New laws to harm holiday lettings in europe?

Authorities in the three countries are considering a Change in regulations, which would stop homeowners renting out properties on short-term contracts.

The French parliament is voting this week on the law, reports The Telegraph, which would ban the short-term renting of a second home in a city with more than 200,000 residents. The conditions would apply to cities such as Lyon and Marseille, but the newspaper reports that only the capital city would be the focus of the legislation.

Germany is considering a similar arrangement for Berlin, while the Spanish holiday letting market has been cast into uncertainty for some time following reports that rules might be changed in the near future. The debate around the new legislation is set to take place in May 2014.

Authorities are hoping to make renting properties around their countries more affordable for locals, although the ban would also hold significant implications for tourists visiting areas, as well as investors and those living abroad.