The introduction of strict regulations on tourist rentals in Barcelona and neighboring cities stands to disrupt the established order of Catalonia’s real estate market. For many residents, this offers a chance at more affordable housing, while owners of tourist apartments will need to seek new solutions. The decisions by local municipalities have already sparked lively debates among renters, investors, and local authorities.
Expanding the ban
In 2024, Barcelona’s authorities announced plans to completely phase out 10,500 tourist apartments by 2028. Now, five major cities near the Catalan capital have joined this initiative: L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Sant Adrià de Besòs, Esplugues de Llobregat, Cornellà, and Sant Feliu de Llobregat. Together, these municipalities have more than 900 properties rented to tourists, all of which will be shut down by 2028. According to El Pais, all these cities are governed by mayors from the Socialist party, just like Barcelona itself.
In other suburbs such as Badalona, authorities have decided not to issue new licenses, but the existing 223 apartments will continue to operate. In El Prat de Llobregat and Sant Cugat, where tourist apartments are few, current restrictions remain in place with no plans to tighten the rules further. In some municipalities, like Cerdanyola del Vallès and Santa Coloma de Gramenet, the fate of tourist apartments has yet to be publicly discussed.
Causes and consequences
The main reason for these measures is the acute shortage of affordable housing for local residents. According to city authorities, the widespread use of short-term rentals is displacing permanent residents and driving up housing prices. Barcelona began imposing restrictions as early as 2014, and since 2023, a regional decree has been in effect that will revoke all tourist apartment licenses by 2028. Municipalities wishing to retain some tourist accommodations must develop special urban planning schemes, but Barcelona does not intend to draw up such a plan.
In L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, where the number of tourist apartments surged after tighter rules in Barcelona, authorities decided not only to stop issuing new licenses but also to close all existing properties by 2028. In Sant Adrià de Besòs, restrictions were already imposed back in 2023, and at the start of 2024, officials confirmed that no licenses would be renewed after expiration. Similar decisions were made in Cornellà and Esplugues following an assessment of the housing market and consultations with residents.
Reaction and plans of neighboring cities
In some cities, such as El Prat and Sant Cugat, authorities believe that existing restrictions are already strict enough and that the number of tourist apartments does not pose a serious problem for local residents. Therefore, there are currently no plans to introduce a total ban, but the current rules will not be relaxed either. In other municipalities, like Cerdanyola del Vallès and Santa Coloma de Gramenet, discussions about the future of tourist rentals are just beginning, and final decisions may be made closer to 2028.
Authorities in most cities emphasize that the main goal is to return housing to the long-term rental market and ensure apartment availability for local families. At the same time, in some areas—especially near major transport hubs and business centers—demand for short-term rentals remains high, adding extra challenges for implementing the new regulations.
In recent years, tightening regulations for tourist apartments has become a notable trend in Spain. In Madrid and Valencia, restrictions on issuing new licenses have also been introduced, while similar measures are under discussion in some areas of Andalusia and the Balearic Islands. According to El Pais, such decisions often spark disputes among property owners, the hotel industry, and residents, but authorities consider them necessary to stabilize the housing market and protect the interests of the local population.
