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Airbnb Chains Strangle Long-Term Renting in Towns

Walk through any popular tourist town in Ireland — think Killarney, Galway, or Dingle — and you’ll notice something unsettling. Houses and apartments once full of locals, families, and long-term renters are now empty most of the year. Why? Because they’ve been snapped up for short-term holiday lets, mostly by Airbnb chains and investors looking for quick profits.

This explosion of Airbnb and short-term rentals is reshaping entire communities, often for the worse. It’s driving up rents, pushing locals out, and hollowing out the very towns that tourists come to love. And while the Irish government has tried to step in with regulations, many wonder: are they actually working?

The Airbnb Boom: What’s Happening on the Ground?

Over the past five years, Ireland has seen a huge surge in short-term holiday lets. The lure of easy money has turned family homes and rental properties into mini hotels. It’s not just a few scattered listings anymore — entire blocks now feel like ghost towns during off-peak seasons.

Here’s the real problem:

• Less homes for locals: Properties that could house families and workers are locked up for short stays.
• Rents skyrocket: With fewer long-term rentals available, landlords can charge more, squeezing tenants hard.
• Community erosion: The pulse of local life fades when neighbours are replaced by tourists and empty houses.

How Short-Term Lets Drive Up Rents and Hollow Out Towns

When landlords realise they can earn two or three times the rent from holiday visitors, long-term renting becomes less attractive. That means:

• More people compete for fewer homes.
• Landlords increase rents, knowing demand is high.
• Local workers, young families, and older residents struggle to find affordable places.

Meanwhile, towns lose their character. Shops close because there aren’t enough locals to support them year-round. Schools and community centres see falling numbers. The vibrant, friendly neighbourhoods that make Ireland special start to feel cold and transactional.

What’s the Government Doing About It?

Recognising the crisis, the Irish government has introduced several measures to try and curb Airbnb’s impact:

• Registration scheme: All short-term rental properties must register with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).
• 90-day limit: In cities like Dublin, short-term lets in primary residences are capped at 90 days a year.
• Tax compliance: Stricter rules to ensure Airbnb hosts pay rental income tax.

Sounds solid on paper, right? But how’s it working out in reality?

Are the Rules Actually Working?

Unfortunately, the picture is mixed. Many landlords and property owners simply find ways around the rules:

• Some register multiple properties under different names or companies.
• Others switch between long-term renting and Airbnb depending on the season.
• Enforcement is patchy — local authorities often lack the resources to monitor compliance effectively.

The 90-day limit is a step forward but only applies to primary residences in certain areas. It doesn’t cover entire properties bought purely as investment holiday lets. As a result, many tourist towns outside Dublin still see a flood of full-time Airbnb properties.

For renters and families looking for a home, the reality remains tough. The supply of affordable, long-term rentals is still shrinking, pushing rents higher and forcing people further from the places they want to live.

What Can Be Done?

There’s no easy fix, but a few paths look promising:

• Stronger enforcement: More resources for local councils to crack down on illegal short-term lets.
• Expand regulations: Apply 90-day limits to more areas, including popular tourist towns beyond Dublin.
• Support for long-term renting: Incentives for landlords to keep properties available for families and workers.
• Community involvement: Give locals a voice in how tourism and housing coexist in their towns.

At FindQo.ie, we see the struggles of renters and buyers every day. It’s heartbreaking to hear about families forced out or young people unable to find a home near their work. That’s why we’re committed to helping you navigate the property market with honesty and care.

Looking for a Home or Apartment?

If you’re searching for properties for rent in Ireland, or perhaps considering your next move with properties for sale in Ireland, FindQo.ie is here to help. We bring you the latest listings, insights, and tips to make your property journey smoother and smarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Airbnb and short-term lets causing rent increases?

Because many landlords prefer the higher income from short-term lets, fewer properties are available for long-term renting, reducing supply and pushing rents up.

What is the 90-day rule in Ireland?

It limits how long landlords can rent out their primary residence on platforms like Airbnb to 90 days per year in certain areas, mainly Dublin.

Are there penalties for illegal short-term rentals?

Yes, but enforcement is inconsistent, and many properties operate without proper registration or beyond allowed limits.

Can tourists still find plenty of Airbnb options in Ireland?

Yes, short-term lets remain popular and widely available, especially in tourist hotspots, despite the regulations.

How can renters find affordable long-term homes?

Using trusted property portals like FindQo.ie to access verified listings and staying informed about local market trends helps renters find the best options.

Housing is about more than just bricks and mortar — it’s about communities, families, and lives. At FindQo.ie, we’re passionate about supporting you through these challenges. Explore our site today and find your place to call home.

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