Spain Targets Airbnbs to Protect Affordable Housing

Lesson made on January 15, 2025

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Reading Lesson:

Spain is taking big steps to solve its housing crisis. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced a high tax on property purchases by people from outside the European Union (EU). This tax could be as high as 100%, making it much more expensive for non-EU buyers, like those from the United States and the United Kingdom, to purchase homes in Spain. The goal is to free up housing for Spanish residents who are struggling to find affordable places to live.

Prime Minister Sánchez also plans to increase taxes on people who rent out apartments to tourists for short stays, such as those listed on platforms like Airbnb. These taxes aim to discourage foreign investers from buying homes as investment properties.

Tourism plays a big role in Spain’s economy, but it has also made housing more expensive for locals. Cities like Barcelona and Madrid, as well as popular coastal areas, have seen a rise in short-term rentals. This has caused protests and growing frustration among Spanish residents.

Not everyone agrees with these plans. One real estate company criticized the proposed tax on non-EU buyers, saying it wouldn’t solve the housing crisis because the types of properties bought by foreign investors are different from those needed by Spanish families. Others think the proposals are a good start but want even more action.

Housing prices in Spain have skyrocketed, and many people find it hard to afford a place to live. Prime Minister Sánchez believes bold actions are needed to ensure Spain does not become a country divided between wealthy landlords and struggling renters.

Comprehension Questions:

1. Which of these statements is false?

a) Spain plans to tax non-EU property buyers up to 100%.
b) Some people think the new taxes won’t solve the housing crisis.
c) Housing prices in Spain are very affordable for locals.
d) Tourism has made housing more expensive in Spain.

2. What conclusion can we make about the role of tourism in Spain?

a) It only benefits locals.
b) It has made housing less affordable for residents.
c) It has reduced real estate prices.
d) It is unrelated to housing issues.

3. What is one likely effect of increasing taxes on tourist rentals?

a) More people will visit Spain.
b) There will be fewer short-term rental properties.
c) Housing will become more expensive for locals.
d) Tourism will stop completely.

4. Why are cities like Barcelona and Madrid mentioned in the article?

a) They are unaffected by the housing crisis.
b) They are less popular with tourists.
c) They have many short-term rentals.
d) They have low housing costs.

5. Who will have to pay the new tax?

a) Buyers from Spain.
b) Buyers from France.
c) Buyers from Germany.
d) Buyers from the United Kingdom.

6. What is one criticism about the new policies mentioned in the article?

a) They will discourage tourism entirely.
b) They may not address the real housing needs of locals.
c) They are not bold enough to reduce housing prices.
d) Investors will not get rich fast enough.

7. What problem has tourism caused in Spain?

a) Decreased foreign investment.
b) Fewer Airbnbs in major cities.
c) Higher housing costs for locals.
d) A decline in real estate development.

8. Housing prices in Spain have skyrocketed. What does “skyrocketed” mean?

a) Moved steadily up.
b) Stayed the same.
c) Gone down quickly.
d) Gone up quickly.

9. What could be an unintended consequence of taxing tourist rentals?

a) Tourists might stay in hotels instead of Airbnbs.
b) More tourists will buy homes in Spain.
c) Housing prices will increase for locals.
d) Short-term rentals will become easier to find.

10. What is the main idea of the article?

a) Spain wants to increase tourism.
b) Spain is introducing taxes to address its housing crisis.
c) Spain is encouraging non-EU investors to buy property.
d) Spain is building more houses for locals.

Speaking and Writing Activities:

– Discuss these questions with a partner or a small group.

– Choose one topic and write a response to it. Show your writing to a classmate or teacher.

1. What would you do if your city became too expensive to live in because of tourism?
   
   
2. Have you ever stayed in an Airbnb or a similar rental? How was your experience?
   
   
3. What are some of the most famous things in Spain? Do you want to visit the country?

More Reading Practice:

What is Airbnb?

Airbnb is a website and app where people can rent out their homes, apartments, or rooms to travelers. It started in 2008 and has become a popular way for tourists to find a place to stay. Instead of staying in a hotel, travelers can book a home or apartment, which often feels more personal and comfortable.

The platform allows homeowners, called hosts, to set the price for their space, and guests can book it for a short time, usually a few days to a few weeks. Airbnb is used all over the world, including in major cities and small towns. Some homes on Airbnb offer unique experiences, like staying in a castle or a houseboat.

Guests and hosts leave reviews for each other, which helps everyone feel safer when using the platform. While Airbnb can be a great way to travel, it has also caused some challenges, like making housing more expensive for locals in popular tourist areas.

Why is Spain so popular with tourists?

Spain is popular with tourists because it offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore ancient landmarks like the Alhambra in Granada or the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, which are famous for their stunning architecture and long history. Spain also has many museums and art galleries, showcasing works by famous artists like Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí.

The country is known for its warm climate, with sunny summers and mild winters, making it a great place to visit all year. Spain has beautiful beaches along its coasts, such as the Costa del Sol and the Costa Brava, where people can swim, relax, or try water sports.

Spanish food is another reason why many people visit. Traditional dishes like paella, tapas, and churros are popular with tourists. Each region of Spain has its own unique foods and flavors, offering something special to try wherever you go.

Festivals and celebrations, such as La Tomatina and the Running of the Bulls, attract visitors looking for exciting cultural experiences. Combined with its friendly people and lively cities, like Madrid and Seville, Spain has something for everyone to enjoy.

Link: Spain vacation rentals on Airbnb

Link: Images of anti-tourism protests in Spain

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