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 400,000 jobs.
Airbnb has criticized the regulatory framework, arguing that authorities have overlooked key factors such as the distinction between rural and urban areas and the nature of rental activities (occasional versus dedicated).
According to Airbnb, the current approach has led to sweeping general bans in some cities, restrictive regional rules, and burdensome bureaucratic processes. These measures, the platform claims, disproportionately impact families who engage in occasional short-term rentals, pushing them out of the market without addressing broader housing issues.
In a statement, Airbnb emphasized the need to recognize the positive impact short-term rentals have on families, rural communities, and small businesses, rather than making them the “scapegoat for Spain’s significant housing challenges.”
While Airbnb acknowledged the challenges of mass tourism and concentrated tourist activity in certain cities and regions, it expressed support for efforts to alleviate Spain’s housing crisis. The company also presented a four-principle framework for what it sees as effective and fair regulation of short-term rentals.
The first principle calls for clear distinctions between professional, dedicated tourist rental businesses and families offering occasional accommodation in their homes.
Airbnb advocates for a harmonized, free, and online registration system, aligned with EU regulations. Such a system, they argue, should be evidence-based, data-driven, proportionate, non-discriminatory, and justified.
The third principle highlights the need for rules tailored to the specific challenges of different areas, with less complex regulations for rural and lesser-known regions to encourage a more even distribution of tourism across Spain.
Lastly, Airbnb calls for a balanced approach that promotes rural development while addressing urban complexities, aiming to disperse travel activity throughout the country.
Airbnb’s proposal seeks to strike a balance between supporting economic activity and addressing Spain’s housing and tourism challenges. However, the platform continues to warn that current regulatory measures risk stifling an industry that contributes significantly to the Spanish economy.
As of January 2025, specific budget allocations for Alicante province’s fight against illegal holiday rentals have not been publicly disclosed. However, the province has implemented several measures to address the issue. Notably, Alicante city has imposed a two-year moratorium on new short-term rental licenses to preserve housing for residents.
Additionally, the regional government of Valencia plans to impose fines up to €600,000 on landlords violating new regulations aimed at curbing illegal holiday rentals.
These initiatives indicate a significant commitment to regulating the short-term rental market, though exact financial expenditures remain unspecified.
