Summary
Short-term rentals, particularly through Airbnb, have created a new market segment in Salzburg that sits between traditional hotels and long-term apartment rentals, primarily driven by commercial providers rather than genuine home-sharing. This study reveals that Airbnb generates a 'rent gap' even in stable urban areas, where rapid profit gains can be achieved with minimal effort, leading to significant disruptions in the housing market—especially in highly touristic inner-city zones. The research employed a mixed-method approach, analyzing spatial distribution, supply and revenue structures, host motivations, and the broader socio-spatial impacts of Airbnb on Salzburg's urban landscape.
Citation
Smigiel, C., Hof, A., Kautzschmann, K., & Seidl, R. (2020). No sharing! A mixed methods study of short-term rentals and its socio-spatial implications in the city of Salzburg. Raumforschung Und Raumordnung | Spatial Research and Planning, 78(2), 153–170. https://doi.org/10.2478/rara-2019-0054