in December. In January, the government unveiled a plan to increase taxes on the platforms’ income. The mayor of Barcelona took the harshest measure in June last year, when he ordered a complete ban on tourist rentals by 2028.
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