The battle of San Julián, in Seville, pits residents against the unstoppable advance of tourist apartments. They denounce that overcrowding raises housing prices and makes life more expensive, driving out those who have made the neighborhood their home. The community organizes to defend its identity against a model that prioritizes economic profit over local well-being.
The technology accelerating the change of residential use 🏘️
Vacation rental platforms and property management systems have facilitated the massive conversion of homes into tourist accommodations. Dynamic pricing algorithms and instant booking tools allow owners to maximize income without considering the social impact. Meanwhile, neighbors lack technological solutions to monitor or regulate this transformation, leaving the neighborhood defenseless against the pressure of the digital market.
The algorithm that kicks out neighbors without asking permission 🤖
The neighbors of San Julián no longer know if they are renting an apartment or opening the wrong door and finding a tourist looking for the key. Technology has turned every entrance into a hotel without a reception, and the only check-in that matters is the one for economic profit. Soon they will install a sign: Entire neighborhood for rent, check availability on the app.