Latest news with #crisisDeVivienda
The Independent
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Spain Airbnb prices could soar as tourism hotspot brings in new tax
Spain's government has proposed a new 21 per cent value-added tax (VAT) on short-term tourist rentals, doubling the rate for hotel rooms, in a bid to tackle the country's housing crisis. The move aims to address growing concerns over the availability and affordability of housing for residents, as landlords increasingly favour more profitable short-term lets. The proposed tax, which would apply to all rentals under 30 days, would impact a significant portion of Spain's tourism sector. Last year, approximately a third of the 94 million visitors to Spain chose to rent homes instead of hotel rooms, which are currently subject to a 10 per cent VAT. No VAT is currently levied on short-term rentals in mainland Spain. This measure forms part of a broader housing bill presented by the Socialist-led minority government. However, navigating the bill through a deeply divided parliament presents a significant challenge. Housing Minister Isabel Rodriguez emphasised the intent behind the legislation, stating, "Homes are for living in (...) the measures seek to guarantee the right to rental housing for families." The Spanish government faces the delicate task of balancing the economic benefits of tourism, a key driver of the nation's economy, with the pressing need to address public anxieties over escalating housing costs. The increasing shift towards tourist rentals has exacerbated the housing shortage, making it more difficult for residents to find affordable accommodation. A Bank of Spain report this week said the country has a deficit of 450,000 homes. Half the housing stock in the Canary and Balearic islands is either tourist accommodation or homes owned by non-residents, it said. Apartur, an association of tourism apartment owners in Spain's second city Barcelona, argues that shorter-term rentals should pay the same VAT as hotels and calls the proposed 21 per cent VAT rate discriminatory. The bill under consideration also includes a controversial measure first announced in January to tax non-European Union citizens up to 100 per cent on property purchases unless it will be their primary home, as well as increasing taxes payable by owners of empty properties, including second homes. "The sole objective is to put an end to these activities and leave (tourism) in the hands of hoteliers," said Javier Peñate, legal advisor to a holiday homeowners association in the Canary Islands, where short-term rentals already pay 7 per cent VAT, as do hotels. Local and regional authorities are also capping new licences for tourist rentals in Malaga and Madrid, while banning them entirely in Barcelona by 2028.
The Independent
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Holiday home prices could soar as tourism hotspot brings in new tax
Spain's government has proposed a new 21 per cent value-added tax (VAT) on short-term tourist rentals, doubling the rate for hotel rooms, in a bid to tackle the country's housing crisis. The move aims to address growing concerns over the availability and affordability of housing for residents, as landlords increasingly favour more profitable short-term lets. The proposed tax, which would apply to all rentals under 30 days, would impact a significant portion of Spain's tourism sector. Last year, approximately a third of the 94 million visitors to Spain chose to rent homes instead of hotel rooms, which are currently subject to a 10 per cent VAT. No VAT is currently levied on short-term rentals in mainland Spain. This measure forms part of a broader housing bill presented by the Socialist-led minority government. However, navigating the bill through a deeply divided parliament presents a significant challenge. Housing Minister Isabel Rodriguez emphasised the intent behind the legislation, stating, "Homes are for living in (...) the measures seek to guarantee the right to rental housing for families." The Spanish government faces the delicate task of balancing the economic benefits of tourism, a key driver of the nation's economy, with the pressing need to address public anxieties over escalating housing costs. The increasing shift towards tourist rentals has exacerbated the housing shortage, making it more difficult for residents to find affordable accommodation. A Bank of Spain report this week said the country has a deficit of 450,000 homes. Half the housing stock in the Canary and Balearic islands is either tourist accommodation or homes owned by non-residents, it said. Apartur, an association of tourism apartment owners in Spain's second city Barcelona, argues that shorter-term rentals should pay the same VAT as hotels and calls the proposed 21 per cent VAT rate discriminatory. The bill under consideration also includes a controversial measure first announced in January to tax non-European Union citizens up to 100 per cent on property purchases unless it will be their primary home, as well as increasing taxes payable by owners of empty properties, including second homes. "The sole objective is to put an end to these activities and leave (tourism) in the hands of hoteliers," said Javier Peñate, legal advisor to a holiday homeowners association in the Canary Islands, where short-term rentals already pay 7 per cent VAT, as do hotels. Malaga and Madrid, while banning them entirely in Barcelona by 2028.
Zawya
23-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Spain considers new 21% VAT on short-tourism rentals, double the hotel rate
The Spanish government is seeking parliamentary approval for a new 21% value added tax on short-term tourism rentals - double the tax paid for hotel rooms - as it seeks to address a housing crisis. The maximum tax rate would apply to all rentals under 30 days and affect around a third of the 94 million annual visitors to Spain last year who opted to rent a home over a hotel room. At present there is no VAT on short-term rentals in mainland Spain, while hotel visitors pay a 10% tax on rooms. The measure is contained in a wider bill that the minority, Socialist-led government may struggle to get through a deeply polarised parliament. "Homes are for living in (...) the measures seek to guarantee the right to rental housing for families," Housing Minister Isabel Rodriguez said on Friday about the bill's unveiling. Spain is trying to balance maintaining tourism as its economic engine while addressing popular concern over high housing costs as landlords opt for more lucrative tourist rentals. A Bank of Spain report this week said the country has a deficit of 450,000 homes. Half the housing stock in the Canary and Balearic islands is either tourist accommodation or homes owned by non-residents, it said. Apartur, an association of tourism apartment owners in Spain's second city Barcelona, argues that shorter-term rentals should pay the same VAT as hotels and calls the proposed 21% VAT rate discriminatory. The bill under consideration also includes a controversial measure first announced in January to tax non-European Union citizens up to 100% on property purchases unless it will be their primary home, as well as increasing taxes payable by owners of empty properties, including second homes. "The sole objective is to put an end to these activities and leave (tourism) in the hands of hoteliers," said Javier Peñate, legal advisor to a holiday homeowners association in the Canary Islands, where short-term rentals already pay 7% VAT, as do hotels. Local and regional authorities are also capping new licences for tourist rentals in Malaga and Madrid, while banning them entirely in Barcelona by 2028.
