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Glad to see this. The same thing (to a worse degree) has happened in Athens, where the supply of rental units has diminished to more than 1/3 (with average rent
by aloukissas 6y ago
Glad to see this. The same thing (to a worse degree) has happened in Athens, where the supply of rental units has diminished to more than 1/3 (with average rents going 2-3x in a 1-2 year period), as landlords converted units to short-term rentals. This is particularly touchy for Greece, as tourism accounts for 25%+ of GDP, so tourist-friendly regulation has a big impact. OTOH, it's a country with one of the lowest average wages in the EU, which means that the rent increases has made the situation unlivable. Example: average net monthly salary is something in the 800-1000 EUR range, with 300EUR renting you something decent 5 years ago. Today, not only it's much harder to find vacant rental units, but their prices have also bumped to 600-700 EUR.
IMO, the best approach to this is similar to what the city of Santa Monica has -- hosts can only rent a room in a property (i.e. no "entire house to yourself"), i.e. similar to the couchsurfing model. I've found this a pleasant experience when visiting a new city, as living with a local can make the stay more personal and enjoyable.
- swarnie_ 6y agoI came to Athens last summer and spent 4 nights in the city staying in an AirBnB style rent. I thought it would be better doing this than giving my money to a generic international hotel chain but you disagree apparently. I find your solution unworkable personally. When I travel I like to have somewhere private I can come back to after a long day, the coach surfing model doesn't appeal to couples.
- aloukissas 6y agoUnfortunately, most of the owners of Airbnb and other short-term rentals in Greece are non-Greek citizens who got a "golden passport" in the recent years, buying off a huge chunk of the apartment inventory in Athens and elsewhere. Re: couch-surfing -- probably a bad metaphor on my end. I meant the "rent a room in a house" model that Airbnb offers.
- swarnie_ 6y agoI had no idea. Thinking back I doubt the place we stayed was ever intended to be a rental, it felt like a very large house which had been portioned up in to 4 flats and a make-shift reception area added. Cool city but some worrying experiences, might check out some islands next time.
- aloukissas 6y agoOne such reference: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/02/16/mass-evictions-athens-government-offers-golden-visa-incentive/ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/02/16/mass-evictions-a...
- kofejnik 6y ago> Unfortunately, most of the owners of Airbnb and other short-term rentals in Greece are non-Greek citizens who got a "golden passport" in the recent years, buying off a huge chunk of the apartment inventory in Athens and elsewhere. why is this unfortunate? I thought investment is good for economy?
- cool_dude85 6y agoNo wonder you hear so much cheering from Skid Row whenever the stock market has a big day. "Things are looking good for GDP growth!" they shout, from their tents.
- swarnie_ 6y agoGreece have been bought, sold and bought again. Economic slaves of Europe at this point.
- iagovar 6y agoIn many cases you're also paying to a generic international investor. I'd recommend aparthotels for that matter. Searching around my area, they are all locally owned, or seem to.
- cool_dude85 6y agoSorry, can't afford your rent? I find your solution - to raise costs a bit for me, to be unworkable.
- ck425 6y agoThen get a hotel. While tourism may be important and economic interests of local residents need to come first and AirBnb and it's like are harming local residents.