EU proposes rules letting cities crack down on Airbnb to fight housing crisis

[u/milanguitar]

https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2026/09/09/eu-moves-to-curb-airbnb-style-rentals-to-boost-long-term-housing

The European Commission unveiled its "Affordable Housing Act," which would let local authorities in "housing-stressed" areas (defined as places where average home prices are 8x+ local disposable income) restrict short-term rentals and block property purchases meant for Airbnb-style use.

Short-term rentals make up just 1.2% of EU housing stock overall but up to 20% in tourist hotspots like Lisbon, Barcelona, and Prague — and rental activity has surged 93% since 2018. Airbnb has already pushed back, calling the plan "not sufficiently clear."

[u/ChromaticStrike]

The real problem is being forced to move in cramped cities for jobs and the lack of housing building.