The last few weeks have been full of news about the lack of affordable housing in Malaga and its relationship with mass tourism. In just twenty days: an urgent modification of municipal regulations to prohibit or limit new tourist homes by neighborhood; a surprising statement from Mayor Francisco de la Torre (PP) announcing that he is studying how to “ban” them; a statement from its Urban Planning councilor slipping that the problem is not that big of a deal; three reports (municipal, union and a real estate consultancy) emphasizing that it is a big deal; and multiple statements from the opposition calling for stronger measures. The framework is completed by a new demonstration for the right to housing, this Saturday, after the success of the one on June 29.
This effervescence contrasts with the complacency of De la Torre and his team during more than five years of unbridled growth. Málaga has become, by far, the Spanish city with the most tourist homes (VUT) per inhabitant, exceeding 13,000 registered. During this time, tourist colonization and its effect on housing prices has been the star topic in private conversation. Meanwhile, the city council stuck out its chest because Málaga is fashionable: tourism ratifies the commitment to a brand image and brings money (particularly for the hospitality industry and the owners of tourist homes).
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