Short‑term lets could provide housing for up to 50,000 people, analysis shows

An independent analysis commissioned by the Housing Agency suggests that short‑term lets in high‑demand areas could accommodate almost 50,000 people if converted to long‑term housing.

The consultancy firm Indecon identified 28,342 short‑term let units across Ireland, with 32 % located in Dublin and 87 % situated in areas where housing demand is highest. Of these, 16,870 units are used for commercial tourism and could house 46,224 people if repurposed.

Indecon’s scenarios estimate that regulating the short‑term let sector could return between 3,100 and 5,500 units to the housing stock, rising to around 9,500 units under a higher‑impact scenario. A ban on commercial‑tourism short‑term lets would increase the number of units returning as long‑term homes.

The report notes “significant uncertainty” about the exact impact of any regulation and stresses that outcomes will depend on the strength of enforcement. The Government plans to regulate short‑term lets through the Short‑Term Letting and Tourism Bill 2026 and a national planning statement.

International concerns have linked the growth of platforms such as Airbnb to reduced long‑term rental supply and higher housing costs. The Department of Housing has announced €2.4 bn in spending on homelessness supports since 2020.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: ✰ Saul Bandera Brotheridge / Pexels.