Housing campaigners in Edinburgh, Scotland are calling for an outright ban on Airbnb-style short-term lets, an idea inspired by Barcelona's bold move to eliminate holiday rentals by 2029.

Living Rent, a tenants’ union, argues that Edinburgh should follow Barcelona's lead to address the city's housing crisis.

In Edinburgh, the City Council introduced a strict short-term lets policy last year, aiming to curb the number of properties rented out to tourists.

Despite these efforts, the city declared a housing emergency, with 5,000 households homeless and living in temporary accommodation.

Lockboxes containing keys for Airbnb properties are now a common sight in Edinburgh, but opinions on their presence are divided.

The city has become a battleground over short-term accommodation, with landlords challenging the council's policies in court.

Edinburgh resident Kate Stephenson describes the issue as complex, given the city's reliance on tourism.

Jo O'Neil, a long-time resident of the Royal Mile, supports a complete ban on short-term lets, citing the negative impact on the community.

Her partner Jay adds that the demand for Airbnbs is driving out all but the super-rich from the city center.

In Barcelona, locals protest against the overabundance of tourism, which they believe is reducing local housing stock and driving up rents.

Edinburgh's lockboxes are a symbol of the city's struggle, with investors snapping up properties to rent out during peak events like the Fringe.

Scotland introduced legislation to regulate short-term lets in 2022, following similar issues in the Highlands and England.

In 2019, there were 14,000 Airbnbs in Edinburgh, with 8,000 being whole-house lets that often sat empty for much of the year.

After the licensing scheme was imposed, the number of listings fell to 7,000, with 4,648 being entire properties.

Living Rent wants Edinburgh to go further and ban the wholesale letting of otherwise empty houses.

Research shows that properties on Airbnb can cost up to £700 a night during peak times, dropping significantly in the off-season.

US tourists Taz and Alexa Sutherland prefer Airbnbs for their value, stating they wouldn't visit Edinburgh if they had to rely on expensive hotels.

Airbnb claims that its hosts contribute significantly to the local economy, with guests spending millions annually in Edinburgh.

The debate continues as Edinburgh City Council launches a consultation on the short-term let policy.