Budapest District Considers Banning Airbnb in September, Bad News for Tourists
Budapest’s 6th district, known for its stunning buildings and central location, may soon see a major change in its accommodation landscape. In a surprising turn of events, locals in the district are considering banning Airbnbs through a referendum scheduled for September.
The mayor of the district, Tamás Soproni, revealed that there are currently 1,468 legal short-term rentals in the district, accounting for 8% of the apartments. The local government collected a significant amount in taxes from these rentals, but Soproni emphasized that they also bring various problems for the residents.
To address these issues, the district will hold a referendum to allow locals to decide on the future of short-term rentals in the area. The question will be straightforward: “Do you agree to ban renting apartments as Airbnb-type accommodations?” The voting will take place between September 2 and 16, and residents above the age of 16 with a permanent or temporary address in the district will be eligible to participate.
The move to ban Airbnbs in Budapest’s 6th district aligns with a larger trend in Hungary, where there is increasing pressure from major players in the tourism industry to restrict short-term rentals. While there is general consensus on the need for regulation to boost tourism, the prospect of limiting the number of opening days for Airbnbs has sparked concerns among operators.
Critics argue that restricting short-term rentals could have detrimental effects on Hungary’s tourism sector, as evidenced by the significant contribution of Airbnbs to foreign tourist guest nights in Budapest. Moreover, data suggests that Airbnbs do not significantly impact long-term rental prices or exacerbate the housing crisis.
As the debate unfolds, stakeholders in the tourism industry are calling for a fair and balanced approach that considers the interests of all players, including hotels and short-term rental operators. The outcome of the referendum in Budapest’s 6th district will not only shape the future of accommodation options in the area but also set a precedent for how similar issues are handled across the country.
