Short-term rentals are back in the headlines, this time for stricter municipal enforcement across several Niagara Region communities.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Fort Erie, and parts of St. Catharines have recently introduced or proposed:

• Tighter license caps

• Higher registration fees

• More rigorous inspections and compliance checks

• Fines for unlicensed Airbnb operators

Why now?

Residents have voiced concerns about:

• Noise

• Lack of long-term rental stock

• Investors pricing out locals

And with the provincial and federal governments talking about housing supply issues, local governments are trying to balance tourism with long-term housing stability.

What it means for buyers:

If you’re buying a home as an income property, be sure to check local short-term rental bylaws before assuming you can Airbnb it. In some areas, only principal residences are eligible, or licenses are full.

What it means for sellers:

If your home has been operating as a short-term rental, this could affect its resale value. But if marketed well, it could still appeal to:

• Long-term rental investors

• Multigenerational families

• Upsizers looking for a flexible floor plan

We can help you reposition your property for today’s buyer.

Making smart moves starts with smart advice. 

Reach us here: https://fishmangroup.ca/contact

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or call/text 905-808-0839