Spain\\\'s Airbnb Controversy: 27,000 Businesses Turned into Flats Spark Local Backlash

Discover the controversy in Spain as 27,000 businesses are converted into flats, sparking a local backlash. 'Guiris Go Home' stickers appear in Valencia, while locals in Malaga express gratitude for job opportunities.

Over the past three years, Malaga has seen a significant transformation in its urban landscape, with more than 800 shops, bars, and other local businesses being converted into homes. According to data from the national land registry, a total of 839 premises in the Costa del Sol city have undergone this change since 2021. Among these conversions, 327 were shops or bars, 198 were warehouses and storage rooms, and 88 were offices. Additionally, 60 hotels were repurposed into multiple flats, along with two religious buildings.

Spain's Airbnb Controversy: 27,000 Businesses Turned into Flats Spark Local Backlash

The decision to convert a business into a residential property has proven to be a lucrative one, as it can triple the value of the property. In Malaga, housing is valued at 86% more than a commercial premises and 80% more than an office, making the change of use a profitable investment. However, not everyone is pleased with this trend, as some locals have expressed their frustration online, highlighting concerns about the impact on the community.

This trend is not unique to Malaga, as similar conversions have taken place across Spain. In the past three years, there have been a total of 27,700 conversions of businesses into homes, with Madrid and Barcelona leading the way with 3,625 and 2,233 conversions respectively. Other cities such as Pontevedra, Valencia, Las Palmas, Sevilla, and Burgos have also seen a significant number of conversions.

Despite the economic benefits of these conversions, there are growing concerns about the impact on the housing market. A report by the Bank of Spain has highlighted the rapid surge in holiday lets as a contributing factor to the shortage of housing available for everyday Spaniards and residents. The report estimates that 600,000 new homes need to be built by 2025 to address the property deficit in the country, despite the presence of almost four million empty or unoccupied homes.

As anti-tourism sentiment continues to rise in Spain, the conversion of businesses into homes is likely to remain a contentious issue. Recent photos shared on social media show stickers bearing anti-tourism messages being placed outside tourist flats in Valencia, reflecting a growing backlash against the impact of tourism on local communities.

The conversion of businesses into homes in Malaga and across Spain is a trend that has both economic benefits and social implications. While it may boost property values and provide new housing options, it also raises concerns about the availability of affordable housing and the impact on local communities. As the debate continues, it will be important to strike a balance between economic growth and sustainable urban development.