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What is the Barcelona STR Phase-Out 2028?
The Barcelona STR Phase-Out 2028 is a municipal government policy announced in June 2024 to combat the city's housing crisis. The plan entails the non-renewal of all 10,101 existing short-term rental licenses upon their expiration.
The goal is to return these properties to the long-term residential housing market, making accommodation more available and affordable for local residents.
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How it works
The city will leverage a decree from the regional Catalan government that allows municipalities to regulate housing use more strictly. Instead of actively revoking licenses, the government will simply allow the current five-year licenses to expire in November 2028 without any possibility of renewal.
After this date, the legal category of "tourist-use flat" (vivienda de uso turístico) will cease to exist within the city's legal framework. Any continued short-term letting of these properties would be considered illegal.
Why it matters
This policy represents a complete shift in Barcelona's approach to tourism and housing, marking the end of the legal vacation rental apartment market in the city. For property owners and managers, it means their business model will become obsolete, forcing them to transition their properties to long-term rentals or sell them.
This landmark decision could influence other major European cities facing similar pressures from overtourism and housing unaffordability.
Examples
- A host who owns two licensed tourist apartments in the El Gòtic neighborhood will have to cease short-term operations by the end of November 2028 and either rent them to long-term tenants or sell the properties.
- A property management company that manages a portfolio of 50 vacation rentals in Barcelona must pivot its business strategy towards mid-term or long-term rentals to remain operational after 2028.
- An investor who was planning to purchase a flat in Barcelona for short-term letting can no longer proceed, as no new licenses are available and existing ones are being eliminated.
- A family planning a trip to Barcelona in 2029 will not be able to book a legal apartment and will need to find accommodation in a hotel, aparthotel, or other regulated tourist lodging.
Frequently asked questions
Can new short-term rental licenses be obtained in Barcelona before 2028?+
What happens to a property's license after November 2028?+
Does this ban affect all types of tourist accommodation in Barcelona?+
What is the primary motivation for this policy?+
Related terms
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Zoning Laws
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