The head of Airbnb Germany, Kathrin Anselm, has vehemently denied the platform’s contribution to the country’s acute housing shortage and soaring rental prices, characterizing accusations as “simply adventurous”. In an interview with Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, Anselm attempted to deflect responsibility, citing Barcelona as a purported example where a reduction in Airbnb listings (25% between 2018 and 2024) coincided with a dramatic 40% increase in rental costs. This argument, however, largely ignores the complex interplay of factors driving Barcelona’s housing crisis.
Anselm also dismissed a 2021 study by the esteemed German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin), which demonstrably linked Airbnb offerings to increased rental rates. She attributed the findings to flawed methodology and purported errors in data usage, though she offered no specific details challenging the study’s conclusions. As the executive responsible for Airbnb’s operations in Germany and 24 other European markets, Anselm insists the platform’s impact on the German housing situation is “minor to nonexistent.
Instead of addressing the core criticism of displacing long-term rental stock, Anselm advocates for increased construction as the primary solution. While acknowledging potential benefits of regulating short-term rentals, she stresses the necessity of an “evidence-based” approach. Currently, a commission appointed by the Federal Ministry of Justice is developing recommendations for rental law reform, which may include regulations pertaining to short-term letting.
The frequent political headwinds faced by Airbnb, Anselm argues, stem from its disruptive business model, attracting inherent opposition. She suggested a cynical observation, implying that regulators find it easier to target short-term rentals than to grapple with the complexities of fostering new housing construction, renovating existing properties and tackling vacant dwellings. She cautioned against disproportionate regulatory measures.
Airbnb maintains adherence to all applicable laws and regulations. In Berlin, for example, listings require registration numbers and contact information, ostensibly enabling district offices to monitor Airbnb postings. When challenged on the effectiveness of these controls given the strained staffing levels within those very offices, Anselm deflected responsibility, stating it is not Airbnb’s place to assess the appropriateness of permits issued by local authorities.
According to Anselm, Airbnb hosts earn an average of €4,000 gross annually. She framed the activity as a vital economic lifeline for many, asserting that “40% of people who list on Airbnb do so to subsidize their living expenses”. This portrayal, while potentially resonating with some, downplays the broader systemic issues caused by effectively commodifying and removing affordable housing from the long-term rental market. Critics contend that Airbnb’s business model actively exacerbates the housing crisis by incentivizing landlords to prioritize tourist income over the needs of local residents.