Estate agents back Airbnb clampdown “to be on same terms as rental sector”

Agents’ trade body Propertymark has called for equal parity between short-term lets and the private rented sector to ensure they meet the same standards.

The news comes in response to new government data on the short-term let sector which shows there were roughly 2.8 million stays in short-term lets booked through three major online platforms in the UK from July to September 2023. 

With an average of 313,879 guest nights each day, this adds up to approximately 28.9 million guest nights.

Some 63.6 per cent of guest nights were made up by domestic visitors, which equals 18.4 million altogether, while international visitors made up the remaining 36.4 per cent in the UK.

Nathan Emerson, chief executive at Propertymark, says: “The increase in UK-holidaying has led to more landlords moving to short term lets which is affecting the private rented sector as tenants are struggling to find a property that they can rent in the long-term. 

“Inevitably, rents will continue to increase if there is a shortage of homes, therefore it is vital that the right balance is struck.  

"Propertymark has long called for parity between short-term lettings and the private rented sector. This would ensure that short-term lets meet the same standards as other rented properties and help address supply issues in the private rented sector. 

“Short term lets provide adaptability for property owners and give tourists additional accommodation choices, but at the same time this should not thwart local residents from being able to buy or rent homes in their areas.”

Controversially Propertymark appears to back measures proposed by Housing Secretary Michael Gove, which include: 

- planning permission will be required for future short-term lets;

- a mandatory national register;

- homeowners can continue to let out their own main or sole home for up to 90 nights a year;

- unspecified proposals which he says “will give communities greater control over future growth”.

Under the clampdown councils will be given greater power to control short-term lets by making them subject to the planning process. 

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