Spain, UK, Europe Intensify Airbnb Crackdown Amid Housing Crisis

European nations, including Spain and the UK, are intensifying efforts to regulate illegal holiday rentals on platforms like Airbnb amid public outcry over their impact on housing affordability. Local governments are facing pressure to implement stricter regulations to combat the rising number of unlicensed short-term rentals that exacerbate housing crises. In the UK, four MPs from Cornwall have proposed an 'Airbnb Bill' requiring second-homeowners to obtain planning permission before converting their properties into holiday rentals, aiming to increase housing availability for locals. This initiative is part of broader legislative efforts to address the severe housing shortages affecting communities in popular tourist areas. The MPs argue that these regulations will help balance the housing market and ensure affordability for local residents. Airbnb has also begun removing unauthorized listings in response to similar pressures in Spain, signaling a shift in how short-term rentals are managed across Europe.