NB-ESTATES IN HLN: “Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez tackles holiday rentals”: NB-ESTATES rebuts concerns

Last weekend, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reiterated his plan to crack down on tourist rentals. The announcement that more than 54,000 properties would be removed from the market caused concern among many Belgians who own a second home in Spain. Read the original HLN article here .

Why Sánchez is acting

Like many European countries, Spain faces a shortage of affordable housing, especially in major cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga and Seville. The government partly blames short-term tourist rentals for driving up prices and reducing availability for local families. Sánchez therefore announced that tens of thousands of properties will be taken off the holiday rental market and made available to young Spanish households.

NB-Estates’ response

“The statements sound a little populist, but they understandably create concern among owners,” says Carl Vorsselmans, CEO of NB-ESTATES. “The key point is that the vast majority of Belgians do not rent in urban centres, but in coastal urbanisations. These areas were created for tourism and are not where the average Spaniard wants to live.”

According to Vorsselmans, it is thanks to foreign buyers that these urbanisations have grown into fully fledged villages, creating jobs, infrastructure and tax revenue. “The Spanish government knows very well that this is an important driver of the economy.”

What Belgian owners should know

The rules have tightened: you now need a national registration number to list a property on platforms such as Airbnb or Booking. This number must be renewed annually and clearly displayed in every listing. Without it, the platforms are obliged to remove the property.

Other minimum requirements also apply, such as having air conditioning, a first aid kit and valid insurance. In apartment buildings, an explicit approval from three-fifths of the co-owners is also required. Owners who meet these conditions can continue renting without worry.

Conclusion

Sánchez’s announcements may sound strict, but the impact on Belgian owners on the coasts is limited. The focus is mainly on urban markets where housing pressure is highest. Those who are properly registered and comply with the rules should not be concerned.

Vorsselmans concludes: “It won’t get easier, but those who rent honestly and transparently can still count on a stable return and peace of mind.”

Need help or advice?

Want to make sure your holiday rental fully complies with the regulations? Contact the NB-ESTATES team or call +32 3 304 72 42 for personalised advice. Our offices in Knokke, Antwerp, Tenerife and Moraira are ready to assist you.