Spanish court strikes down national short-term rental registry, clearing way for 111,000 blocked apartments to return to Airbnb and Booking

The saga began in July 2025 when the Spanish government launched a mandatory registration system for tourist lettings (NRA). Property owners were required to obtain a special licence number to legally list their properties on platforms. Logical enough on the surface—but Spain's Supreme Court has ruled the scheme unlawful, finding it violated the regulatory powers of autonomous regions, which oversee tourism independently.

Now owners whose applications were rejected under the national system have a second chance. The catch: they must comply with regional licensing requirements. This is not a wholesale dismantling of rules, but rather a restoration of tourism regulation to the regions themselves.

The financial toll is substantial. The FEVITUR association estimates that each owner lost an average of €33,000 in lost bookings and blocked listings. Total damages could reach €160 million—and compensation claims are already being prepared.

Housing Minister Isabel Rodríguez has responded by telling the regions: if you insisted so strongly on your rights, now you regulate. A political manoeuvre that amounts to passing the buck.

For investors, the takeaway is clear: regional rules are back in the spotlight. Verify your property's status under the specific laws of your region before counting on a return to online platforms.