Madrid's City Council has taken a significant step towards regulating the proliferation of tourist apartments within its historic center by approving the Plan Reside. This new regulation, passed with the majority votes of the PP and the abstention of Vox, aims to address the challenges posed by the unchecked growth of tourist accommodations, which have been a source of contention among residents and local authorities alike. The plan introduces stringent measures to ensure that tourist apartments operate within the legal framework, thereby safeguarding the residential character of the city's core areas.
Under the Plan Reside, tourist apartments will no longer be permitted in residential buildings within the historic center, a move designed to mitigate the disturbances experienced by local residents. Additionally, the plan allows for the repurposing of 210 unused historic buildings into affordable rental units, a measure that seeks to balance the needs of the tourism industry with those of the local housing market. The regulation also imposes stricter penalties for illegal operations, with fines reaching up to €190,000, signaling the city's commitment to enforcing the new rules.
The approval of Plan Reside has not been without its critics. Opposition parties, including Más Madrid and the PSOE, have voiced concerns over the potential for the plan to inadvertently encourage the conversion of entire buildings into tourist accommodations, thereby exacerbating the very issue it aims to resolve. PSOE councilor Antonio Giraldo highlighted that 67% of buildings in the city's urban center could be transformed into tourist apartments under the new regulation, a prospect that raises questions about the plan's long-term impact on Madrid's housing market.
As the Plan Reside moves to the Community of Madrid for final review and approval, the debate over its implications continues. Proponents argue that the plan represents a necessary step towards legalizing and regulating the tourist apartment market, while critics warn of its potential to displace residents and alter the city's urban fabric. With its anticipated implementation in August 2025, the Plan Reside marks a pivotal moment in Madrid's ongoing effort to reconcile the demands of tourism with the preservation of its residential communities.
Starting July 1, Renfe, Spain's national railway company, will phase out its free commuter passes, introducing a new system of discounted travel options aimed primarily at young people and children. This move marks the end of an era for free travel on Cercanías and Media Distancia routes,...
The Spanish government has expressed respect for the ongoing strike by judges and prosecutors, emphasizing its commitment to proceed with judicial reforms. Government spokesperson Pilar Alegría acknowledged the strike during a press conference following the Council of Ministers, highlighting...
Sevilla FC has officially announced the signing of Alfon González as their first acquisition for the 2025-26 season. The 26-year-old winger arrives on a free transfer after his contract with Celta de Vigo expired. Alfon has signed a three-year deal with the Andalusian club, marking a new...
Europe is currently enduring its first major heatwave of the summer, with France, Belgium, and the Netherlands experiencing some of the highest temperatures. Paris is forecasted to reach a scorching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), prompting health warnings and the closure of over...
Spain has officially rolled out a new regulatory framework targeting short-term holiday rentals, a move aimed at aligning with European standards and addressing the country's housing crisis. Effective from July 1, the mandate requires all properties listed for tourism purposes, including...
