New CBOS short stay data shows there was a 4.6% increase in whole homes listed for short stay accommodation in Lutruwita/Tasmania in the most recent reporting period. That’s over 170 more homes that should be housing Tasmanians lost to AirBnB and similar companies.
As many Tasmanians continue to struggle to find a home in the cost of living and housing crises, the continued loss of whole home rentals to short stay accommodation shows the Liberal Government must finally act to protect Tasmanians in need of a home.
There are 7630 short stay properties listed in the CBOS data from the first quarter of 2024, 3773 (49.45%) of which are reported as not being a primary residence, meaning they are whole-home listings that could be on the long-term rental market. 35% of short stays in Nipaluna / Hobart and 54% in Launceston were whole-home listings on platforms like AirBnB.
Vica Bayley MP:
A safe and affordable home isn’t just a basic need, it’s a human right. Finding an affordable place to live in this state is getting harder and harder as more homes get planning approval to be converted to short stay accommodation. Tasmanians are doing it tough in the cost of living and housing crises and the impact of short stay approvals is making it harder.
As more homes are converted to short stay accommodation, less places are available for Tasmanians to live in. It limits the choice available and jacks up the price of rentals and homes, at a time when Tasmanians can least afford it.
The Liberals are standing idly by as increasing numbers of homes get converted to short stay accommodation. The Rockliff Government needs to act now and put an end to whole home short stays in residential areas.
Helen Burnet MP:
The government has some simple solutions at their finger tips to put rooves over Tasmanians’ heads, which are cheaper and faster solutions, if only they could see that. For too long, the increase in short stay in residential areas has forced families out of housing, and it has hiked rental prices higher.
Local councils have been clear – they want real solutions for their communities struggling with the cost of living and housing crises. It’s time the Liberals prioritised housing for Tasmanians, and reform the planning system to regulate short stay accommodation.
