According to data from the real estate portal Idealista, the decrease in Huelva is substantial and aligns with the trend observed in other capitals designated as 'stressed areas,' where price controls are in effect. This situation suggests a direct impact of regulations on the availability of properties for long-term leases.
Nationally, the permanent rental supply has decreased by 3% across the country. The largest reduction was recorded in Pamplona, with a year-on-year decline of 39%, followed by A Coruña (-33%), San Sebastián (-28%), Bilbao (-21%), Tarragona (-15%), Lleida (-12%), Barcelona (-9%), and Vitoria (-4%). Only Girona saw a 9% increase in its supply.
Outside of the 'stressed areas,' in addition to Huelva, other cities with significant drops include Melilla (-36%), Ceuta (-31%), Huesca (-31%), and Soria (-26%). In large non-stressed markets, Alicante reduced its supply by 8%, Seville by 6%, Valencia by 4%, and Málaga by 2%. The supply in Madrid remained stable, while Palma recorded a 3% increase.
The report also highlights the growing importance of seasonal rentals, which by the end of the first quarter of 2026 accounted for 27% of the total supply, with a 22% year-on-year increase. In stressed cities like A Coruña, seasonal rentals grew by 188%, followed by Pamplona (78%) and San Sebastián (67%). However, in Tarragona and Barcelona, following the approval of the Catalan autonomous law, the temporary supply fell by 16% and 29% respectively.
“"Market intervention generates scarcity."
A spokesperson for the real estate portal indicated that the data reflects how market intervention can lead to scarcity, and that the withdrawal of supply is accelerating in cities with capped prices. They also noted that measures adopted in Catalonia to restrict seasonal rentals have reduced this modality, but without owners opting for permanent rentals, contrary to legislative intent.
