More than 15,000 illegal tourist apartments operate in Madrid

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 03. 25. 10:19

There are more than 15,000 illegal tourist apartments operating in Madrid, the Spanish Ministry of Social Rights and Consumption has found in a report published on Monday.

According to the ministry’s investigation, 16,335 apartments are advertised for tourism purposes on various online platforms, but only 1,131 of them have a permit issued by the municipality.

The ministry has handed over documents containing the addresses of the accommodations and information about the owners to the capital’s leadership, with the aim of doing everything within its powers to eliminate the illegal activities, as they restrict the right to decent housing and displace locals from their homes.

According to the ministry, the data provides the city with key evidence to eliminate illegal accommodations, remove their advertisements and apply sanctions.

The ministry highlighted Barcelona as an example to follow, where the municipality removed thousands of illegal apartment listings and managed to redirect most of the properties back to the traditional rental market. It also highlighted Ibiza, where results were achieved by improving inspections and accelerating sanctions.