Hotels Rebranded as Housing Solution
Xavier Roig, engineer and opinion contributor at VIA Empresa, has proposed converting Catalonia’s underperforming hotels into long-term rental housing as a practical response to the region’s acute housing shortage. In an article published on 29 September 2026, Roig argues that repurposing hotels, particularly those with fewer than four stars, could simultaneously ease housing pressure and improve economic sustainability. Roig highlights that Catalonia has over 1,000 such hotel establishments, many reliant on public subsidies and seasonal tourism. He notes that converting them into residential units would be cheaper than building new housing and would generate stable monthly income for owners.
The lack of housing isn’t due to insufficient construction, it’s due to unplanned immigration and a globalised market that treats property as a financial asset.
Barcelona’s Tourist Housing Phase-Out
The proposal aligns with existing policy in Barcelona, where authorities plan to eliminate all 10,000 legally registered tourist-use dwellings (HUTs) by 2028. According to the Barcelona Metropolis website, the city froze new tourist housing licences in 2014 and fully halted expansion in 2018 through the Pla Especial Urbanístic d’Allotjaments Turístics (PEUAT). The city will not draft a replacement plan, effectively ending legal tourist housing in the municipality. This move is expected to return approximately 1.3% of the city’s housing stock to the residential market. A Barcelona City Council press release from 26 September 2025 states that removing HUTs will reduce housing prices without negatively affecting the city’s GDP.
Tourism Tax and Economic Pressures
Roig also references the Informe Fènix, which reveals that Catalonia’s tourism sector generates low tax revenue relative to its social costs. He argues that public funds currently subsidising low-yield tourism should instead support housing and essential services. Under the Tax on Stays in Tourism Establishments in Catalonia, tourist accommodations in Barcelona face higher rates than elsewhere in the region. For example, a 4-star hotel pays €3.50 per person per stay in Barcelona, compared to €1.10 elsewhere, according to the Generalitat’s official guidance.
Next Steps for Residents and Owners
Property owners and local authorities interested in conversion options can consult the Generalitat’s tourism establishment database via the holiday apartments search tool. Barcelona residents can also review urban planning policies on tourist housing at the Pla Especial Urbanístic d'Allotjaments Turístics page.
Primary sources: empresa.gencat.cat, barcelona.cat, idescat.cat, govern.cat, ajuntament.barcelona.cat, empresa.extranet.gencat.cat, atc.gencat.cat. Reported by viaempresa.cat, observatorioviviendaturistica.com.
