> In 2015, one study found that STRs had sucked at least 10 percent of New York’s available housing off the market… In Barcelona, the effect is even more severe

> In 2015, one study found that STRs had sucked at least 10 percent of New York’s available housing off the market… In Barcelona, the effect is even more severe, with rents rising by seven percent and housing costs rising by up to 17 percent in popular neighborhoods. Article uses unrelated stats from two cities to imply the same root problem in each place. The best estimate for Barcelona is that about 2.5% of housing is on Airbnb. The problem with Barcelona is its geography and tech boom, not STR housing. It’s all well and good banning Airbnb but the reason there is such market demand for rental units from tourists is that the modern hotel offering is so much worse unless you can afford a suite. I like to have a base to go back to when I travel, a hotel room ain’t that. Tiny box room, no sofa, no kettle, uncomfortable balcony furniture even in the better brands. For the same price I can get a 1 or 2 bed flat with a full kitchen, decent living room and often access to a private roof terrace.