Spain warns against housing ‘free for all' over Airbnb threat
Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy said that Spain 's economy and housing market are not a 'free for all' and that there is a correlation between the rise of short-term rentals like Airbnb and increasing housing costs.
A recent Bank of Spain report indicated a shortfall of 450,000 homes in the country.
Barcelona announced plans last year to close all 10,000 apartments licensed as short-term rentals by 2028 to protect housing for full-time residents.
Airbnb is appealing the decision to remove the 66,000 homes, asserting it connects property owners with renters but doesn't have oversight obligations.
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