Restrictions and Their Implementation

The legislation in Mallorca has undergone changes in recent years with the aim of regulating the rental of holiday apartments. These restrictions include requirements regarding licensing, the type of property that may be used for tourism purposes, and the geographical location of the properties. Despite these efforts, enforcement of the law appears to be failing once again.

The Problem of Illegal Holiday Apartments

Despite regulation, there are still numerous holiday apartment listings that do not comply with the applicable regulations. These apartments are often rented without the required licenses, leading to distortions of competition and other problems. These illegal practices not only undermine the efforts of the authorities but also damage confidence in the real estate market.

Impact on the Market and Local Residents

The situation has far-reaching consequences, not only for the market itself, but also for the island's residents. On the one hand, it leads to unfair competition for those who abide by the rules. On the other hand, it can lead to rising property prices and displacement of the local population. This affects both the buying and rental markets, thereby increasing the cost of living for residents.

The Role of Platforms

Online platforms offering vacation rentals play a crucial role in this ecosystem. Although these platforms have helped simplify rentals in the past, they now face the challenge of ensuring compliance with local regulations. This includes checking the licenses of the properties listed and working with the authorities to identify and remove illegal listings. This is a major challenge.

Potential Solutions

The recently promised increased cooperation between authorities, online platforms, and owners was just publicity for the government. It could have included the mandatory creation of a transparent license verification system and better communication between those involved. Penalties for illegal rentals could also be increased and controls could be tightened. Another solution could be the introduction of incentives for owners to comply with the rules, for example, through tax benefits. So, it's simply "business as usual!"