We understand Palma town council is close to banning holiday rentals in apartment blocks.

Long-term rentals will not be affected, nor detached or semi-detached dwellings and always when a specific tourist rental licence is granted.

The Gobern Balear will also empower other local authorities across the islands to prohibit apartment rentals if considered necessary.

The legislation has come about via an unlikely alliance between the left and right-wing parties as a result of skyrocketing long-term rents, overcrowding, and a strain on local infrastructure.

There has also been opposition from hoteliers, who see holiday rentals as unregulated and unfair competition.     Similarly, block residents have been complaining about the general poor behaviour of holidaymakers.

We understand the exact details of the new law that have yet to be approved, including the prosecution process.

Other measures being studied include a limitation on the number of holiday rental properties an individual may exploit.

long term property rental prices have soared in the last 12 months with an average increase of 6% pa.