The Municipal Council of Nice has unanimously voted to tighten regulations on short-term furnished accommodations in an effort to alleviate pressure on the local housing market. 

On 15th July, the Council responded to public concerns about the shortage of properties available for long-term rent, as well as the rising house prices, by voting to limit the number of tourist accommodation permits that can be issued to owners of furnished properties. 

Previously, applications for tourist rentals in Nice were almost automatically approved, allowing huge numbers of properties to operate as short-term rentals aimed at tourists. However, this is set to change under the new regulations. 

Instead of a six-year renewal cycle, authorisations will now be issued annually and will no longer be routinely approved. This change aims to free up properties for long-term rentals and other uses. 

A report conducted by the city in April revealed that over 13,600 Airbnb-style rentals are being advertised in Nice, with the majority concentrated in popular neighborhoods such as Old Town and along the Promenade des Anglais. Local authorities argue that this concentration has significantly altered the character of these areas. 

In comments made to the Nice Matin, Deputy Mayor Anthony Borré said that “70% of furnished accommodations [in Nice] are owned by investors”, suggesting that local residents are also being forced off the housing ladder due to the city’s popularity with outside investors.

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