Brussels to open door to curbing Airbnb and second homes in bid to ease housing burden

The European Union is preparing to implement new regulations targeting short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and the proliferation of second homes. The move comes as cities across Europe grapple with housing shortages and rising rents, exacerbated by the conversion of long-term rental properties into short-term accommodations.

The EU's proposed measures aim to address these issues, but the specifics of the regulations are still under discussion. The EU tech group argues that the new housing law should curb disproportionate rental restrictions.

The impact on hotel shares and the broader hospitality industry is also a point of contention, with some outlets noting potential benefits for traditional hotels while others warn of increased competition. The exact details of the restrictions and their enforcement mechanisms have not been finalized.