Brits urged to act now as Spain Airbnb crackdown to have 'severe' effect

Daily Mirror

20-05-2025

Following a brutal clampdown - which resulted in Airbnb being ordered to remove 65,000 holiday listings in Spain - Brits have been urged to act swiftly and make one quick check before jetting off
Brits will 'severely' be impacted by Spain's Airbnb crackdown, as the country orders the rental platform to remove more than 65,000 holiday listings from its site. Yesterday (Monday, May 19), it was revealed around 65,935 Airbnb properties will be delisted for breaking strict regulation rules such as not including their licence number, failing to specify whether the owner was an individual or a company, or because their listed numbers did not match official records.
While the harsh clampdown may be well-received by fed-up locals - who argue the surge in short-term rentals is worsening the country's housing crisis - it has the potential to cause chaos for thousands of UK holidaymakers. In an exclusive interview with the Mirror, travel expert Zoe Adjey warns the move could be a huge blow for Brits, and may result in reduced accommodation and higher prices.
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"The impact will be most severe in tourism hotspots like Barcelona, the Balearic Islands, and Malaga, where enforcement is strictest," Zoe, a senior lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality at UEL, said. "Many unlicensed properties will disappear from platforms, while remaining listings will face stricter regulations and registration requirements. British tourists, who make up one of Spain's largest visitor groups, will need to adapt to this new, more regulated market."
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Spain Airbnb crackdown - will I be impacted?
If you've booked an Airbnb in Spain for this year, it's imperative you act quickly. Zoe recommends contacting your host 'immediately' to confirm whether they have the correct compliance status, and then making the following checks:
Review your cancellation policy and know your refund rights.
Book alternative accommodation early if you're uncertain. Try less popular areas if you're struggling to find accommodation in your original destination.
Request to see the property's official registration or license number.
Consider travel insurance for future trips that cover accommodation cancellations.
Keep an eye on the Airbnb app and your phone as some changes could happen very fast.
The sudden revelation may also spike hotel prices, especially during busy seasons like the summer holidays. "However, Spain relies heavily on tourism revenue and competes with other Mediterranean destinations, which may help moderate extreme price increases," Zoe explained. "The effect will vary by location, with popular coastal areas and major cities seeing the most significant price pressure."
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The ruling comes just one month after Spain green-lighted a brutal new law to curb the surge of holiday rentals across the country. On April 3, an update to the Horizontal Property Act was passed, requiring locals wanting to turn their home into an Airbnb to pass a 60 per cent majority vote from neighbouring property owners.
Homeowners renting out their property without the 'necessary support' will now be asked to cease operations. If they ignore the warning, they risk being hit with legal action over 'unauthorised use'. However, the new rules - which fall under the Organic Law 1/2025 legislation - only apply to new tourist accommodations in residential buildings and complexes. This means if an apartment is already being rented out to holidaymakers, they will not need to take part in the local referendum.