Budapest’s 6th District to Ban Rentals, Evolve Snaps Up 1,000 Former Vacasa Homes, and Airbnb-Friendly Apartments Cross 1,300 Buildings
Summary
The 6th District of Budapest will ban short-term rentals starting in 2026, impacting hosts in that area. Meanwhile, Evolve acquired 1,000 former Vacasa homes, and Airbnb-Friendly Apartments are expanding. Hosts should reassess their portfolios in Budapest and consider the implications of different management models.
Key Insights
- •Budapest’s 6th District will ban short-term rentals (STRs) starting January 1, 2026.
- •Evolve has acquired the portfolio of Guestworks, Vacasa’s former low-touch, tech-enabled offering, with around 1,000 homes now transitioning to Evolve’s platform.
- •Airbnb accounts for 40% of all guest nights in Budapest.
Action Items
- ✓Managers with units in EU heritage districts should monitor this closely, historic cores across Europe (e.g., Lisbon, Amsterdam, Prague) are under similar pressure.Effort: lowImpact: medium
- ✓For operators in Budapest's 6th District, this is a clear nudge to start reassessing their portfolios. That might mean shifting toward mid-term rentals, scouting less-restricted neighborhoods, or preparing exit strategies.Effort: mediumImpact: high
Tools & Resources
- →Airbnb-Friendly Apartments program: Airbnb just marked three years of its Airbnb-Friendly Apartments program.
- →Evolve: Evolve offers a hybrid model combining centralized service, automation, and a flat 10% fee.
Common Mistakes
- ⚠Critics say the ban penalizes law-abiding hosts while ignoring illegal operators and structural issues in the rental market.
More from Regulations & Compliance
Carson City, Nevada, is refining its short-term rental regulations. City supervisors are currently reviewing and modifying the local ordinance during a retreat. This review aims to address operational aspects, potentially impacting local hosts through new or revised rules, emphasizing compliance.
A 21-unit vacation rental in Dunedin, Florida, has been approved, signaling potential growth in the local short-term rental market. This approval could lead to increased accommodation options for tourists visiting the area. This news could also influence local regulations.
St. Louis aldermen have approved a short-term rental fee, though a legal battle over existing rules continues. This indicates a focus on regulating the STR market within the city. Hosts in St. Louis should be aware of these new fees, which may impact their profitability. Find out how this affects your STR business.
Curated by Learn STR by GoStudioM