European holiday rental rules: The What, Where and Why
A summary of the current Airbnb rules that Europe’s second homeowners need to know
2 minutes to read
What is it?
As we approach peak season for second home buying in Europe, we’ve summarised the rules and regulations across some of the region’s key cities.
Prior to Covid, most markets either set a 90 or 120-day limit for holiday rentals per annum but the rules and regulations are now more nuanced, and owners need to try to stay up to date with what is a highly changeable landscape.
New measures are being announced almost weekly as governments balance inward investment, support for tourist-dependent economies, housing affordability, and local amenities.
Why have we produced the graphic?
One of the first questions posed by buyers when enquiring about where to purchase a second home in Europe relates to what the local rules for holiday rentals are. Alongside tourist numbers, accessibility, house prices and rents, the limits on holiday rentals are a key factor when calculating the potential return on investment.
While Airbnb has a dedicated portal for such queries there are few go-to resources that provide a bird’s eye view of multiple markets. If you need more information please contact any of our team.
Click on image below to enlarge
What does it show?
Rules vary in severity. Arguably, Barcelona has some of the most draconian rules with holiday rentals banned from 2029. However, data from Airbtics reveal Barcelona’s Airbnb listings are already reducing.
We’ve just looked at cities, but local mayors are taking action too meaning rules can vary from village to village. Some villages in Provence now have a cap on the number of holiday lets with its waiting list refreshed every two years, meanwhile in Chamonix all properties must receive authorisation from the local commune and only one property per owner will be authorised for let, with a three-year renewal period.
How to stay up to date?
Sign up here to my monthly European Residential Update which includes key policy changes relating to holiday rentals across the region.