Airbnb fined £56m by Spain for advertising unlicensed properties

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 -Spain has fined Airbnb £56 million for advertising thousands of unlicensed rental properties, marking one of the toughest enforcement actions yet against short-term rental platforms. 

Authorities say the listings violated housing and consumer protection rules, intensifying the government’s push to rein in illegal tourist rentals that are squeezing local housing supply.

Regulators argue the platform failed to properly verify whether properties were legally registered, allowing unlawful listings to remain visible to travelers. 

The fine reflects a broader crackdown as cities across Spain move aggressively to protect long-term housing, stabilize rents, and restore balance in neighborhoods overwhelmed by short-term tourism.

The decision sends a clear signal to global tech platforms operating in Europe: compliance is no longer optional. As governments tighten oversight and impose steep penalties, companies like Airbnb face mounting pressure to adapt their business models quickly or risk escalating fines and further restrictions in key growth markets.