Spain Cracks Down on Tourism: What It Means To Visitors

Spain is stepping up efforts to tackle overtourism by introducing strict new rules in some of its most popular destinations.

In 2024, anti-tourism protests erupted across Spain, and similar demonstrations are expected in 2025. Despite these local frustrations, Spain welcomed a record-breaking 94 million tourists last year—a 10% increase, according to Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu.

To address these concerns, the government is introducing strict new rules:

Rental Restrictions: Many cities, like Malaga, are limiting the number of apartments available for short-term rentals. This aims to free up housing for locals.
Landlord Crackdown: Property owners who rent out their homes must now register and follow strict rules, or face hefty fines.
Tax on Foreign Buyers: Spain may impose a hefty tax on property purchases by non-EU citizens, making it more expensive for foreigners to buy holiday homes.

Although the rules took effect in January, they won’t be fully enforced until July 1. After that, non-compliant property owners could face hefty fines of up to €600,000.

The government argues that platforms like Airbnb contribute to a housing crisis by driving up property prices and reducing availability for locals. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez highlighted that, in 2023, non-EU buyers purchased around 27,000 Spanish homes—not to live in, but to profit from.

To address this, Spain is considering a tax of up to 100% on property purchases by non-EU buyers, including British citizens.

Malaga Takes Action

Malaga, a popular tourist destination, has gone a step further by banning new holiday rentals in 43 districts. This move, widely called a “tourist ban,” actually targets property owners rather than tourists.

The ban focuses on areas where holiday rentals exceed 8% of residential buildings, aiming to prevent neighborhoods from becoming overrun with tourist accommodations. While the restrictions are set for three years, they may be extended.

Tourists can still book Airbnbs, hotels, and other accommodations across Malaga and the rest of Spain. The new rules primarily affect unregistered or non-compliant rental properties.

In Malaga, for example, over 13,000 holiday rentals remain available. However, rentals registered after February 2022 that don’t have independent access or facilities may lose their licenses.

Will These Rules Solve Overtourism?

Other cities like Amsterdam have tried similar measures, but the results are mixed. In Amsterdam, tourist numbers have continued to rise, while short-term rental bookings have dropped by 52%. Some property owners bypass regulations altogether by advertising unofficially.

Experts argue that short-term rentals aren’t the sole cause of Spain’s housing crisis. Instead, the real issue lies in a lack of new housing.

Spain has over four million vacant homes, accounting for 14% of its housing stock.
Housing construction is at its lowest level since 1970, with new households forming three times faster than homes are being built.

Airbnb says the focus on restricting rentals could backfire, funneling tourists into large hotel chains and overcrowded urban areas, further exacerbating mass tourism and driving up prices.

Spain's new tourism policies are a complex issue. While they aim to address local concerns, their impact on tourism and the housing market remains uncertain.

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