Government plans new tax measures for tourist apartments

The Spanish government has announced plans to impose a 21% VAT on tourist apartment rentals and allow municipalities to apply an IBI (property tax) surcharge of up to 100% on such properties. The move aims to address housing shortages in popular tourist destinations by discouraging short-term rentals and increasing tax revenue. Currently, many tourist apartments are taxed as residential rentals, which benefit from a lower VAT rate of 10% or even exemptions. The new measures would align them with hotels, which already pay 21% VAT. Municipalities would also gain the power to double the IBI for properties used for tourist accommodation, a tool already used in cities like Barcelona. The plan is part of a broader effort to regulate the booming short-term rental market, which has been blamed for driving up rents and reducing housing availability for locals. The government argues that the tourism sector should pay its fair share of taxes, while critics warn that the measures could hurt small property owners and reduce tourism income. The proposal is still in early stages and will require parliamentary approval. If passed, it could take effect in 2025. The tourism industry and homeowner associations have already voiced strong opposition, calling for a more balanced approach.