Spain is in the middle of a heated conversation about housing, tourism, and who’s “to blame” for rising rents. It’s emotional, it’s messy, and honestly, a lot of the current narrative feels painfully shallow. So here’s my perspective - not as a politician, but as someone who lives here, contributes here, and genuinely loves this country.

The Narrative: “Tourists Are Pricing Out Locals”

Right now, the loudest argument is that tourists - especially those booking Airbnbs - are pushing locals out of their own neighbourhoods. And yes, I empathise deeply with anyone struggling to afford housing. But Spain isn’t the only country facing a housing crisis, and this issue didn’t magically appear because a few holidaymakers booked a weekend away.

Tourism is an easy target. It’s visible. It’s loud. It’s seasonal. But it’s not the root cause.

My Experience as a Foreigner Living in Spain

Recently, I was on a bus speaking English when an elderly woman asked what I was doing in Spain. Her tone made it clear this wasn’t going to be a friendly chat. When I pretended not to understand, she switched to English just to tell me:

“You are not welcome here.”

I laughed it off, but let’s be honest - it stung. I pay taxes. I follow the laws. I contribute to the community. I have every right to be here.

Are there Brits in Spain who behave badly? Absolutely. And they should be held accountable. But painting all foreigners with the same brush is lazy and unfair.

Spain Thrives Because of Diversity

During a recent trip to the coast, I saw graffiti telling foreigners to “go home.” It’s ironic, considering Spain’s modern infrastructure, economy, and cultural richness have been shaped by decades of EU support and international collaboration - contributions made by both locals and foreigners.

Imagine if tourists suddenly decided Spain wasn’t friendly anymore and booked elsewhere. Tourism is a major pillar of Spain’s GDP. Losing that would hurt everyone.

Foreign Residents Aren’t the Enemy Either

The greatest cities in Europe - London, Berlin, Amsterdam - are vibrant because of diversity. People move, work, contribute, and build communities together. Spain is no different.

Blaming foreigners for the housing crisis is a shallow, emotional reaction. The real issue lies elsewhere.

Where the Real Problem Is: Policy, Not People

This comes down to government regulation - or the lack of it.

Airbnb isn’t the sole villain. In fact, it’s often cheaper than hotels, which is exactly why people book it. If hotels weren’t so expensive, tourists would happily choose them instead.

And here’s the part no one wants to say out loud:

Most Airbnb landlords are Spanish.

But that doesn’t fit the “blame the foreigners” narrative, so it gets conveniently ignored.

Spain has plenty of space. What it needs is better management, smarter regulation, and a balanced approach that protects locals without demonising visitors or residents from abroad.

A Quick Note on Housing Comparisons

If you want to see a true housing nightmare, look at London - where a three‑bedroom house can cost £800,000. Spain isn’t even close to that level of chaos.

Why This Matters to Me

I love Spain. I’m proud to live here. And I want the best for this country. That’s why it’s frustrating to see anger directed at the wrong people.

Foreigners and tourists aren’t the cause of Spain’s housing crisis. Poor regulation is.

A Few Helpful Tools for Anyone Navigating Housing or Travel

These aren’t sales pitches, just genuinely useful items that help people who move, travel, or settle into new places.

• Need a simple toolkit for everyday fixes? The Amazon Basics 65‑Piece Home Repair Kit is perfect for quick jobs around the house hanging shelves, tightening screws, or assembling furniture.
  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00FZP3Z0G
• Travelling around Spain or doing quick weekend trips? The American Tourister Jet Driver 2.0 Cabin Suitcase is lightweight, easy to manoeuvre, and fits most airline cabin requirements perfectly. https://amzn.to/40t2awF
• Working from cafés or bouncing between co‑working spaces? The Nexstand K2 Portable Laptop Stand is lightweight, folds down tiny, and lifts your screen to eye level so you’re not hunched over all day. https://amzn.to/3N3FAHX

These are the kinds of practical things that make life abroad smoother — nothing flashy, just genuinely helpful.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Open

This is a complex issue, and I know not everyone will agree with me. If you see things differently, share your thoughts. If you agree, I appreciate the support. And if you didn’t even know this was happening, now you do!

Thanks for reading, until next time!