Blog by Edward Mendoza, Junior Associate 

The beautiful city of Barcelona has an estimated population of 5.7 million.[1] Located in the north-eastern tip of Spain, the city boasts a vibrant culture and historic past that entices people from all over the world to visit. One could spend the morning visiting the stunning La Sagrada Familia church that towers 172.5 meters (566 feet) above the ground,[2] following that they could cool off by swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, and finally they could finish their day by visiting the historic Spotify Camp Nou and support Barcelona FC (soccer team) along with 99,354 loyal fans.[3] Despite these enticing tourist attractions, the reality for Barcelona residents is much more grim. The city, much like many other parts in the world, is currently experiencing a significant housing crisis, with 5,100 people without housing or living in inadequate conditions—a number that has increased by 22% from 2022.[4] According to the Arrels Foundation, a bit over half of the unhoused population receive assistance, which in turn leaves 1,231 people to sleep on the streets of the city, a record high that represents a significant 16% increase compared to 2021.[5] Scholars have long debated what factors have led to these results with culprits ranging from inflation and rising rents to broader issues such as unemployment and high housing costs.[6]

The growing sentiment of Barcelona residents indicate that these problems all have a common catalyst: tourism—and this sentiment grew to a boiling point on Saturday July 6, 2024. On that day around 2,800 “anti-tourism” protesters marched the city streets to protest the influx of tourism they believe has ravaged their beloved home.[7] During the protest, participants carried toy water guns and marched with signs reading “Tourist Go Home,” “Barcelona is not for sale.”[8] Some tourists found themselves staring at the end of the barrel and got sprayed by these water guns.[9] In an effort to combat their housing crisis, Mayor Jaume Collboni announced on June 21, 2024 that Barcelona will phase out all short term rental properties for tourists by 2029.[10] This, as a result, would make it a violation for homeowners to rent out their homes to tourists under any circumstance.[11]

Has Barcelona taken the right step toward combating their housing crisis or will they soon come to regret their decision? Only time will reveal the truth, but cities currently facing the same challenges stand still, patiently observing.

 

[1]  Barcelona, Spain Population 2024, World Population Rev., https://worldpopulationreview.com/cities/spain/barcelona (last visited Feb. 3, 2025).

[2]  Jack Guy & Amarachi Orie, Barcelona’s famous Sagrada Familia will finally be completed in 2026, CNN Travel (Mar. 25, 2024, 8:45 AM EDT), https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/25/travel/sagrada-familia-barcelona-completion-scli-intl/index.html.

[3] A Top Rated Stadium, FC Barcelona, https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/club/facilities/spotify-camp-nou (last visited Nov. 2, 2024).

[4] Esperança, The Surge in Homelessness in Barcelona: A Disturbing Trend, Linkedin (Feb. 8, 2024), https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/surge-homelessness-barcelona-disturbing-trend-esperan%C3%A7a-nwz9f/.

[5] Id.

[6] Id.

[7] Al Jazeera Staff, Why Are Barcelona Residents Protesting Against Tourists?, Aljazeera (July 9, 2024), https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/9/why-are-barcelona-residents-protesting-against-tourists.

[8] Id.

[9] Id.

[10] Beth Batley, Barcelona’s Short-Term Rental Ban: Why Has It happened, and What Does It Mean for You?, Rentals United (June 26, 2024), https://rentalsunited.com/blog/barcelonas-short-term-rental-ban-why-has-it-happened-and-what-does-it-mean-for-you/.

[11] Id.