Authorities in Spain have come down hard of Brits who have been letting their second homes illegally to tourists. Second home owners in Majorca are facing a severe crackdown, with stiff fines and authorities now threatening to switch off their water and electricity supply. This drastic strategy is the latest weapon deployed by the island's council as part of a wider effort to increase available housing and make rents more affordable for locals, aiming to curb the issue widely described as "tourist massification".
Majorca is poised to emulate Seville, which has already commenced such measures, with Valencia set to join the fray shortly. The beautiful island has witnessed repeated demonstrations against tourist rentals, which locals blame for the scarcity of housing for Spaniards and soaring rent prices due to landlords favouring holidaymakers who can pay top dollar. This is a key concern within the broader controversy surrounding tourism saturation in Spain's vacation locations, marked by numerous protests and marches.
One recent local protest revolved around a Palma building boasting ten apartments - all unlawfully leased out to tourists. Authorities in Majorca confirmed they're considering slashing utilities like electricity and water to illegally operated tourist flats as part of their battle against this rampant practice. Initially proposed by Seville, Valencia, under Mayor Maria Jose Catala, announced similar intentions this week.
Following suit, the council in Seville, g.