Housing activists, environmental groups and unions mobilised in the wake of souring housing costs.
Around 100 people gathered in Barcelona on Wednesday to protest against a real estate fair called “The District” taking place in the city.
The police clashed with the demonstrators as they attempted to approach the fairgrounds, although they finally managed to enter the complex.
Soaring housing costs are at the heart of the protesters’ concerns. Over the past decade, rents have surged by 68%, while the cost of buying a house increased by 38%, leaving many locals struggling to enter the housing market.
Housing activists were joined by environmental groups and unions.
Tourism is straining the housing market
During the summer, protesters in Barcelona targeted tourists by spraying them with water pistols and the message, “Tourists, go home.”
Some economists argue that short-term rentals, including those listed on online platforms, have strained the local housing market.
Barcelona city council recently announced a radical plan to revoke around 10,000 tourist flat licences within the next five years.
The measure aims to tackle the escalating national housing crisis, which is especially severe in tourist cities like Barcelona, prioritising residential use over tourism in one of Europe’s most visited destinations.
The plan reflects a growing global trend of cities taking action to address the impact of mass tourism on local communities.
