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Locals priced out by tourists in Lisbon: the Airbnb effect in the historic centre

Mayors call on govt to intervene urgently, attributing spiralling prices to 'excessive proliferation' of short-term rentals catering to tourists

Lisbon

ALFAMA, one of the oldest and most picturesque areas of Lisbon, is becoming a victim of its own charm; short- term lets to tourists are driving up rents and driving out old residents.

"They want to throw me out to rent my home to tourists," complained retired salesman Antonio Melo, 70. His house has changed owners four times over the last year and his new landlord has just told him his lease will not be renewed.

"Soon there will only be tourists in Alfama," he said. Mr Melo has lived in the district since he was five years old but now fears he will have no choice but to leave because his 600-euro (S$894) pension won't cover the rent of any property there.

Local mayor Miguel Coelho echoed the...

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