[bruce511]

I sort of dont disagree with you in one sense, but on the other it feels like too much of a good thing is bad for you.

So yeah, some tourist accommodation is fine, and the Airbnb model in concept is fine. I prefer staying in self-contained, self-catering places when I go away, and most places I go on holiday are small towns without hotels. Tourists bring money into the community, especially rural communities. We seldom see the owners at all (key is under the mat) and there've never been hidden charges. With good suppliers and good customers everyone is a winner.

But there's a balance. Investors buying up properties does reduce housing stock. Too much of that drives out locals. Bad travellers (hosting parties etc) make for bad neighbors. As always the unrestricted free market corrupts and destroys, but hey, free market right?

So yeah, it can't be just "tough, get out, you can't afford to live here." and it can't be "ban all short term rentals". But free market works best when paired with good governance, one that takes the whole big picture into account. (Ironically reducing supply also works to improve returns for those who have a permit to supply.)

The key is in the balance. When the free market and good governance are in balance then you get optimal results. When the pendulum swings either way too far then there are second-order negative outcomes.