Protesters used water guns against unsuspecting tourists in Barcelona and in Mallorca as they marched to demand a redesign of an economic model they believe is fueling a housing crunch and erasing the character of their hometowns.
Their demonstration could indicate that a new rule that came into effect on April 3rd, forcing homeowners across Spain to obtain consent from at least 60 per cent of their building’s residents before offering short-term tourist rentals, is not working.
“The squirt guns are to bother the tourists a bit,” Andreu Martínez told AP in Barcelona with a chuckle after spritzing a couple seated at an outdoor café. “Barcelona has been handed to the tourists. This is a fight to give Barcelona back to its residents.”
Thousands protested on Sunday in several other Spanish cities, and the general sentiment is that Spaniards are not protesting against tourists, but rather against government policies that are not helping to control overtourism, which, in their opinion, is responsible for the housing crisis.
In November 2024, tens of thousands of Spaniards marched in downtown Barcelona to protest the skyrocketing cost of renting an apartment in the popular tourist hotspot.
Earlier this month, Bankinter reported that rental prices in Spain rose 9.9 per cent year-over-year in May.
On May 11th, the real estate website Idealist released a statement stating that Spaniards need more income to rent than to buy. A single person needs to earn 18,000 euros net per year to buy a studio, but 32,000 euros if they want to rent.
In another statement highlighting the growing issue of tourist rentals, Idealista reported that rental offerings nationwide had decreased by 3 per cent, while seasonal rentals had increased by 25 per cent. However, six days later, Idealista published another report stating that the supply of housing in the permanent rental market had decreased by 17 per cent over the past two years.
The Spanish government’s rule, introduced in April, was intended to alleviate this issue partially, so it is essential to keep the details in mind if you are considering or are already renting seasonal tourist units.
Key Legislative Changes Affecting Short-Term Rentals
As of 3 April 2025, Organic Law 1/2025 amends the Horizontal Property Law, requiring homeowners within a community of owners (Comunidad de Propietarios) to vote and expressly approve holiday lets in their buildings. A minimum 60 per cent majority vote is needed to prohibit or restrict them.
Recommended Actions:
Starting 2 January 2025, all holiday lets must be listed in a new National Registry for Tourist and Seasonal Rentals. This is intended to reduce unlawful lets and ensure that taxes are paid correctly.
Key Aspects:
This new legislation also strengthens homeowners’ associations’ ability to prohibit or restrict holiday lets in their buildings with a 60% majority vote.
Some cities and autonomous communities are adding their own controls:
Advice for Property Owners
To make sure you’re on the right side of the new regulations:
Getting these things right can make all the difference — and enable you to continue offering holiday lets safely, transparently, and with peace of mind.
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