By Paul H
Tighter rules and shifting demand are reshaping the vacation rental landscape. From Maui to Greece, governments are cracking down to address housing concerns, signaling a wave of change ahead of peak travel season.
Maui County is advancing legislation to phase out short-term vacation rentals in apartment-zoned areas, aiming to address the island’s housing crisis. Bill 9, introduced by Mayor Richard Bissen, targets approximately 2,200 units, revising earlier estimates of 7,000. The proposal has sparked debate, with supporters viewing it as a necessary step to increase long-term housing availability, while critics argue it could harm the local economy and tourism industry. Amendments under consideration include delaying enforcement until 2030 and exempting timeshare units. The Maui County Council’s Housing and Land Use Committee is set to review the bill in a public hearing on Monday, June 9, at 10 a.m.
Caribbean nations are adopting varied strategies to manage Airbnb and similar short-term rentals, balancing tourism benefits with housing concerns. During Caribbean Week in New York, tourism ministers from different islands discussed their approaches. Some are implementing regulations to ensure fair competition and community well-being, while others are embracing these platforms to boost tourism. The diversity in policies reflects each island’s unique economic and social priorities.
Short-term rentals in Greece have surpassed hotels in popularity among tourists, particularly in Athens, where platforms like Airbnb now offer more accommodations than traditional hotels. This surge has led to housing shortages and rising rents, prompting the government to implement a one-year ban on new short-term rental licenses in central Athens starting January 1, 2025. Additionally, a new daily tax on such rentals has been introduced to address the impact of overtourism and fund infrastructure improvements. These measures aim to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the need to preserve local communities and ensure housing availability for residents.
Demand for U.S. vacation homes has dropped to its lowest level since 2018, with second-home mortgage approvals down 66% from the pandemic peak. Rising costs, tighter short-term rental rules, and less remote work are key factors, with Florida markets like Miami and Orlando seeing steep declines. Even wealthy buyers are pulling back, signaling a broader shift toward more cautious spending.
Twimo has introduced a private vacation rental platform that lets homeowners securely rent, share, or swap properties within a trusted network. Designed to avoid public listing sites and rising STR regulations, it offers guest verification, calendar syncing, and no service fees, helping owners retain more income.
As summer travel ramps up, expect continued shakeups in policy, demand, and market dynamics. Check back next week for the latest developments in the short-term rental world.
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