🏙 Barcelona to Phase Out Short-Term Rentals by 2028: A Turning Point for Real Estate

Big news from the Catalan capital: Barcelona has officially announced that short-term rental licenses (HUT) will not be renewed after November 2028. This bold move, impacting over 10,000 registered apartments, marks a major shift in how the city approaches tourism and housing.

Mayor Jaume Collboni explained the goal clearly: bring more homes back into the long-term rental market and ease pressure on residents struggling with rising rents. The city aims to make housing more accessible and to fight the ongoing effects of gentrification.

Collboni is expected to meet with Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky in the coming weeks to discuss the decision. For now, Airbnb remains silent — but the conversation could shape the future of vacation rentals in Barcelona.

As expected, the announcement sparked mixed reactions. Some applaud the city for prioritizing locals, while others worry about potential economic fallout from limiting tourism-related income.

The good news? Property owners have time to adapt. With four years before the change kicks in, Barcelona is aiming for a gradual, thoughtful transition to a new rental model — one that puts residents at the heart of city life.