Portugal to Eliminate Tens of Thousands of ‘Ghost’ Local Accommodation Listings
Table of Contents
- 1. Portugal to Eliminate Tens of Thousands of ‘Ghost’ Local Accommodation Listings
- 2. Addressing an Inflated Market
- 3. Impact on Key Tourism Hubs
- 4. A Table Summarizing the Expected Changes
- 5. the Evolving Landscape of Short-Term Rentals
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions About Local Accommodation in Portugal
- 7. What regulatory measures could cities implement to effectively identify and eliminate ghost registrations of short-term rentals?
- 8. Housing Crunch Exposed: “Ghost Registrations” Highlight Pressure on Local Accommodation Markets
- 9. The rise of “Ghost Registrations” & short-Term Rental Impact
- 10. How Ghost Registrations Fuel the Housing Crisis
- 11. Identifying Hotspots: Cities Under Pressure
- 12. The Role of Technology & Data Analysis
- 13. Regulatory Approaches & Enforcement Strategies
- 14. Benefits of Addressing Ghost Registrations
Lisbon,Portugal – A important overhaul of Portugal’s local accommodation registry is underway,with authorities preparing to remove more than 40,000 listings deemed inactive,non-existent,or with negligible operational activity. The move, anticipated to be completed by early 2026, is being hailed by industry leaders as a crucial step towards a more reliable dataset and a recalibration of the debate surrounding the impact of short-term rentals on the national housing market.
Addressing an Inflated Market
According to officials at the Associação da Hotelaria Restauração e Similares de Portugal (AHRESP), the current registry artificially inflates the number of active local accommodations, contributing to narratives of excessive strain on housing availability. Ana Jacinto, General Secretary of AHRESP, emphasized that this distortion has practical implications, influencing policy decisions based on inaccurate data. “This cleaning process will allow for adjusted regulation, opening space for new businesses to emerge where registration is currently prohibited,” she stated.
the updating process began in March, though calls for such a review have existed as 2023. The initial phase involved issuing notices to owners who failed to demonstrate current civil liability insurance for their properties – a requirement similar to those applied to travel agencies and entertainment venues.
Impact on Key Tourism Hubs
the impact of this streamlining is expected to be particularly visible in major tourist centers like Lisbon. Eduardo Miranda, president of the local Accommodation Association in Portugal (ALEP), projects a reduction in registered listings in the capital from approximately 19,000 to between 11,000 and 12,000. This adjustment, he asserts, will debunk previous claims that a considerable portion – up to 60% – of housing in Lisbon’s Santa Maria Maior district is dedicated to local accommodation.
Miranda further noted that local accommodation currently accounts for 42% of all overnight stays in Portugal,indicating a mature phase in the sector’s development. He added that due to the removal of inactive listings, the overall impact on tourism is expected to be minimal. “The vast majority of registrations either have no activity or very little activity,” Miranda explained. “Now, when asking for insurance, they will make the decision whether or not they want to continue.”
A Table Summarizing the Expected Changes
| City | Current Registered Listings (Approx.) | Projected Registered Listings (Approx.) | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon | 19,000 | 11,000 – 12,000 | -37% to -42% |
| Portugal (National) | 125,000 | 85,000 | -32% |
Did You Know? Portugal welcomed over 27.8 million tourists in 2023, generating approximately €20.2 billion in revenue, according to data from the National Statistics Institute (INE).
The streamlining of local accommodation listings comes at a time when many European cities are grappling with similar challenges. Barcelona,Amsterdam and Paris have all implemented restrictions on short-term rentals in an effort to protect local housing stocks and maintain the character of residential neighborhoods. Read more about these regulations here.
Pro Tip: Travelers planning trips to Portugal should book accommodations directly through reputable hotels, guesthouses, or licensed local accommodation providers to ensure a legal and reliable stay.
the Evolving Landscape of Short-Term Rentals
The growth of platforms like Airbnb and booking.com has revolutionized the travel industry, offering travelers more choices and homeowners new income opportunities. however, this rapid expansion has also led to concerns about affordability, housing availability, and the displacement of long-term residents. Governments worldwide are now actively seeking ways to balance the benefits of short-term rentals with the needs of local communities. The Portuguese government’s current initiative represents a proactive approach to address these concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Local Accommodation in Portugal
- What is considered “local accommodation” in Portugal? Local accommodation refers to short-term rentals of properties, such as apartments, houses, or rooms, to tourists.
- Why is Portugal cleaning up it’s local accommodation registry? To ensure data accuracy, reduce inflated figures, and address concerns about housing market pressure.
- How will this affect tourists visiting Portugal? The changes are not expected to significantly impact tourists, as the majority of affected listings were inactive.
- What is ALEP’s role in this process? The Local Accommodation Association in Portugal (ALEP) advocated for the registry update and collaborated with the government on implementing the changes.
- What are the requirements for registering a local accommodation property in Portugal? Owners must now provide proof of civil liability insurance through the government platform.
What are your thoughts on the regulation of short-term rentals? Do you believe this move will benefit Portugal’s tourism sector and housing market? Share your insights in the comments below!
What regulatory measures could cities implement to effectively identify and eliminate ghost registrations of short-term rentals?
Housing Crunch Exposed: “Ghost Registrations” Highlight Pressure on Local Accommodation Markets
The rise of “Ghost Registrations” & short-Term Rental Impact
The escalating housing crisis isn’t solely about new construction lagging behind demand. A meaningful, and frequently enough overlooked, contributor is the proliferation of short-term rentals (STRs) – think Airbnb, VRBO, and similar platforms – and a concerning practise known as “ghost registrations.” These phantom listings, where properties are illegally or deceptively registered, are exacerbating housing shortages and driving up rental costs in already strained markets.
“Ghost registrations” refer to several deceptive tactics:
* False Addresses: Listing a property under an incorrect address to circumvent local regulations.
* Multiple Listings: The same property appearing on multiple platforms with different details.
* Unlicensed Operators: Individuals or companies operating STRs without the required permits or licenses.
* Misrepresentation of Property Use: Claiming a property is a primary residence while primarily used for short-term letting.
These practices make it incredibly arduous for local authorities to accurately assess the impact of STRs and enforce existing regulations. The result? Fewer homes available for long-term residents and a surge in housing unaffordability.
How Ghost Registrations Fuel the Housing Crisis
The core issue is simple economics: removing properties from the long-term rental market to maximize profits through short-term rentals reduces supply. This is notably acute in popular tourist destinations and urban centers.
Here’s a breakdown of the impact:
- Reduced Long-Term Rental Availability: Every property converted to an STR represents one less option for families and individuals seeking stable housing.This directly contributes to rental market competition.
- Increased Rental Prices: Lower supply inevitably leads to higher prices.Landlords can justify increased rents knowing there’s less availability. This impacts housing affordability across the board.
- Community Disruption: A high concentration of STRs can alter the character of neighborhoods, leading to increased noise, transient populations, and a decline in community cohesion.
- Tax Revenue Loss: unlicensed and improperly registered STRs avoid paying appropriate taxes, depriving local governments of crucial revenue that could be used to address housing needs.
Identifying Hotspots: Cities Under Pressure
Several cities are grappling with the effects of ghost registrations and the broader STR issue.
* Barcelona, Spain: Faced with a severe housing shortage, Barcelona has implemented strict regulations on STRs, including limitations on the number of licenses issued and hefty fines for illegal operators. They’ve actively worked to identify and remove ghost listings.
* Amsterdam, Netherlands: Similar to barcelona, Amsterdam has tightened regulations, limiting the number of days a property can be rented out short-term annually.
* new Orleans, Louisiana, USA: A 2023 examination revealed widespread non-compliance with STR regulations, with a significant number of properties operating illegally.
* Miami, Florida, USA: The booming tourism industry combined with lax enforcement has led to a proliferation of STRs, contributing to a dramatic rise in housing costs.
* Vancouver, Canada: The city is actively pursuing stricter enforcement of it’s short-term rental bylaws, focusing on identifying and shutting down illegal listings.
These examples demonstrate a global trend: popular destinations are realizing the detrimental impact of unchecked STR growth and are taking steps to address it.
The Role of Technology & Data Analysis
Combating ghost registrations requires a multi-faceted approach,and technology plays a crucial role.
* Data Scraping & AI: Complex algorithms can scrape data from STR platforms, identify anomalies (like duplicate listings or suspicious address patterns), and flag potential ghost registrations for investigation.
* Cross-referencing Data: Local governments can cross-reference STR data with property records, tax databases, and licensing information to identify discrepancies.
* Machine Learning: Machine learning models can be trained to identify patterns indicative of illegal STR activity, such as unusually high turnover rates or inconsistent occupancy levels.
* Blockchain Technology: Some propose using blockchain to create a obvious and immutable record of property ownership and rental history, making it more difficult to engage in deceptive practices.
Regulatory Approaches & Enforcement Strategies
Effective regulation is paramount. Key strategies include:
* Mandatory Registration: Requiring all STR operators to register with the local government and obtain a license.
* Strict Enforcement: Implementing robust enforcement mechanisms, including fines, penalties, and even property seizure for repeat offenders.
* Caps on STR Numbers: Limiting the total number of STRs allowed in specific areas or city-wide.
* Zoning Restrictions: Restricting STRs to specific zones or prohibiting them in residential neighborhoods.
* Data Sharing Agreements: Establishing data sharing agreements with STR platforms to facilitate enforcement efforts.
* “one Strike” Policies: Implementing policies where a single violation results in immediate penalties.
Benefits of Addressing Ghost Registrations
Successfully tackling the issue of ghost registrations offers significant benefits:
* Increased Housing Availability: Returning properties to the long-term rental market.
* Improved Housing Affordability: Stabilizing or reducing rental costs.
