A Message from your Trusted Holiday Provider.

If you've been keeping up with recent news in the UK, you may have seen reports of demonstrations and local unrest in some of Spain’s more popular resorts, including its islands. These tensions stem largely from soaring property prices, both for rentals and purchases, particularly in tourist hotspots.

Having visited Spain frequently over the years and lived there as a resident for the past five, I can personally vouch for the noticeable rise in the cost of living, especially when it comes to property. When I first moved, it was quite possible to live affordably and independently, regardless of your profession. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case.

The core issue lies in the increasing number of properties being purchased by non-residents, largely for use as holiday homes or buy-to-let investments. While British buyers have slowed since Brexit due to residency and visa changes, investors from elsewhere in Europe (particularly Scandinavia) continue to snap up properties, benefiting from fewer restrictions and attractive prices. As a result, Spain remains a prime location for retirement and tourism-driven income.

The Spanish government is now attempting to address the housing crisis with new regulations aimed at curbing property inflation. However, many of these proposals appear more political than practical. One suggestion, rumoured but unlikely to be enacted, involves taxing UK buyers up to 100% on property purchases. While this seems improbable, it reflects a worrying misunderstanding of the actual causes of the problem. In reality, it's the lack of local housing development for residents, combined with foreign investment and platforms like Airbnb, that are creating pressure.

Airbnb and similar companies make it incredibly easy for both individuals and firms to let properties short-term. While this boosts tourism in peak months, it does little to support the local economy year-round. Properties often sit empty during off-season periods, turning once-vibrant towns into ghost towns and contributing to a rise in crime in some areas.

That said, I want to reassure anyone considering a trip with us that these demonstrations are not normally directed at tourists staying in hotels, nor are they likely to disrupt our group holidays, especially as we travel outside of the high season. We also purposely avoid the most crowded, family-focused areas, and this has served us well so far.

I don't anticipate any issues during our future trips.

Spain remains a favourite destination for us, thanks to its excellent weather, short flight time from the UK, wide range of flight options, and consistently high standards of hospitality at our preferred hotels.

Rest assured, we monitor these developments closely and will always prioritise the safety and enjoyment of our holidays.

Simon Kelly

Managing Director