Originally Posted by
singlesline
STRs also aren't legal everywhere and require a permit. They generally have to be in areas with hotel/commercial zoning, historic business districts, etc. So it is relatively easy to get a STR permit for your condo that's sandwiched in between the Sheraton and the Hilton...hard to get a permit for your house in a local neighborhood that's not by the beach.
I think second homes aren't as bad. First, there's way less incentive to buy them without rental income. Even with appreciation, most owners lose money after accounting for taxes, interest, maintenance, and opportunity costs. You buy them because you want a vacation home and have money to spare.
STRs invite people to gobble up housing stock to make a profit (beyond the profit you can make just being an ordinary landlord). This also leads to them buying up properties that wouldn't normally be appealing to a vacation home buyer (but might be appealing to a local resident).
True, second home owners aren't spending as much money in the local economy as 100 different guests visiting throughout the year...but they do still spend some money (and often let family/friends use the place which adds a bit of spend). They also tend to care more about the area and neighborhood. I'd much rather have a second home as a neighbor than an Airbnb. Airbnb has lots of negative externalities (noise, parties, lack of care, lack of upkeep)...rich second home owners make pretty decent neighbors.
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