Urgent: Four Times More Airbnb Homes Than Long-Term Rentals in Ireland

UPDATE: A shocking new analysis reveals that Ireland has over four times as many homes available on Airbnb compared to the private rental market, raising urgent concerns about the housing crisis. National housing charity Threshold has confirmed that there are more than 8,600 second homes listed for short-term let, while only around 2,100 homes are available for long-term rent across the nation.

This alarming disparity is particularly evident in Kerry, where only one out of every 30 suitable properties is available for long-term rent. Currently, there are just 33 homes listed on Daft.ie compared to over 1,000 short-term lets on Airbnb. The situation is similarly dire in Clare, with a staggering ratio of 28:1 short-term lets to long-term rentals, and in Donegal, the ratio stands at 24:1.

Threshold has voiced serious concerns that “communities are at risk of being hollowed out,” as families struggle to find homes while many properties remain unused for much of the year outside the tourist season. This trend not only threatens community stability but also exacerbates the ongoing housing crisis that is impacting countless families across Ireland.

As the housing shortage continues, experts warn that simply building new homes will not resolve the crisis. They emphasize the need to protect existing homes for long-term use, especially during a worsening homelessness and affordability crisis. The data from Threshold specifically analyzed homes that could be lived in if they were rented out, excluding unsuitable properties like cabins, chalets, and campervans.

Sinn Féin housing spokesman Eoin Ó Broin expressed frustration over the imbalance between short-term and long-term rentals, stating, “Nobody has a problem with short-term letting in high-amenity tourist areas when it’s provided by local residents. The issue arises when those essential to the tourism workforce can’t afford to live in the communities they serve.”

In 2019, the Irish government implemented regulations aimed at curbing commercial short-term letting in urban areas facing high rental demand. However, Ó Broin noted that nearly seven years later, proper enforcement of these regulations is still lacking. As of last May, local authorities had received only 426 planning applications for change-of-use, representing just 1.3% of all short-term lets, indicating widespread non-compliance.

While Threshold welcomed the new register of short-term lets set to take effect in May, the charity insists that without rigorous enforcement, this measure will not return homes to long-term use. Chief Executive John-Mark McCafferty stated, “We look forward to working with the Government on strengthening enforcement of short-term lets regulation to ensure communities thrive and families can find long-term homes.”

The situation remains fluid, and with housing continuing to be a critical issue for many, all eyes will be on how the Irish government responds to these growing concerns. As families face an uphill battle for housing, it is imperative that immediate action is taken to address this escalating crisis.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.