The Airbnb effect: why second homes have become so divisive

The Airbnb effect: why second homes have become so divisive

Time Stamp: August 14, 2023 10:35 PM
Source Node: 2213556

In early June 2023, the mayor of the Italian city of Florence announced an immediate ban on new short-term rentals in its UNESCO-protected historic center. The measure follows efforts by local authorities worldwide to regulate the expansion of Airbnbs, second homes and short-term rentals due to overtourism and a worsening housing crisis. CNBC examines the impact of the commercialization of housing and whether restrictions on short-term rentals can work.

In the Italian city of Venice, the number of beds dedicated to tourists is now almost on par with the number of beds allocated to residents.

An electronic counter installed by activists in the city tracking this number illustrates the ever-growing demand for short-term rentals, popularized by the home-sharing platform Airbnb, which is now as popular as hotels.

The short-term rental market is projected to be worth $228.9 billion in 2030, boosted by the rise of commercial operators.

But as the housing crisis deepens worldwide due to land and labor shortages, residents are questioning the impact of Airbnbs and second homes locally.

“We have more than 7,000 apartments involved in this kind of system of short-term tourist rentals. And now it’s very difficult for a young guy or a new family to find an affordable house to rent,” Dario Nardella, Florence city mayor, told CNBC.

So what is the economic impact of Airbnb and short-term rentals? And can restrictions ease the crisis? Watch the video to find out.

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