“There Goes the Neighborhood”: Americans Have Beef with Airbnbs

Short-term rentals used to be a side note in real estate. Now, they can make or break a deal.

If you’re working in a market with active Airbnbs, you already know the impact isn’t just financial. It’s emotional. Buyers are more cautious. Sellers are more frustrated. And neighbors? They’re ready to start petitions.

According to a new report by Anytime Estimate, the Airbnb effect is changing how Americans view property ownership, community, and value. In a survey of 1,000 adults, including those who live near or have stayed in a short-term rental (STR), the data reveals a clear tension between opportunity and quality of life.

Here’s what every real estate professional needs to know. 

Buyers Are Thinking Twice About Airbnbs Nearby

For years, agents have fielded questions like “What’s the school district?” or “How’s the roof?” Now add this one: “Are there any Airbnbs on the block?“

If you ever wondered why more and more cities across the U.S. are passing restrictive policies around short-term rentals, those bills don’t come from nowhere. 

• 60% of buyers say a nearby Airbnb would negatively affect their decision, with 28% saying they would offer less for the home; 32% wouldn’t make an offer at all.
• 52% would feel less comfortable letting their kids play outside with an Airbnb next door.
• 55% would rather live next to their in-laws. 30% would rather live next to their ex.
• Only 16% feel positive about their next-door neighbor turning their home into an STR.

Resistance to STRs is similar to the widespread resistance to light rail networks expanding into suburban neighborhoods. 

People who are “just passing through” are generally less concerned about their impact on the neighborhood. Temporary, though, doesn’t mean insignificant. And little thoughtless acts add up.

Buyers aren’t just worried about who’s coming and going, either. They’re thinking about noise, parking, trash, safety, and the overall vibe of the community. As one stat puts it, 67% are okay with older couples staying next door. Only 4% feel the same about bachelor parties. 

STRs and Perceived Value: The Price Problem

The rise of short-term rentals may be great for tourists and hosts, but it’s causing friction in the resale market. Nearly half of the Americans surveyed (46%) believe STRs are driving up home prices and hurting first-time buyers. And 38% say they contribute to housing shortages.

Almost a third of buyers (31%) would pay more for a home in a neighborhood that bans STRs.

Seven out of 10 (70%) say only the owners benefit from short-term rentals. Just 11% believe guests benefit more. And only 4% think neighbors gain anything.

The takeaway? If your listing is in an STR-saturated area, be prepared for buyer hesitation. And if your seller thinks the Airbnb next door is a non-issue, they might be overestimating their property’s appeal. 

How to Talk to Buyers About STR-Heavy Neighborhoods

Not every buyer is turned off by short-term rentals. Some may even see them as a potential source of income. But for those who aren’t sold on the idea, agents need to be ready with the right information and questions.

Start by asking:

• How do you feel about short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods?
• Would it change your interest in a property if there were multiple STRs nearby?

Then, acknowledge concerns with data and local context:

• Are there noise ordinances or STR caps in the area?
• What’s the HOA’s stance on short-term rentals?

When a buyer is hesitant, offer perspective:

• STRs can be a point of (price) negotiation.
• Some buyers see the potential for income if they ever become hosts.
• The issue may be seasonal or more noticeable on weekends.

Some buyers see short-term rentals as a red flag, and that’s worth talking about with sellers living near STRs. Others see them as a cash-flow opportunity. It really depends on a buyer’s comfort level, your client’s goals, and what’s happening in the neighborhood. But anytime STRs are in the picture, they should be part of the conversation. 

What to Say to Sellers in Airbnb-Saturated Areas

Your seller may not think the Airbnb next door is a big deal. But their buyer probably will. 

Help your sellers manage expectations:

• Explain that many buyers will factor in the presence of STRs when deciding how much to offer.
• Highlight any neighborhood protections, such as STR limits or quiet hours.
• Position the property to appeal to buyers who may want to become hosts themselves.

If showings slow down or feedback reflects buyer concerns:

• Consider adjusting pricing.
• Emphasize what makes the home stand out despite the Airbnb effect.

Bottom line talking point: 

“Some buyers are wary of STR-heavy areas, especially if they’re looking for a quiet neighborhood feel. That doesn’t mean we can’t sell. It just means we need to price and market it accordingly.”

Stay Ahead of the Sentiment and Local Rules

The Airbnb effect isn’t just a matter of personal preference. It’s driving policy decisions in markets across the country. 

According to the report:

• 49% of Americans support a full ban on STRs in residential neighborhoods.
• 48% would sign a petition to restrict them.
• 83% want Airbnbs to follow the same rules and taxes as hotels.
• 94% support at least some regulation: noise limits, guest caps, trash rules, etc.

It’s not just neighbors who aren’t keen on welcoming STRs to their community. Any STR customer who’s been burned by the fine print is also more likely to push for restrictive policies. 

It sounds like a good deal, and a huge savings over local hotels…until it isn’t. And one bad actor in a neighborhood can spoil it for Airbnb hosts providing exemplary service. 

For agents, this means staying current on local ordinances, HOA guidelines, and public sentiment. What’s allowed today could be restricted next year. 

Key Takeaways for Agents

• Be proactive. Bring up STRs in your buyer and seller consults.
• Use stats to support your guidance, especially when helping clients manage expectations.
• Know your local policies. They can influence price, appeal, and long-term value.
• Position yourself as the agent who understands the full impact of short-term rentals, not just on profit, but on the everyday lives of the people you serve.

Want to stay ahead of the biggest shifts in real estate? Know how to talk about the Airbnb effect. Because chances are, your clients already are.