Hobart council advances ban on full-home short stays

Hobart City Council's planning committee has voted to send a proposal to the Tasmanian Planning Commission for final approval, banning the conversion of about 20,000 residential homes into whole-home short-stay accommodation. The amendment aims to protect the housing market and prevent the loss of long-term residents due to rising accommodation costs.

The proposal was discussed at the council's planning committee meeting on Wednesday, with over 50 public submissions received during the consultation period. While some residents and business owners opposed the amendment, citing the positive economic impact of short-stay rentals, council officers argued that the measure would provide a net community benefit by improving housing outcomes while still allowing visitor accommodation in designated areas.

The amendment will not affect existing permits or residential zones in historic areas like Battery Point and the inner CBD. Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds stated that the city needs to address the growing issue of short-term rentals, which are becoming a significant factor in the declining housing stock and rental affordability.