Spanish Consumer Ministry Investigates Real Estate Portal for Unfair Practices

• The Spanish Ministry of Consumer Affairs has opened an investigation into a major real estate portal for suspected unfair commercial practices.
• This action follows a complaint by the Federation of Consumers and Users (CECU) and a recent 3.6 million euro fine against Alquiler Seguro for housing law violations.
• Investigations could lead to fines of up to 100,000 euros or up to six times the profit obtained from the illicit activity.

Reported Irregularities

• CECU previously flagged Idealista, Fotocasa, and Alquiler Seguro for potential fraud regarding energy efficiency labeling.
• Findings suggest that 74.2% of analyzed listings fail to properly display or present misleading energy labels, with some platforms allowing listings marked as "in progress."

New Housing Legislation

• The Ministry of Social Rights and Agenda 2030 will monitor compliance with the new housing decree-law.
• Under Article 20, all property listings must now include:
  • The rental price reference index.
  • The rent from the most recent lease agreement within the last five years.
  • Clear disclosure of whether the landlord is a "large holder" (gran tenedor).
• These requirements apply to listings nationwide, regardless of whether they are located in designated "stressed" areas.