Huge growth and ethical concerns make Airbnb users think again

Dan Thompson doesn’t want to be ‘part of the problem’ and will only to stay in owner-occupied properties. Photograph: Andy Hall/The Observer

With its burgeoning, vibrant arts scene, Margate was the perfect base for Dan Thompson, a writer and social activist. But when his landlord came to sell his flat, he was left with nowhere to move to, due to a shortage of properties in the area.

One reason, he believes, is that many of the homes are let as short-term rentals on Airbnb. Almost 640 entire homes are let out in the coastal town, according to rental analytics company AirDNA.