Walter Finch
VISITORS to Spain can enjoy their holidays with a clearer conscience by choosing accommodation that doesn’t contribute to the country’s growing housing crisis.
As protests against tourist apartments continue to rock major cities across Spain, savvy travellers are being urged to try a guilt-free alternative: university housing that would otherwise stand empty during summer months.
The surge in properties being converted to tourist lets has sparked outrage among locals who blame so-called ‘vulture funds’ for snapping up housing stock and pushing rental prices beyond the reach of ordinary Spaniards.
In the historic centre of Malaga nearly half (42%) of properties are tourist apartments, while in the neighbouring Barrio La Merced it’s a staggering 69%.
READ MORE: Malaga braces for fresh protests: Thousands to march against surge in tourist apartments
Meanwhile, in Barcelona, the percentage stands at 43%.
These stats led to nationwide protests two weeks ago that saw hundreds of thousands of people marching for affordable housing.
Tourism expert Lily Smith from UniversityRooms.com explained: “While many of us want to enjoy Spain this summer, few would want to feel that our holiday was depriving local people of vital housing or pushing the price of rental homes beyond their budgets.”
In popular expat regions like Andalucia, university rooms offer an ethical and budget-friendly option for visitors.
The Residencia Universitaria Alberto Jimenez Fraud in Malaga features 90 apartments with ensuite bathrooms, living rooms and kitchenettes with prices that don’t change even during August.
Other options include Madrid’s Abay Moncloa residencia, and Barcelona’s premium BLAU Student Housing with air-conditioned studio apartments.
This alternative accommodation option comes as Spain continues to be the most popular holiday destination for British tourists, with over 18 million UK visitors last year alone.
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