Call for Airbnb regulation follows sharp increase in multi-listed landlords
A sharp increase in the number of landlords listing multiple properties on Airbnb has led to calls for increased regulation from Colliers International.
The property agent reports an 8.4% year-on-year increase in the number of London landlords listing more than 10 properties on the booking platform. More than 45% of London properties listed on the site were held by multi-listers with 23% listing more than 10 sites.
Colin Hall, head of London hotels for Colliers International, said: "This rapid growth in multi-listed landlords demonstrates the changing profile of Airbnb from what was originally a platform for individuals to let out their own homes, to a profitable commercial venture whereby people are buying residential properties specifically for use as Airbnb accommodation. Now more than ever, regulation is needed to manage this growing platform to ensure a fair playing field for hoteliers and landlords alike."
Airbnb saw an increase in bookings in London of 45% in 2017, amounting to almost 6.7 million overnight stays.
