Regarding the measures taken in Spain in response to the rise in short-term rentals, which they blame for the shortage of housing for traditional rentals, Airbnb called on the Ministries of Housing and Tourism and the governments of the Autonomous Communities to create regulations for short-term rentals that clearly distinguish between professional hosts and those who rent their homes occasionally, that take into account the needs of rural destinations versus urban ones, and that promote the dispersal of tourism and family travel throughout Spain.
According to a report by the consulting firm PwC, released by the platform, only 0.3% of the increase in housing prices in the last five years can be attributed to short-term rentals.
"In Spain there are 30 times more empty houses than accommodations dedicated exclusively to tourism, which do not exceed 0.5% of the total housing stock," says a statement from Airbnb.
It argues that in recent years, various regional governments in Spain have hastily approved restrictions on short-term rentals without considering their repercussions. “These measures have failed to resolve the problems associated with mass tourism and the housing shortage, which served as justifications for their implementation. In a context where these excessively harmful regulations continue to expand, Airbnb has proposed a set of solutions aimed at effectively regulating this activity.”.
“Airbnb is calling on governments to develop data-driven measures aimed at addressing the challenges cities face, rather than singling out short-term rentals as solely responsible for the problems stemming from mass tourism and the housing shortage. Airbnb advocates for effective short-term rental policies that clearly differentiate between professional hosts and those who occasionally rent out their primary residence or holiday home; it asks policymakers to consider the needs of rural destinations in light of the complexities of urban environments and to ensure that these regulations promote the dispersal of tourism and family travel within Spain,” the document emphasizes.
He asserts that he has submitted his proposal to the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Housing, as well as to the regional governments of Madrid and Catalonia, which are currently developing new rounds of regulations that would severely and unjustifiably restrict short-term rentals. "These regulations harm Spain's competitiveness as a travel destination for families (traditional tourist accommodations do not always meet all their needs), and also limit the opportunities for thousands of local families to benefit directly from tourism by occasionally sharing their homes or second residences.".
It highlights that the package of measures proposed by Airbnb takes into account a recent report by the consulting firm PwC, which reveals that short-term rentals have a minimal impact on housing prices and availability across Spain. "According to the report, only 0.3% of the increase in housing prices over the last five yearswhile the remaining factors are unrelated to this activity, including the lack of new housing construction in the face of the growing number of households and the high volume of vacant homes."
The platform says it recognizes the importance of housing problems in communities and is committed to working to be part of the solution. “The real figures show that Spain has almost 4 million empty homes, representing around 15% of the country’s total housing stock.This figure is almost 30 times higher than accommodations dedicated exclusively to tourism, which constitute 0.5% of the total housing stock.”
The report points out that cities that have adopted excessive measures against hosts—such as Madrid, Barcelona, New York, and Edinburgh—highlight the ineffectiveness of these types of regulations in bringing homes back into the housing market. “Instead, they have led to a reduction in accommodation options available to visitors, concentrating demand in fewer neighborhoods and driving hotel prices to record highs. Meanwhile, rental prices have reached all-time highs, and local families and businesses risk losing a vital source of income.”.
The company states that it wants to work with the various levels of government in Spain to alleviate the current housing crisis and combat mass tourism. "Airbnb welcomes reasonable and effective regulations, and therefore calls on the Autonomous Communities in Spain and the Ministries of Housing and Tourism to adopt four regulatory principles for short-term rentals.".
The platform proposes:
1) Regulations must be proportionate and justified, and only apply in areas where the need for regulation is demonstrated:
Airbnb recognizes that no two destinations are alike and, therefore, wants to work with governments and authorities on measures that help families benefit from this activity, while also addressing local challenges related to real estate speculation. When data shows that rentals dedicated exclusively to tourist activity are competing with long-term rentals, local authorities will need tools to discourage speculation and facilitate the return of vacant properties to the market.
2) Spain must have a registration system that is simple, online and harmonized:
Airbnb aims to foster effective collaboration with governments to ensure the harmonized implementation of new EU rules on short-term rentals, promoting data transparency and improved public policymaking. Airbnb already regularly shares data on host activities in Spain through Eurostat – and also with tax authorities. The goal is to increase transparency to enable public administrations to make better decisions.
3) Allow and differentiate occasional activity in residential dwellings, as it provides extra income to families and does not affect the housing supply:
The regulations must treat the intensive, professional activity of those who rent out residential properties on an occasional basis differently. Airbnb wants to protect the right of Spaniards to occasionally rent out the place where they live (their primary residence or a room in their own home while they are there) and even their vacation home (or their family home in the countryside or summer house) to which they return at certain times of the year. The occasional rental of a primary residence or a family vacation home provides extra income for families and does not affect the total supply of available housing.
4) Promote the diversification of travel to new destinations and empower rural communities:
Working with governments and tourism organizations to promote tourism dispersal, both within cities and from cities to lesser-known destinations in rural and inland Spain. Airbnb wants to collaborate with regional and even municipal tourism bodies to avoid overcrowding during peak travel times and to encourage affordable, family-friendly trips to less-visited rural destinations within Spain.
“It should be a priority for governments in Spain to enable thousands of families, as well as small businesses, bars, and restaurants across the country, to maintain essential sources of income. Increasingly restrictive regulations on short-term rentals only lead to soaring hotel prices and make Spanish destinations less competitive and affordable, especially for families who rely on these accommodations to travel. Rural areas and local entrepreneurs—not just large corporations and hotels—should also be able to benefit from tourism, while addressing concerns related to trust and safety, and housing scarcity and access,” said Sara Rodríguez, Airbnb’s Public Policy Manager for Spain.
