Airbnb has slammed Spain's new holiday rental rules, saying they won't stop overtourism. The short-term rental booking platform has hit out at the new restrictions, claiming that they will have severe consequences for Spanish income and jobs. The Spanish ...

Airbnb Spain says the fundamental problem is not enough houses being built. “In the last decade, Spain has built fewer homes than at any point since 1970,” a spokesperson told Euronews Travel. “In 2023, data from the Ministry of Housing shows that the creation of new households in Spain outpaced the number of new homes built by three to one.”

The country is at the forefront of a wider crunch spreading across Europe, and its prime minister has proposed a 100 percent tax aimed at foreign real estate investors.

Airbnb on Tuesday responded to comments made by Spain's premier in which he blamed them for the increase in rental prices in the country and promised tougher laws against short-term rentals.

The housing crisis in Spain has led to a crackdown of short-term rentals but the regulations could cost the country billions.

Pressure on Spain’s housing market has been exacerbated by overtourism and the proliferation of short-term holiday rentals. View on euronews

A report by Oxford Economics, drawing on data from Eurostat and Airbnb, highlights the economic risks posed by restrictive short-term rental regulations in Spain. The study estimates that these regulations could jeopardize €30 billion—equivalent to 2% of the country’s GDP—and as many as 400,

Housing has become a major issue in Spain as it struggles to balance promoting tourism with high rental and purchase prices

Spain is planning a raft of measures to address its brewing housing crisis, including an up to 100% tax on properties bought by non-European Union residents.

Simon Calder, travel correspondent of The Independent, said: “If any British buyer ever has to pay 100 per cent tax on a property purchase in Spain, I will eat my sombrero. The Spanish prime minister’s comments are squarely for domestic consumption.

Lodgify releases 2024 vacation rental industry report findings: Read on for more information at our ShortTermRentalz website.

Europe is a fantastic vacation destination, especially in the winter. It offers something for everyone, from festive Christmas markets and historic landmarks to breathtaking natural scenery.