Published 16:10 IST, April 27th 2024

The Airbnb effect: Know how short-term rentals are reshaping realty in tier 2 and 3 cities

Airbnb, HomeAway/VRBO, Expedia, TripAdvisor, and other major contenders fiercely compete in the short-term rental platform market.

Reported by: Business Desk
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The Airbnb effect | Image: Airbnb website
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Airbnb effect: Gone are days of solely long-term leases and tritional hotel stays; inste, digital marketplaces now offer a plethora of accommodation options, from cosy apartments to quirky treehouses.

This shift has not only transformed way travellers experience se locales but has also h profound effects on property prices and community dynamics.  As homeowners capitalise on allure of short-term rentals, property values soar, raising questions about affordability and local identity.

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growth of short-term rental services or platforms, which include platforms like Airbnb, has h a major impact on real estate scene in recent years, say experts.

Before rise of short-term rental platforms

Vineet Chellani, CEO & Founder of Asset Deals, highlights tritional reliance on long-term contracts for housing and hotel accommodation in tier 2 and tier 3 cities before vent of short-term rental systems.

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“Before rise of short-term renting systems, real estate in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities relied heavily on long-term contracts for housing and tritional hotel rooms. Rents have been largely constant, reflecting stable tendencies and cash situation. Property owners often rent out ir apartments to long-term tenants to ensure a stey profit over years,” Chellani said.

In tier 2 and tier 3 cities, where short-term rental platforms were not prevalent, pricing dynamics were often characterised by stability and affordability compared to major metropolitan areas. Rental and property prices tended to be more moderate in those cities, reflecting lower cost of living and relatively subdued demand compared to urban centres. Homeownership was often within reach for a broer segment of population, and rental rates for long-term leases were typically competitive.

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According to Emerald Insights, rental costs were regularly driven by variables including location, property characteristics, and market characteristics. Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where tourism was not as common as in large metropolitan regions, tended to have lower rental prices, making m attractive to both residents and investors.

Real estate on rental platforms

Mohit Jajoo, CEO & Director of Shubhashish Homes, stressed nature of real estate scene facilitated by rental platforms.

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“ real estate scene in rental structures offers quite a few options for both renters and landlords. se platforms serve as digital marketplaces where homes are indexed for rent and effectively connect tenants with homeowners. Users can browse listings, filter based on options, and instantly communicate with property owners or managers. With increasing digitisation, rentals have become increasingly popular due to ir convenience and affordability," Jajoo said.

"y provide a wide range of homes, from apartments to houses, catering to significant budgets and options. In dition, rental platforms often offer features that include digital tours and online payment options, simplifying rental process for both parties. All in all, rental platforms of real estate are constantly apting, providing a seamless experience for individuals looking for rental accommodations,”Jajoo ded.

Short-term rental platforms major market players

Jajoo furr mentioned major market players. “ market for short-term rental platforms is extremely competitive and some dominant organisations dominate world. Airbnb, HomeAway/VRBO, Tripvisor, Expedia, HomeToGo, Tripping, OYO, Sonder, TurnKey, FlipKey, StayAlfred, Atraveo, OneFineStay, Interhome, 9flats, Vacasa, Marriott Homes,” he said.

Effects of short-term rental platforms

Commenting on effects of short-term rental platforms on realty market, Chellani ded, “ real estate market has changed dramatically with creation of quick apartment offers, including Airbnb. se structures gave owners anor way to monetise ir residences by renting m out short-term to tourists and travellers. As a result of increasing demand for short-term housing, apartment costs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities have increased.”

According to Medium, a survey’s results imply that for average neighbourhood, Airbnb activity has increased rents by 1.9 per cent, transaction prices by 4.6 per cent and posted prices by 3.7 per cent.

Occupancy costs increased as vacationers sought unique and auntic stories in lesser-known locations, improving marketability of short-term rentals. Property owners have taken vantage of this f, using such websites to maximise condominium income and unlock income potential of ir homes.

Furrmore, short-term rental services have grown beyond regular lodging to offer innovative and uncommon stays. Property s such as treehouses, yurts, and even renovated aeroplanes have grown in appeal amongst venturous travellers looking for unique experiences. This range of options reflects modern travellers' shifting needs and demonstrates industry's dedication to creativity and technological vancement.

Increased search and booking features

Shedding light on various features that short-term rental provides, Mohit concludes by saying, “In response to changing customer preferences, short-term rental platforms have me investments in improving search and booking capabilities. Travellers may tailor ir lodging options using vanced search filters, which include price range, location, amenities, and property . Furrmore, flexible booking choices and fast booking capabilities give travellers more convenience and flexibility in acquiring ir selected rooms.”

Furrmore, personalised recommendations and customised travel experiences help to create a more targeted and engaging booking process. Platforms may provide users with personalised ideas and insights, improving ir travel experience. Transparent and accountable practices have become key to responsible tourism projects.

Challenges and opportunities

However, development of short-term rentals has presented several issues for property owners and local communities. refore, to furr explain complexities, Chellani ded, “One of most notable challenges was regulatory uncertainty about short-term renting activities. Many communities struggled to develop legislation governing operation of Airbnb and comparable sites, resulting in legal uncertainty and enforcement issues.”

A survey says regulating short-term rentals, authors estimated, has led to a decline of 50 per cent in Airbnb listings and a decrease of 2 per cent in house prices and rents.

Gentrification has arisen as a serious issue, notably in tier 2 and 3 cities. As owners transformed long-term rental properties into short-term lodgings to cater to lucrative tourist industry, supply of affordable housing for locals decreased. This phenomenon worsened housing disparity and undermined community cohesiveness, prompting discussions about ethical implications of short-term renting platforms.

Bridging economic and social goals

Amidst se problems, property owners and communities have attempted to manage changing real estate scene in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. Data on rental prices, rates of occupancy, and laws and regulations have become critical tools for players in understanding market dynamics and making educated decisions.

Property owners must balance financial benefits of short-term rentals with regulatory concerns and social ramifications. Communities, on or hand, must weigh economic benefits of tourism against necessity to maintain accessible housing and its cultural integrity.

As se markets mature, stakeholders must work toger to achieve a balance between economic success and social responsibility, guaranteeing long-term progress and fair development for everyone.

short-term rental sector is constantly evolving and innovating, driven by shifting customer tastes and technological breakthroughs. With industry leers like Airbnb and Vrbo at vanguard of this shift, travellers can expect an ever-expanding range of lodging alternatives, improved booking services, and a renewed emphasis on sustainability and responsible travel. 

16:10 IST, April 27th 2024