Happy Friday! From regulatory reforms and real estate restrictions to platform overhauls and pop culture throwbacks, the vacation rental world is buzzing with change.
Airbnb unveiled its 2025 Summer Release this week, marking a significant shift from a home-sharing platform to a comprehensive travel and lifestyle marketplace. The updated app now offers “Airbnb Services,” allowing users to book amenities like private chefs, spa treatments, and personal trainers in over 260 cities. Additionally, “Airbnb Experiences” have been reintroduced, featuring curated activities hosted by locals, including celebrity-led events under the new “Originals” category.
In a move to enhance consumer protection, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has implemented a new rule requiring all short-term lodging businesses, including vacation rentals and platforms like Airbnb, to disclose total prices upfront in advertisements. This regulation targets hidden fees, such as resort or destination charges, ensuring travelers are aware of the full cost before booking. While government taxes are excluded, all mandatory charges known to the business must be included in the listed price.
Australia has enacted a ban on foreign investors purchasing established dwellings from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2027, aiming to increase housing availability for residents. This policy restricts temporary residents, including international students and contract workers, from buying existing properties unless they plan to significantly increase housing stock. The ban is anticipated to reduce the number of properties available for short-term rentals, potentially affecting platforms like Airbnb and impacting local economies reliant on tourism.
Fans of the “Twilight” series can now stay at Bella Swan’s iconic house, featured in the film saga, by booking it on Airbnb. Located in St. Helens, Oregon, the five-bedroom, 1930s whitewashed home served as the filming site for Bella’s residence and is now dubbed the “Twilight Swan House.” Accommodating up to eight guests, the rental boasts a near-perfect rating of 4.99 stars from over 580 reviews, with many guests praising its authenticity and nostalgic value.
That’s a wrap for this week’s updates. Check back next Friday for more news and trends shaping the vacation rental world!