Home » Spain Travel News » Spain’s Crackdown on Unauthorized Tourist Flats: More Than Fifty Thousand Properties Converted to Permanent Housing in Cities Like Seville and Barcelona: What Travelers Should Know
Published on
September 21, 2025
Spain has taken a significant step to combat the growing issue of illegal tourist flats, aiming to boost the housing sector by reclaiming properties previously used as temporary rentals. The Spanish government has announced that over 53,000 tourist flats that violated the national Single Register of Tourist and Seasonal Accommodations will no longer be allowed to function as short-term rentals. Instead, these properties will be reallocated as permanent housing for residents, especially targeting young people and families.
The decision comes after months of scrutiny over the booming short-term rental market, which has seen platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com become a staple of Spanish tourism. With this new move, Spain is effectively reclaiming valuable residential properties, thereby addressing the housing shortage in several cities, including Seville, Barcelona, and Marbella.
Addressing Spain’s Housing Crisis Through Rental Regulation
As of July 2025, the Spanish government introduced a nationwide system for regulating temporary rentals. The Single Rental Register requires all properties rented for short-term stays to be officially listed, ensuring compliance with local regulations. If a property is not on the register, it is not permitted to be advertised for temporary rental.
This regulation aims to curb the growing number of unlicensed properties being offered through online platforms, which have become a source of tension in cities where housing shortages are particularly acute. The new law is seen as an effort to restore balance between the tourism industry and the need for affordable housing. With thousands of properties now out of circulation for short-term rentals, the focus shifts to making these spaces available for long-term residents, helping ease the strain on the local housing markets.
The Impact on Popular Tourist Locations
Several regions in Spain have been directly affected by this regulation. Andalusia, which includes cities like Seville and Marbella, saw the highest number of affected properties, with 16,740 tourist flats removed from rental platforms. Other significant areas impacted include the Canary Islands (8,698 properties) and the Valencian Community (7,499 properties). Barcelona, a city known for its vibrant tourism, had 1,564 properties deregistered, while Malaga faced a loss of 1,471.
These changes are especially relevant for residents in these regions, as they present an opportunity for a wider range of people to access housing options in areas previously dominated by short-term rentals. The government’s move is part of a broader strategy to make cities more livable for locals, alongside enhancing the tourism experience.
Airbnb’s Commitment to Compliance and Transparency
In response to the Spanish government’s directive, Airbnb has stated that it will cooperate with the regulations, emphasizing its proactive stance on ensuring transparency and sustainability in the rental market. As part of this initiative, 70,000 rental listings in Spain now display an official registration number, verifying their compliance with the new rules.
While this marks a positive shift for the company’s relationship with the Spanish government, it highlights the challenges of balancing the needs of both tourists and locals in a country where tourism is a cornerstone of the economy. By removing properties that do not meet regulatory standards, Spain is signaling its intent to prioritize residents over transient visitors.
What Travelers Should Know
For tourists planning to visit Spain, this development may lead to changes in accommodation availability. Travelers booking through platforms like Airbnb should be aware that some of the properties they might have considered may no longer be available for short-term stays.
Travelers are advised to check the official registration of rental properties to ensure that they are compliant with Spanish law. It is important to book accommodations that are registered with the national registry to avoid potential booking issues or cancellations upon arrival.
The Future of Spain’s Tourism and Housing Market
While the new regulations will undoubtedly reshape the housing market, they also have the potential to impact Spain’s tourism industry. With fewer illegal properties available for short-term rental, travelers may find fewer options in highly popular areas, which could lead to higher demand for registered properties. This could result in price increases, especially in well-known cities like Barcelona, Seville, and Madrid.
However, the Spanish government believes that this shift will ultimately lead to a more sustainable model for tourism. By converting former tourist flats into permanent housing, the government hopes to alleviate some of the strain on the housing market, while still accommodating the influx of tourists.
Tips for Travelers
- Check Property Registration: Always ensure the property you are booking is listed on Spain’s Single Register of Tourist and Seasonal Accommodations.
- Book Early: As available short-term rentals may decrease, it’s advisable to secure your accommodation well in advance.
- Explore Lesser-Known Areas: With fewer tourist flats in major cities, consider exploring smaller towns and regions that might offer more affordable, legal rental options.
The Way Forward for Spain
Spain’s regulatory efforts are a clear signal that the government is looking to restore balance between its booming tourism industry and its housing market. By enforcing stricter controls over short-term rentals, Spain is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable tourism sector that benefits both locals and tourists. As the government continues to take action, it is expected that the availability of affordable housing will increase, making Spanish cities more livable for residents.
