Airbnb takes 65,000 listings offline in Spain after Supreme Court ruling
The booking platform Airbnb has taken nearly 65,000 listings offline in Spain, the Spanish government announced on Wednesday. The move follows a Supreme Court ruling in May, after which the ministry of Social Affairs ordered the company to block tens of thousands of “illegal” holiday rentals that lacked a valid tourist accommodation licence.
Airbnb had lodged several appeals to halt the removals but was ultimately unsuccessful. The Spanish ministry has since identified 54,728 additional listings across regions, including Andalusia, Madrid, Catalonia and the Balearic Islands that do not carry the required official registration number, which was made mandatory on 1 July.
The ministry said the enforcement measures were intended to uphold the constitutional right to housing “above the profits of large multinationals”.
Spain has experienced large-scale protests demonstrating public anger at soaring rents, overcrowding and the impact of short‑term rentals on residents’ quality of life.
In April, tens of thousands of demonstrators rallied in over 40 cities, carrying placards such as “Get Airbnb out of our neighbourhoods” and chanting for housing rights. In Madrid alone, union estimates put participation at around 150,000 people.
Demonstrators often linked the expansion of Airbnb-style rentals to greater problems with housing affordability. The protests came amid concerns that tourist flats drive up rent and reduce long-term housing supply.
Enforcement stepped up
The crackdown in Spain forms part of a broader European trend in which governments are seeking to bring short-term rental platforms under tighter regulation.
Belgium, too, has introduced stricter rules on platforms like Airbnb in recent years. In Brussels, hosts must register with regional authorities and comply with zoning and safety regulations. Since 2021, the capital has stepped up enforcement, issuing fines for unregistered listings and limiting the number of days a property can be rented out.
Flanders also requires short-term rentals to be registered and meet fire safety standards. In Ghent and Bruges, local governments have voiced concerns about the impact of holiday rentals on housing availability.
Bruges has imposed caps on the number of nights a property can be rented through platforms like Airbnb in certain zones, in an effort to preserve residential life and curb over-tourism.
© PHOTO JESÚS HELLIN /EUROPA PRESS
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