UK and Italy Unite with France, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Austria, and More to Enforce Stricter Short-Term Rental Regulations Across Europe: What Travelers Must Know

Published on December 10, 2025

As the demand for short-term rentals (STRs) continues to skyrocket across Europe, the UK and Italy are stepping up with groundbreaking regulations in 2025, joining the ranks of France, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, and Austria in a concerted effort to combat the rising housing crisis and the overwhelming impact of tourism on local communities. This regulatory overhaul is set to reshape the way tourists book accommodation, with stricter rules for short-term rental properties that include mandatory registration, caps on rental nights, and zoning restrictions aimed at balancing tourism and the urgent need for affordable housing. For travelers, this means fewer available options, higher prices, and the potential for stricter booking conditions, particularly during peak travel seasons. With so many cities tightening the grip on STRs, it’s more critical than ever for tourists to stay ahead of these changes by booking well in advance and ensuring they’re choosing legal, compliant accommodations.

UK: A Stronger Focus on Residential Availability

In the UK, the long-established 90-night cap on STRs is set to get stricter as more cities move to implement additional rules to prevent the commercialization of residential properties. This regulation is already in place in London, where property owners can only rent out their homes for 90 days per year without obtaining special permits. However, cities like Manchester and Edinburgh are expected to adopt similar restrictions, reducing the availability of affordable rental properties in some of the UK’s most visited destinations.

Italy: Florence Sets a Precedent

Florence, a jewel of Italy and home to some of the most iconic cultural landmarks, has decided to ban new short-term rental registrations in its historic city center. This policy, designed to protect the UNESCO World Heritage site and prevent the commercialization of the area, will significantly limit tourists’ accommodation options within the historic core. As a result, visitors to Florence will need to consider alternative lodging options such as traditional hotels or accommodations further from the center.

France: Paris Takes Bold Action

The French capital, Paris, has long been a hotspot for short-term rentals. But with the rise in housing costs and a rapidly growing population, Paris is tightening the screws on STRs by introducing a 120-night cap for individual properties. Registration is now mandatory, and property owners who violate the rules face hefty fines. The impact is already being felt as fewer budget-friendly accommodations are available, especially in central Paris. Travelers planning to visit the City of Light should book early and ensure they are renting from a legally registered property to avoid any issues upon arrival.

Germany and the Netherlands: Stricter Measures for STR Owners

Both Germany and the Netherlands are ramping up their short-term rental regulations to tackle the ongoing issue of housing availability. Cities like Berlin are enforcing zoning regulations and annual rental night limits, reducing the number of available STRs and returning many properties to long-term residential use. Similarly, Amsterdam has enacted a drastic measure of limiting STR rentals to just 30 nights per year. These measures are designed to address the growing pressure on local housing markets and ensure that residential spaces are available to the local population rather than being used as vacation rentals.

Spain and Austria: Protecting Local Housing Amidst Rising Demand

In Spain, the city of Palma de Mallorca has restricted STRs to isolated homes and villas, specifically banning them in apartment buildings. This move aims to safeguard residential areas from the strain of tourism, particularly in the ever-popular Balearic Islands. Meanwhile, Austria is introducing a 90-night limit on STRs in Vienna, ensuring that the housing market remains balanced and accessible to locals. As regulations tighten across Southern Europe, travelers will find that their accommodation choices are becoming fewer and more expensive.

Key Takeaways:

• Increased Competition for Limited STRs: As more cities introduce restrictions, fewer affordable accommodations will be available, especially during peak seasons.
• Higher Costs for Tourists: With fewer available STRs, travelers can expect higher prices and a reduction in budget-friendly options.
• Legal Compliance is Crucial: Travelers need to ensure their accommodation is legally registered, as fines and penalties for non-compliance are becoming more stringent across Europe.
• Plan Ahead: Given the reduced availability of STRs, it is essential to book early and look for verified accommodations to avoid last-minute disappointments.

Conclusion:

The new wave of short-term rental regulations sweeping through Europe is undeniably reshaping the travel landscape. UK, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, and Austria are leading the charge in protecting housing for locals while attempting to balance the demands of a growing tourism industry. As travelers face fewer accommodation options and higher prices, staying informed and planning well in advance will be crucial for navigating this ever-changing market. The tightening regulations mark a critical step in addressing the housing crisis while maintaining the flow of tourists.

For travelers, it’s a time to adapt and adjust. Make sure to book in advance and confirm legal registration to avoid running into accommodation troubles in 2025.