Malaga Targets Tourism Rentals Amid Housing Crisis

Malaga plans to prohibit new short-term tourist rentals in 43 neighborhoods to address residents' complaints about high property prices driven by booming tourism. The decision joins actions by other Spanish cities. The city plans to annually review these restrictions and propose a visitor tax on holiday homes.

Malaga will prohibit new short-term tourist rentals in 43 neighborhoods. This is the latest move by Spanish authorities to address concerns from residents who feel priced out of the property market due to the booming tourism sector.

The southern Spanish city joins others like Barcelona in clamping down on short-term rentals marketed through platforms such as Airbnb and booking.com. Residents blame these rentals for high rents and limited long-term housing supply, issues exacerbated by the growth of remote work.

Mayor Francisco De la Torre revealed Malaga's stark difference in tourist accommodation, with 14,000 hotel beds versus 40,000 holiday rentals. He seeks permission for a tax on holiday home stays to subsidize social housing, emphasizing a need for national law reform to enact this measure.

(With inputs from agencies.)