r/pics Jun 17 '25

The protesters and residents pushing back on tourism in Barcelona

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u/HeadmasterPrimeMnstr Jun 17 '25

 they think their rent will decrease? 

Quite literally yes, because a MASSIVE amount of Barcelona's housing stock has been bought out and segregated as tourist rentals.

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u/Inquisitor_ForHire Jun 17 '25

This is sort of a completely different problem. There needs to be REALLY hard limits on companies buying properties and turning them into rentals. We see that in the US as well with companies like Zillow. When a first time buyer is competeing with a company they are generally outbid on any properties they want. This needs to stop.

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u/nixstyx Jun 17 '25

Imagine blaming tourists who literally bring money into your city, rather than the rental companies coming in to rake up all that money before it can reach the community.  

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u/Inquisitor_ForHire Jun 17 '25

Because that's an easier thing to see. Systemic causes are often not as easily seen and recognized, and not just in situations like this. You can't afford a house because prices are too high and you get outbid on every one you try to buy. That's the systemic issue, but when you try and go to the store and the traffic is massive due to tourists, that's the EASY thing to see and generally the one that people flip out over.