Britons looking to vacation in Spain are advised to double-check their lodging reservations as a crackdown on unlicensed properties has led to tens of thousands being compelled to cease operations. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda in Spain has pinpointed 86,275 illegal tourist and short-term rental accommodations on various online platforms, ordering their immediate removal from listings. The initiative comes in the wake of the launch of a unified register for short-term rentals six months ago.
The region of AndalucÃa, which includes Seville, Málaga, and Granada, tops the list with 21,872 properties facing removal, followed by the Valencian Community at 14,387 and the Canary Islands at 13,726. This development is of particular concern for British tourists, as approximately six million out of the 16 million annual visitors to the Canary Islands are from the UK. Moreover, Barcelona is home to 5,000 holiday rentals operating without the necessary authorizations.
While no specific platforms have been singled out by the government, Airbnb, a key player in the market, has been mentioned. Last year, Spain instructed Airbnb to eliminate over 65,000 holiday rental listings. By eliminating thousands of illicit listings, the government aims to reintegrate these properties into the long-term rental market, ultimately easing pressure in high-demand areas. Spain was the first country to implement EU regulations that necessitated the establishment of the unified register, a fact emphasized by authorities.
However, travel expert Zoe Adjey cautions that this transition could lead to reduced lodging options and increased prices for vacationers. Zoe, a senior lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality at UEL, highlights the potential impact on popular tourist destinations like Barcelona, the Balearic Islands, and Malaga, where enforcement is stringent. She notes that unlicensed properties are likely to disappear from platforms, while remaining listings will face stricter regulations and registration requirements. British travelers, a significant segment of Spain’s visitors, will need to adjust to the new regulated market.
If you have already booked an Airbnb in Spain for the upcoming year, it is essential to act promptly. Zoe recommends contacting your host immediately to confirm their compliance status and conducting necessary verifications. Airbnb and Booking.com have been contacted for comments.