Budapest District Votes on Short-Term Rental Ban Impacting Tourism

A Budapest district is conducting a two-week referendum on potentially banning short-term rentals. This vote, if successful, could set a precedent in Europe and impact housing affordability. Opponents argue it may hurt local businesses. Similar regulations are being discussed in other European cities.

A Budapest district is engaging in a two-week referendum on a possible ban on short-term rentals, which would be a pioneering move in Europe's major tourist hotspots.

According to Eurostat data, approximately 719 million guest nights in the EU were booked via platforms like Airbnb, with Budapest leading central European cities in short-term stays. Tamas Soproni, mayor of Budapest's sixth district, emphasized the referendum's importance due to the city's tourism-fueled rise in housing costs and quality-of-life issues.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government is considering nationwide regulations, while detractors argue a ban would hit the local economy. Similar measures are being explored in cities like Barcelona and Prague, aiming to balance tourism and resident needs.

(With inputs from agencies.)