Authorities in Palma de Majorca are taking a strong stance against the proliferation of new holiday rental properties that have been displacing local residents. The move aims to alleviate housing scarcity for the community members. While licensed apartment holiday lets have been banned for some time, local officials are now extending the prohibition to include houses and villas.
Local councillor Óscar Fidalgo emphasized the necessity of this action, stating that it is a fair and timely decision to safeguard residents from escalating property costs. He expressed concern over the unprecedented growth of holiday rentals, highlighting the strain it puts on the coexistence of tourists and locals.
According to reports from the Majorca Daily Bulletin, Fidalgo emphasized the impact of tourist accommodations on the housing supply, legal complexities, and the need for increased oversight to prevent fraudulent activities. He stressed the importance of protecting neighborhoods and preventing the displacement of long-standing residents.
A recent town hall report deemed Palma de Majorca unsuitable for the establishment of new holiday rental properties. In a joint effort between Airbnb and Spanish authorities, over 8,000 illegal listings were removed from the platform earlier this year, totaling more than 40,000 unlawful tourist beds.
Penalties for operating unlicensed holiday rentals in Palma de Majorca are severe, with potential fines reaching up to €40,000 (£34,700). The government has deployed an inspection team to ensure compliance, along with an online reporting system for the public to report any violations.
The number of homes available for holiday rentals in Spain has decreased by 6% from the previous year, with approximately 1.43 million listings in May. This decline follows regulatory changes aimed at addressing the housing crisis, as reported by the National Statistics Institute.
In Palma, rents have surged by 40% since 2013, according to Affordable Majorca. The influx of tourists, with around 2.3 to 3.6 million British visitors annually, has put pressure on the local housing market. British tourists represent a significant portion of the island’s visitors, trailing only behind German tourists.
This crackdown in Palma de Majorca coincides with similar beach regulations in Formentera, where nearly 700 beach loungers have been banned until 2029. Authorities have also ordered the removal of 339 parasols from the beaches to preserve the natural environment.
