Home Prices May Be Falling, But Are They Affordable?

San Bernardino County in California is conducting a comprehensive study to evaluate the impact of how short-term rentals affects housing availability in the county. 

San Bernardino is home to Big Bear Lake, one of the top vacation rental destinations in the state. A recent Southern California News Group analysis revealed that only 29 out of California's 538 cities and towns meet the state's affordable housing requirements, underscoring the need to address housing concerns within the county. The county introduced measures, including a temporary 45-day pause on new approvals for short-term rentals. It also imposed restrictions in desert and mountain communities, such as limiting new permits to two per individual and implementing occupancy limits of up to 12 guests based on dwelling size. And penalties are 10 times higher in San Bernardino than they were in 2021.

It’s interesting to note what is happening in the short-term rental and housing markets in Big Bear. We’ve been over this. An increase in active listings compared to occupancy levels puts pressure on revenue per available night.