elpais.com
Tourist Apartments Drive 33% Surge in Málaga Rental Prices
A University of Málaga study found that areas with over 10% tourist apartments experience a 33% increase in long-term rental prices compared to areas with fewer, based on data from 2016-2023 in Málaga, Seville, Jaén, and Teruel, prompting calls for regulation to ensure affordable housing.
- How do the findings from Málaga and Seville compare to those from Jaén and Teruel, and what factors account for the differences in rental price increases?
- The research, conducted in collaboration with two research institutes, analyzed data from four locations: Málaga and Seville (high tourist apartment density) and Jaén and Teruel (low density). The results show that in neighborhoods exceeding 10% tourist apartments, long-term rental prices increased significantly; Málaga saw a 31% rise, and Seville a 33% rise. The study suggests that even in Jaén and Teruel, such a density would lead to a 44% and 46% increase respectively.
- What are the long-term implications of the observed trend, and what policy recommendations emerge from the study to mitigate the negative impacts on residents?
- The study's findings indicate a pressing need for short-term regulatory mechanisms to ensure access to affordable housing. The continued growth of tourist licenses, although recently slowed in Málaga by new restrictions on licenses, poses an ongoing challenge. The researchers emphasize the multifaceted nature of rental price increases, acknowledging other contributing factors, but clearly demonstrating the significant impact of tourist apartments.
- What is the direct correlation between the density of tourist apartments and long-term rental prices in Málaga and Seville, and what are the immediate consequences?
- A new study from the University of Málaga reveals a 33% increase in long-term rental prices in areas with high concentrations of tourist apartments compared to areas with fewer such accommodations. The study, based on data from 2016-2023 in Málaga and Seville, highlights a strong correlation between the number of tourist rentals and rising rental costs.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the negative consequences of tourist housing on rental prices and residents' quality of life. The headline and introduction immediately highlight the significant price increases in areas with high concentrations of tourist rentals. While the study acknowledges other factors influencing rental prices, the overall emphasis is on the negative impact of tourist housing. This framing could be mitigated by presenting a more balanced view that acknowledges both the positive economic aspects of tourism and the negative consequences of uncontrolled growth.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and objective, using descriptive terms like "significant increase" and "considerable rise." However, phrases such as "capacidad mercantilizadora del capitalismo" (capacity for the marketization of capitalism) and describing the situation as "preocupante" (worrying) inject a degree of subjective judgment. While these expressions reflect the researchers' concerns, using more neutral terms like "substantial increase" and "concerning trend" would enhance objectivity.
Bias by Omission
The analysis focuses primarily on the correlation between tourist housing and rental prices, potentially omitting other factors contributing to rising rental costs such as overall economic conditions, population growth, or government policies. While acknowledging that rental price growth is multifaceted, the study could benefit from explicitly mentioning and potentially quantifying the influence of these other factors to provide a more comprehensive picture. The exclusion of these factors might lead to an overestimation of the impact of tourist housing.
False Dichotomy
The study doesn't present a false dichotomy, but it could be strengthened by acknowledging potential mitigation strategies beyond regulation. While the study advocates for regulation, exploring alternative solutions such as incentivizing long-term rentals or developing affordable housing could offer a more nuanced perspective.
Sustainable Development Goals
The study directly links the rise in short-term rental properties to a significant increase in long-term rental prices, making housing less affordable and potentially pushing low-income residents into poverty or housing insecurity. The 33% increase in rental prices in areas with high concentrations of tourist rentals is a key finding, exacerbating existing inequalities.