Catalonia Bans Speculative Buying: Large Holders Will Not Be Able to Invest in 271 Municipalities with Capped Rents
The government of Salvador Illa and Jéssica Albiach's Comuns have agreed a reform of the urban planning law that redefines the rules of the game for investors and operators of Flexible Accommodation in Catalonia. With fines of up to 1.5 million euros and the figure of the large landlord reduced to five properties, the measure —which affects 90% of the Catalan population— introduces unprecedented restrictions in Spain for the accumulation of residential assets in high-demand areas.
European Flexible Accommodation Nears 1 Billion Nights: Spain Leads the Rankings with Andalusia at the Forefront
Digital platforms Airbnb, Booking and Expedia intermediated 951.6 million nights short-stay in the EU during 2025, a 11,4% more that in 2024 and a 32.4% more In 2023, Spain consolidates its position as a dominant market alongside France and Italy, with Andalusia being the second most in-demand region in Europe in the third quarter. Eurostat data confirms that Flexible Accommodation has definitively shed its niche status to become a structural pillar of continental tourism.
Madrid Redefines Flexible Accommodation: New Tourism Law Recognises it as Official Accommodation and Raises Standards
The Community of Madrid has launched one of the most far-reaching reforms for the Flexible Accommodation sector. The new draft Tourism Law will recognise for the first time the Tourist Use Dwellings (VUT) as a type of official tourist accommodation, establishing a framework that seeks professionalisation, quality and greater legal security.
Portugal Ventures Accelerates Flexible Accommodation Innovation with 1.5 Million Investment in Feel Sampa
Portugal's tourism ecosystem gets a new boost. Portugal Ventures has injected €1.5 million in the startup Feel Sampa, a technology platform designed to revolutionise the management of Flexible Accommodation. This strategic investment aims to consolidate Portugal as an innovation hub in the hospitality industry.
The Short Stay Rental Challenge in 2026: How European Regulation is Filtering the Professional Market
On 5 February 2026, the European Parliament adopted key legislative proposals to tackle the housing crisis on the continent.
Andalusia, Queen of Europe: Flexible Accommodation Conquers the Lead Ahead of the Côte d'Azur
The Andalusian region has been crowned as the most demanded destination in Europe for Flexible Accommodation, surpassing iconic locations such as the Côte d'Azur or Catalonia. With a record 26.6 million overnight stays in 2025, the sector is proving to be a key economic pillar, dominated by small owners and in the midst of adapting to a new regulatory framework.
The Inexhaustible Power of PBSA: Student Residences Consolidate as Spain's Star Flexible Accommodation Asset
Far from being a passing fad, investment in student housing (PBSA) in Spain confirms its long-term appeal. The sector's major operators point to structurally solid demand and a shortage of quality supply as the drivers of a segment that continues to attract institutional capital and defy any signs of drying up.
Spain Overcomes All Barriers: Historic Record of 111.7 Million International Passengers Boosts Flexible Accommodation
Spain's magnetism reaches a new zenith. With the arrival of 111.7 million international passengers in 2025, the country pulverises all its previous records, registering a growth of 5.9%. This massive influx of travellers consolidates the strength of the tourism sector and boosts demand for the entire value chain, especially for Flexible Accommodation.
European Traveller's Paradox: Record Flexible Accommodation Stays Collide with an Uncertain Regulatory Environment
Flexible Accommodation in Europe is experiencing a fascinating contradiction. While Eurostat data confirms an all-time record in overnight stays through online platforms, driven by a more active European traveller than ever before, regulatory pressure is intensifying, with Spain announcing new restrictions. Against this backdrop, investment capital is betting heavily on the residential and hotel sector as a haven of value.
Lisbon Changes Course: Portuguese Capital Revokes Ban on New Short-Term Rentals
In a significant regulatory shift, Lisbon has decided to revoke the suspension of new licences for Flexible Short-Term Accommodation. The decision is based on evidence that previous restrictions did not achieve the desired effect of reducing housing costs, marking a change of strategy in managing the balance between tourism and the residential market.
Madrid, the Jewel in Limehome's Crown: Digitised Flexible Accommodation Conquers the Capital with 700 Units
German operator Limehome has consolidated Madrid as its main European market, reaching the figure of 20 signed buildings and exceeding 700 units. This milestone, driven by new strategic openings, reaffirms the success of its technological Flexible Accommodation model and its dominance in the Spanish capital.
Bilbao, New Stage for Luxury in Flexible Accommodation: Copla Living Lands in the Old Hotel López de Haro
The Biscayan capital is preparing to welcome a new high-end Flexible Accommodation proposal. Copla Living, the company chaired by José María Aznar Botella, is finalising the opening of 55 luxury tourist flats in the emblematic former Hotel López de Haro, marking the start of an ambitious national expansion strategy.
The Power of Branding in Luxury Residential: Branded Residences and the 32% Value Premium
In the world of luxury real estate, a prestige label is not just a detail, it is a value multiplier. Branded residences, the most exclusive segment of Flexible Accommodation, sell at an average premium of 32% compared to similar unbranded properties, consolidating a global market that has continued to grow over the last decade.
All Iron Expands its Footprint in Seville with a New Flexible Accommodation Complex in the Heart of the City
The socimi All Iron is strengthening its presence in Andalusia with the inauguration of a new Flexible Accommodation complex in the centre of Seville. This property, with 47 flats, will be operated by Líbere Hospitality and represents a further step in the company's consolidated growth strategy in the main Spanish capitals.
Barcelona Intensifies Pressure: Airbnb Removes Nearly 2,500 Irregular Ads in New Offensive Against Illegal Flexible Housing
The collaboration between Barcelona City Council and Airbnb has taken a new step in the fight against illegal Flexible Accommodation. The platform has removed 2,479 ads that did not comply with municipal regulations, in an action that underlines the city council's determination to eradicate unregulated supply and reorganise the city's tourism sector.
Canary Islands Outlines a New Roadmap for Flexible Accommodation: Sustainability, Quality and Urban Planning Control in Focus
The Canary Islands Government has initiated the way for a profound reform of Flexible Accommodation with a new draft bill. The regulation seeks to rebalance the tourism and residential ecosystem, introducing sustainability criteria, stricter quality requirements and giving local councils a key role in urban planning, marking a turning point for holiday rentals on the islands.
Spain surpasses its own peaks: Tourism reaches an all-time high with almost 86 million visitors and soaring expenditure
The Spanish tourism sector has broken all records. With almost 86 million international tourists up to October, the total figure for 2019 has already been surpassed, while spending has shot up by 15.3%, consolidating a higher quality model. This resounding success boosts Flexible Accommodation and the entire value chain of the sector.
Living Expands Without Limits: Massive Investment in Students and Seniors, and Exponential Growth in Flexible Accommodation
The Flexible and Specialised Accommodation sector in Spain is experiencing rapid growth across all verticals. From mega investment mega-deals in student residences, to new partnerships to develop senior living and unprecedented expansion targets for tourist flat operators, the market demonstrates an overwhelming vitality and attractiveness.
Madrid's Reside Plan: Beyond Constraints, a Tool to Reactivate and Rethink the City
The debate on Madrid's Reside Plan often focuses on the restrictions on Flexible Housing, but its real potential lies in the opportunities it opens up for urban revitalisation. The plan offers a lever to transform obsolete buildings, encourage affordable housing and create a more balanced and resilient city.
Estepona: Costa del Sol's New Jewel Challenges Marbella and Attracts International Capital
Beyond Marbella, a new star is shining brightly in the Costa del Sol's luxury firmament: Estepona. The town is attracting major international investment groups, establishing itself as a top destination for high-end residential and flexible accommodation, thanks to a combination of urban planning, legal certainty and a vision for the future.
