New restrictions on Airbnb rentals on the way

The European Union (EU) is preparing a new regulation to provide a more robust legal foundation for local restrictions on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb. The goal is to strengthen the measures taken by municipalities and local governments against legal challenges, particularly in cities where housing shortages are deepening.

According to Bloomberg, the European Commission is working on a common methodology that can be applied across the EU to identify regions experiencing housing shortages. Within the scope of the regulation, it is planned to establish a common framework for the measures that can be taken in these regions.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to announce this topic, which is seen as one of the key elements of the "Affordable Housing Act," ahead of her annual speech to the European Parliament in September.

Local governments have faced numerous lawsuits in recent years due to their attempts to limit short-term rentals for tourism purposes. Property owners and short-term rental operators have cited EU internal market rules in these cases.

PARIS RULING SETS A PRECEDENT

The ruling in a 2020 case brought by property owners in Paris against restrictions on short-term rentals is seen as one of the foundations for the new preparation. In that decision, it was stated that single market rules could take a back seat if the public interest is sufficiently proven.

A Commission official stated that the Affordable Housing Act would provide a common operational framework to help apply existing EU legislation more consistently, and would ensure that restrictive measures related to housing are evaluated in proportion to the scale of the problem.

In an assessment from the Airbnb side, it was stated that the housing crisis in Europe needs "structural solutions." A company spokesperson stated that they support an evidence-based and targeted approach, adding, "Field experiences in cities like Barcelona and Amsterdam show that blanket restrictions on short-term rentals do not improve the local housing situation."

According to Eurostat data, approximately 20 percent of the housing stock in the EU is not used as a primary residence. The increased use of housing for purposes other than permanent residence in large cities and tourist destinations narrows the housing options available to local residents.

A Eurobarometer survey published in 2025 also revealed that more than half of city residents see the lack of affordable housing as an urgent and priority issue, ahead of topics such as unemployment.

News Source: 12punto