nuSep 9, 2026, 14:53

Brussels targets rental platforms like Airbnb to tackle housing shortages

The European Commission is proposing new legislation to grant city mayors greater authority to regulate short-term rental platforms like Airbnb to combat housing shortages. The plan aims to provide local authorities with more tools to ensure homes remain available for residents rather than being used as short-term tourist accommodations.

European Commissioner for Competition Teresa Ribera has announced a proposal to grant city mayors more authority to regulate short-term rental platforms like Airbnb. This initiative addresses the rising housing costs in major cities across Europe, where the conversion of residential units into tourist accommodations has significantly limited availability for permanent residents. In some popular tourist destinations, as much as twenty percent of housing stock is currently dedicated to short-term rentals, driving prices beyond the reach of local earners. The proposed European Commission measures aim to provide local authorities with specific tools to curb these practices and manage secondary home ownership that is primarily intended for commercial rental purposes. While the Commission is not imposing mandatory restrictions, it seeks to offer a legal framework that empowers municipalities to protect their local housing markets. Member states and the European Parliament are now set to begin negotiations on the legislative proposal to determine how these increased regulatory powers will be implemented across the region.

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Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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