Airbnb set to face more restrictions as EU proposes rules to tackle housing crunch
The proposal would let cities restrict commercial short-term lets in areas with severe housing pressure, as rents rose 3% in the first quarter of 2026.
- On Wednesday, the European Commission proposed the Affordable Housing Act, enabling local authorities to regulate short-term rentals like Airbnb in areas defined as under 'housing stress' to address affordability pressures.
- Mounting affordability concerns prompted the legislation, as Brussels reported property prices surged 60% and rents climbed 20% over the last decade, with short-term rentals reducing available supply in popular tourist destinations.
- The draft establishes 'housing stress' criteria, including price-to-income ratios, allowing local restrictions while protecting primary residence rentals and targeting professional multi-property operators specifically.
- Lobbying group CCIA Europe, representing Airbnb, criticized the proposal, warning that without 'enforceable proportionality checks,' the legislation risks imposing 'disproportionate curbs' on legitimate operators.
- European Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribiera will initiate the legislative process, requiring debate by European Union member states and the European Parliament in the coming months before the proposal becomes law.
214 Articles
214 Articles
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.
The European Commission wants stricter rules for Airbnb and other short-term home rental platforms. With new proposals, Brussels aims to help municipalities combat the housing shortage in popular tourist areas.
Action for Affordable Rents: Brussels Determines when Berlin and Co. Airbnb Apartments May Be Banned
In many European cities it is increasingly difficult to find affordable apartments. Some metropolises blame providers such as Airbnb for a shortage. The European Commission is now presenting plans on how Barcelona, Amsterdam and Berlin can take action against this.
This week, the European Commission presented the "Affordable Housing Act", which aims to make it more difficult to hire short-term rentals.
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