Barcelona Approves 150% Property Tax Hike for Tourist Apartments

Barcelona City Council has taken a decisive step to curb the proliferation of short-term tourist rentals by provisionally approving a new property tax surcharge. Under the proposal, which aligns with Spanish government Decree-Law 26/2026, owners of tourist accommodation licences (HUT) will face a tiered tax increase. Those holding a single licence will see a 50% surcharge on their property tax (IBI), while owners with four or more licences will face a 150% increase. This measure is part of a broader strategy to manage overtourism and address housing shortages in the city, following the council's previously announced plans to phase out tourist flat licences entirely.

If the measure is finalized, the surcharge will become payable starting December 31, 2027, and will be applied annually thereafter. The move reflects a growing trend among major European cities to prioritize local housing availability over the expansion of the short-term rental market, which has been blamed for driving up living costs for residents.

This policy primarily impacts property owners who operate short-term tourist rentals in Barcelona. Travellers who rely on these specific types of accommodations may be affected by reduced inventory or increased nightly rates as owners attempt to offset the new tax costs.

Makutet expects this tax hike to accelerate the consolidation of the short-term rental market in Barcelona, likely forcing smaller, independent operators to exit the sector. We anticipate that this will lead to a more professionalized, albeit smaller, inventory of tourist flats, while simultaneously driving a shift in demand back toward the hotel sector. Travellers should prepare for a long-term reduction in the variety of non-hotel accommodation options within the city center.