[qlm]

Maybe the solution to the housing crisis is to build more affordable housing and to eliminate the practice of using housing as an investment / safe place to park money. Also, outlaw or heavily regulate Airbnb.

I don't think another VC-funded app with cool branding is going to save us.

[misiti3780]

I dont get why creating more housing means housing is no longer an investment. It's still an safe investment, it's not going to zero, just will not continue to be a great investment.

[SwiftyBug]

Honest question: why are there so may Airbnbs? What's the advantage over traditional hotels / hostels? Are the prices significantly lower?

[ryanbrunner]

They were definitely lower when AirBnB launched, although most of the difference is gone nowadays (might vary by locale).

AirBnBs are also far more likely to have a fully equipped kitchen setup, separate rooms, and larger setups for families and groups, none of which are impossible with hotels but are definitely not very common.

I do think AirBnB generates way too much negative externalities for the value it brings, but there is value in it for the consumer.