The bustling city of Valencia in Spain is taking a bold step to strike a balance between its thriving tourism industry and the needs of its residents. Valencia tourist housing

The Urban Planning Commission of the Valencia City Council has unanimously approved a plan to significantly restrict tourist housing within the city’s historic center, Ciutat Vella. Barcelona’s mayor, Jaume Collboni, has announced a plan to phase out all short-term tourist rentals by 2028 as well.

Preserving the Heart of Valencia

This decision, backed by all political parties, aims to safeguard the residential character of Ciutat Vella. Imagine strolling through charming, narrow streets lined with vibrant local life, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of tourist hotspots. The new regulations aim to preserve the very essence of Ciutat Vella.

Tourist Apartments: Out in Most Residential Buildings

The proposal effectively bans tourist housing in any residential building within Ciutat Vella. “We envision Ciutat Vella as a thriving residential neighborhood,” explained Urban Planning Councilor Juan Giner. “Tourist apartments simply won’t be compatible with buildings where residents live.”

A Year-Long Pause on Tourist Apartment Licenses

The city council has gone a step further by implementing a one-year moratorium on tourist apartment licenses for the rest of the city, excluding the Cabanyal district. This move allows for a thorough evaluation of the current tourist accommodation landscape in Valencia.

Cabanyal: A Different Approach

Cabanyal, with its unique character and charm, already has its own regulations in place. These regulations limit the number of tourist homes per block to 10%, ensuring a healthy balance between residents and tourism.

Addressing Saturation: Numbers Speak Volumes

The modification of the Ciutat Vella Special Plan (PEP) targets areas with high concentrations of tourist housing. Imagine a neighborhood where once-vibrant local communities are replaced by a constant stream of visitors. This is precisely the situation the new regulations aim to address.

• Neighborhoods like Mercat, La Seu, San Francesc, and Carmen have witnessed a surge in tourist housing, with numbers exceeding 50 tourist homes per 100 residents in some areas.
• This stands in stark contrast to other tourist areas of the city, with significantly lower concentrations of tourist housing.

Where Tourist Housing Remains Permitted

While tourist housing will be largely restricted in Ciutat Vella, it won’t be entirely eliminated.

• Buildings dedicated solely to tourist accommodations in San Francesc and parts of Xerea will still be allowed to operate.
• Existing tourist homes with valid licenses can continue functioning, but no new licenses will be issued for residential buildings.

The Road Ahead: Approvals and Appeals

This new regulation needs to be officially approved by the city council and receive a report from the Department of Culture and Sports before coming into effect. It’s important to note that this move supersedes a previous policy that allowed residents to rent out their homes for vacation purposes for a limited period.

Appeals Expected from Tourist Apartment Associations

As expected, tourist apartment associations like Viutur and Avaec are contesting the new regulations. Their primary argument centers on the alleged unequal treatment of tourist accommodations compared to hotels and offices, which are still permitted.

The Impact of Tourist Housing: Beyond Convenience

Reports from the Chair of the Sustainable Economic Model of Valencia and Environment (Mesval) highlight a critical issue: the significant impact of tourist apartments on rental prices in Ciutat Vella. These prices have reportedly risen three times faster compared to the rest of the city, potentially pushing out long-term residents.

A Historic Center for Everyone

Valencia City’s Historic Center Management Service emphasizes the high concentration of tourist listings on platforms like Booking and Airbnb within Ciutat Vella, a district with a population of approximately 28,000 residents. Valencia tourist housing

A City in Transition: Balancing Tourism and Residents

With this bold move, Valencia City Council is actively working to create a more sustainable tourism model. The aim is to ensure a better quality of life for residents in the historic center while maintaining a thriving tourist industry. This decision reflects a commitment to striking a healthy balance between the needs of residents and the economic benefits of tourism.