In Honfleur, the Mecca of Normandy tourism, owners who want to offer their property on seasonal rental platforms, such as Airbnb or Booking, have been required, since January 1, to obtain a rental authorization issued by the town hall.
Without this sesame, it will no longer be possible.
And even if he obtains this green light, each owner will now be able to rent only one property, the authorization of which must, in addition, be renewed every three years.
“We obviously have nothing against tourism which is part of the life of this city.
But it is a question of finding a balance.
Today, a third of the housing stock is occupied by rentals of this type!
It's not normal.
We are at the critical point where many inhabitants can no longer find accommodation, ”explains Christophe Buisson, vice-president of the Pays de Honfleur-Beuzeville, in charge of economic development and tourism.
A never-ending ballet of rolling suitcases
The owners have, it is true, something to be tempted.
“An apartment of 50 square meters that is rented for 500 euros per month per year can be rented, in seasonal rental, the same price but… per week!
The return for the owner is therefore quadrupled, ”explains Aïda Bensoussan, manager of The Agence Immobilière agency in the city center.
Consequence: real estate speculation naturally soared.
The owners have invested heavily in these rental properties, driving up the price per square meter by 1,500 euros in this last year alone.
So many developments that sadden Régine, a resident: “Slowly, my city risks losing a little of its soul.
There are now noise nuisances that we were not used to, garbage cans lying around on days when there is no collection and an incessant ballet of wheeled suitcases around the alleys of the historic district ”.
