This article is from the source 'independent' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/airbnb-to-lose-325-millions-london-bookings-rules-holiday-rental-rooms-website-online-hotels-a7506836.html

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Airbnb to lose £325m in London bookings after holiday rental rules tighten Airbnb to lose £325m in London bookings after holiday rental rules tighten
(35 minutes later)
Airbnb is set to miss out on more than £325m in London bookings this year as it begins to enforce UK rules limiting rentals to 90 nights per year.Airbnb is set to miss out on more than £325m in London bookings this year as it begins to enforce UK rules limiting rentals to 90 nights per year.
Airbnb enjoys a particularly favourable regime in the UK, where homeowners who rent out rooms can earn up to £7,500 tax-free. By contrast, hotels are subject to high property taxes and value added tax. Hoteliers around the world have long complained that the San Francisco-based technology firm has an unfair advantage. Almost half of Airbnb nights booked in London would be threatened by the 90-day cap, according to data from accommodation search engine AllTheRooms.
Almost half of Airbnb nights booked in London would be threatened by the 90-day cap, according to data from accommodation search engine AllTheRooms.
Its analysis says some bookings would simply move to different properties on the platform but many would look elsewhere. It is estimated that the end result will be a drop in London bookings of one third.Its analysis says some bookings would simply move to different properties on the platform but many would look elsewhere. It is estimated that the end result will be a drop in London bookings of one third.
AllTheRooms said it now predicts London reservations will rise from $600m in 2016 to around $812m in 2017. Without the rule change it foresaw a jump to $1.24bn.AllTheRooms said it now predicts London reservations will rise from $600m in 2016 to around $812m in 2017. Without the rule change it foresaw a jump to $1.24bn.
The 90-day limit is already technically in force but up until now, booking platforms have said it is the responsibility of property owners.  The 90-day limit is already technically in force but, up until now, booking platforms have said it is the responsibility of property owners to adhere to it. 
While many rooms in London are currently rented on an ad hoc basis for short stays, those in the most popular tourist areas are largely professional listings available for the whole year.
An Airbnb spokesman said: “Availability in London is not an issue. We are confident that there is a large range of unique homes for guests to choose.” It argued that its customers would simply switch to other rooms on the site. An Airbnb spokesman said: “Availability in London is not an issue. We are confident that there is a large range of unique homes for guests to choose.” It argued that its customers would simply switch to other rooms on the site. 
While many rooms in London are currently rented on an ad hoc basis for short stays, those in the most popular tourist destinations largely professional listings available for the whole year. Airbnb enjoys a particularly favourable regime in the UK, where homeowners who rent out rooms can earn up to £7,500 tax-free. By contrast, hotels are subject to high property taxes and value added tax. Hoteliers around the world have long complained that the San Francisco-based technology firm has an unfair advantage.
Airbnb has come under increasing regulatory pressures in several countries over the past year. In November, Barcelona authorities fined the company €600,000 (£509,000) for offering unlicensed accommodation. It had already been fined €30,000 by the city in december 2025 for the same offence. Airbnb has come under increasing regulatory pressures in several countries over the past year. In November, Barcelona authorities fined the company €600,000 (£509,000) for offering unlicensed accommodation. It had already been fined €30,000 by the city in December 2015 for the same offence.
A Berlin court in June upheld a de facto ban on short-term rentals. Those who rent more than half of their property on a short-term basis without a permit risk a €100,000 fine. A Berlin court in June upheld a de facto ban on short-term rentals. Those who rent more than half of their property on a short-term basis without a permit risk a €100,000 fine.