Live and let live?

The Scottish Government is set to clamp down on the short-term let sector following fresh statistics showing that almost one in five properties in Skye and one in six in the centre of Edinburgh are listed on Airbnb.

It is time that Edinburgh enforced the planning legislation. Westminster and other popular tourist destinations manage a balance between preserving the permanent residential housing stock and supporting tourism. Maximum 90 days let on short lets in any one year or change of use necessary which can then be refused. None of this is rocket science.

Andrew Crosbie

Sounds good in theory but how will it be enforced? Will they restrict building permits to say new flats must be exclusively for residents? Otherwise Edinburgh will become like Barcelona where living in the city is unaffordable for most residents..

Canyonero

Such a surprise. You mean to tell me that the main tourist destination in Scotland caters for the most tourists?

Richard Fogarity

Edinburgh Council must be disappointed the number is so low. That means there is still residents living in the city centre .

Kacey Milne

What’s the problem? If you are going on holiday with family would you pay twice as much for a hotel or are you going for a villa with a pool for half the price?

Mike Komandos

The problem is the antisocial behaviour of Airbnb renters. Also a hotel requires planning permission and must be licensed and in an approved location. Airbnbs just spring up anywhere the premises owner wants without any of the planning or licensing checks.

Ken Johnston

No local community, antisocial behaviour, lack of actual housing for Edinburgh residents, potential landlord nightmares where Airbnb guests can potentially change locks on the property.

Jamie Heseltine

Think about the people who have to move outside the city. Nurses, firemen or police. Think about the anti-social behaviour some attract stag or hen parties. Think about the empty properties in winter. Think about the key boxes outside doors and how it affects neighbours

Suzi Pelosi

How much is a two-bedroom flat in the city nowadays? £250k-plus? Already beyond most residents.

Infamous clarity