Thomas

🏠 Hundreds of videos on YouTube and TikTok advise on how to earn money on Airbnb without owning any property by becoming "co-hosts." The trend is anticipated to gain significant attention in 2025. Co-hosting rules on Airbnb are strict, but videos suggest ways to circumvent them, hinting that a growing number of owners on social networks like Facebook are open to such agreements. The phenomenon is so prevalent in the US that it is expected to spread to Europe by summer. Successful co-hosts on Airbnb can manage an average of 7 properties, with Airbnb's platform receiving tens of thousands of requests on its launch day for co-hosting services. Co-host managed rentals typically receive higher ratings (4.86) than professional conciergeries (4.62), with Vacasa losing over 3,000 management contracts out of 42,000. Co-hosts can charge either commissions or flat rates, with Airbnb setting strict eligibility requirements, including at least 10 completed stays or 3 stays totaling 100 nights and maintaining a 4.8-star rating over the last 12 months.

🏠 In Barcelona, by 2028, 10,000 short-term rental licenses will end, causing landlords to demand €4.28 billion in compensation. A political decision was made following a tragedy and complaints about noise and rental market pressure; Barcelona's rents have surged 68% in 10 years. Meanwhile, the city supports adding 15,000 hotel rooms, and 7,000 landlords have united under Apartur to challenge the decree-law 3/2023 passed by the Catalan Parliament. Barcelona's tourism contributes 14% to its GDP, with 170,000 daily tourist arrivals. Legal battles involve the Spanish Constitutional Court and a European Commission investigation.

💸 On December 17, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) adopted new price transparency regulation impacting short-term rentals where pricing clarity was often lacking. This rule requires all mandatory fees, such as cleaning and service charges, to be included in the total price displayed from the first page of websites or booking engines. The FTC's move aims to eliminate the "drip pricing" practice, saving consumers an estimated 53 million hours of rough calculations per year, which translates to $11 billion over the next decade. Over 70% of consumers abandon bookings due to undisclosed costs.

🏠 Paris reduces short-term rental limit from 120 to 90 days, effective January 1, to tackle fraud and housing speculation. Law passed on November 19, 2024, empowers mayors to tighten rules. Paris, with over 95,000 declared tourist furnished rentals, including 78,000 primary residences used as temporary accommodations, aims to preserve long-term housing and reduce nuisances. The decision aligns with policies affecting furnished rental owners globally, potentially prompting legal challenges. Other French cities may follow suit as housing issues intensify ahead of the 2026 municipal elections.