Barcelona's Bold Move to Ban Tourist Flats Faces Legal Challenges

Mayor Collboni defends the 2028 deadline to eliminate short-term rentals to address housing costs, as Airbnb urges reconsideration.

Barcelona plans to ban all tourist flats by 2028 to combat rising housing costs and overtourism, according to Mayor Jaume Collboni.
The initiative aims to return over 10,000 properties to the residential market, but faces potential legal battles and possible changes in political leadership.
Airbnb argues that the ban benefits the hotel industry and fails to resolve housing issues, citing that vacant homes significantly outnumber short-term rentals.
The proposed ban has sparked local protests, with residents expressing frustration over the impact of mass tourism on neighborhoods.
The measure is under legal scrutiny, with a lawsuit from the People’s Party and potential compensation claims from tourist flat owners.