Airbnb set to face more restrictions as EU proposes rules to tackle housing crunch
The proposal would let cities curb commercial holiday lets in stressed markets while protecting people who rent out their main home, officials said.
- On Wednesday, the European Commission proposed the Affordable Housing Act, allowing local authorities to restrict holiday rentals and property purchases in areas deemed 'under housing stress.'
- Property prices surged 60% and rents climbed 21.8% over the last decade, exacerbating housing affordability crises across the European Union as insufficient supply forces millions to struggle for homes.
- Authorities may implement these measures only when price-to-income ratios and other indicators suggest housing pressure will persist, while rules explicitly protect the right to rent out one's primary residence.
- Lobbying group CCIA, representing Airbnb, criticized the proposal, arguing that 'without enforceable proportionality checks' it could unfairly penalize homeowners who rent rooms to make ends meet.
- European Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribiera will guide the legislation through upcoming parliamentary debates in coming months, though officials stress structural solutions to increase housing supply remain essential.
223 Articles
223 Articles
The European Commission presented its proposal to support affordable housing, and many in the European Parliament were dissatisfied with the text.
The EU cannot legislate on lettings, for example via Airbnb, but under certain conditions cities should be able to tighten up rules in the future.
The European Commission has presented a regulation that provides cities with tools to intervene in the housing market Context: Brussels advocates restricting tourist housing but requires a time plan of up to five years
Berlin, Madrid or Lisbon: There is a "housing crisis" in many cities, according to the European Commission - exacerbated by commercial short-term rentals. Municipalities should be given more opportunities to regulate Airbnb and Co. by K. Schmid.
For Brussels, short-term rentals are partly responsible for the local population being displaced in tourism hotspots, but resistance to new regulation is already emerging.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 39% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
