Barcelona contemplates prohibiting ‘tourist apartments’
Date
6/27/2024 7:04:36 AM
(MENAFN) Jaume Collboni, the mayor of Barcelona and a member of the center-left Socialists' Party of Catalonia, has unveiled a bold initiative to phase out the rental of apartments to tourists by the end of the decade. In a press conference held on Friday, Collboni announced plans to revoke licenses for over 10,000 apartments by November 2028, aiming to convert them into long-term housing for local residents.
Describing short-term tourist rentals as the city's "largest problem," Collboni emphasized that Barcelona intends to eliminate what he termed as "tourist apartments" by 2029. This move comes amid mounting concerns over skyrocketing rental prices, which have surged by 68 percent in the past decade, coupled with a 38 percent increase in home purchase costs, making housing unaffordable for many residents, particularly the younger population.
Deputy Mayor Laia Bonet emphasized that the initiative could effectively create the equivalent of "10,000 new apartments" for Barcelona's permanent residents. She suggested that landlords would be compensated during the five-year transition period until short-term rental licenses expire, allowing them to consider selling these properties on the market.
Collboni acknowledged that policy changes related to housing typically yield gradual effects but described the decision as a pivotal moment that would spark considerable debate. The proposal now awaits approval from the city council, with Collboni optimistic about its potential to alleviate housing pressures and enhance residential affordability in Barcelona.
MENAFN27062024000045015687ID1108379956
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.