🔥 Tourist Protests Turn Fiery in Spain
Across Spain, anger over tourism’s impact on housing reached a boiling point in June 2025. Protesters in Barcelona, Palma, and San Sebastián used water pistols and placards to soak tourists and block beaches—demanding a clampdown on short-term rentals and real estate speculation.
Chants like “This was my home. Now it’s your Airbnb” became symbolic of the growing rift between locals and foreign investors. Social media posts of human chains stopping tour buses went viral, sparking global conversation.
🏠 Airbnb Under Fire: 66,000+ Listings Removed
The Spanish government responded fast. Over 66,000 Airbnb-style properties were delisted by June 2025 for violating new national registry rules. Euronews reported fines as high as €600,000 for non-compliant hosts.
Barcelona is going further: the city plans to revoke 10,000 tourist licences by 2028 in an attempt to restore affordable housing and limit tourist pressure.
💸 Non-EU Buyers Face Heavy Taxes
In a bid to curb foreign speculation, Spain is introducing a 100% surtax on home purchases by non-EU residents in certain regions. UK and US buyers are among those hit hardest. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated:
“Over 27,000 homes have been bought by foreigners who do not live in them. This is not sustainable.”
The surtax—being implemented regionally—can effectively double the cost of buying a property for non-residents. In addition, foreigners may soon be banned from purchasing newly built homes in popular zones like Ibiza and Mallorca.
🇵🇹 Portugal Stands to Benefit
As Spain imposes new rules, neighbouring Portugal looks increasingly attractive to foreign buyers. With fewer Airbnb restrictions, no surtax on non-EU purchases, and ongoing residency pathways like the Golden Visa, Portugal is becoming the go-to destination for displaced investor interest.
While Lisbon and Porto have capped short lets in some neighbourhoods, rural areas and the Algarve remain largely unregulated—creating a perfect entry point for real estate investors, retirees, and second-home seekers.
🧾 Who Can Still Buy Property in Spain and Portugal?
- EU Citizens: No restrictions in either country.
- Non-EU Citizens (UK, USA, etc.):
- Spain: Subject to surtax, licence laws, possible regional bans
- Portugal: Golden Visa available in limited regions; no surtax yet
📊 Spain vs Portugal: 2025 Snapshot
| Metric | Spain | Portugal |
|---|---|---|
| Airbnb Restrictions | National database, licences removed | Only in Lisbon/Porto |
| Foreign Buyer Surtax | Yes (up to 100%) | No |
| Golden Visa | Limited, under review | Still active in rural areas |
| Public Sentiment | High protest activity | Low unrest |
💡 Final Thoughts: Portugal’s Window of Opportunity
Spain is taking bold steps to regulate tourism and housing, but those changes come at a cost—especially for non-EU buyers. While Spain’s overtourism problem continues to unfold, Portugal offers stability, tax benefits, and investor-friendly policies.
It remains to be seen whether Portugal will follow Spain’s lead. For now, foreign buyers looking to avoid red tape and protest-fuelled uncertainty may find a safer bet across the border.
