Outer Banks Faces Housing Crisis as Rental Shortages Rise

News Summary

The Outer Banks is experiencing a housing crisis exacerbated by rising rental prices and the conversion of long-term rentals into short-term Airbnb units. Essential workers, including those at the Outer Banks Hospital, are particularly affected, struggling to secure affordable housing in the community. Local leaders highlight the urgent need for additional housing units to support these workers and maintain the area’s vibrant community. As pressure mounts, discussions about mixed-income housing initiatives are underway, but many believe more action is needed to address the growing crisis.

Outer Banks Faces Housing Crisis as Rental Shortages and Airbnb Conversions Force Locals Out

The beautiful Outer Banks, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant community, is currently facing a housing crisis that has sent shockwaves through the area in 2021. Just like many places across the nation, this beloved vacation destination is grappling with pressing housing shortages. As the demand for short-term rentals has skyrocketed, local residents—especially essential workers—are being forced out of their homes.

A Struggle for Essentials Workers

Imagine working tirelessly to serve your community, only to find yourself in a constant battle for housing. That’s the current reality for many essential workers in the Outer Banks, including those who dedicate their efforts at the nearby Outer Banks Hospital. These individuals have lost long-term rentals and have encountered a bleak market for new housing options. It’s a predicament that is hard to ignore as the fabric of local life begins to unravel.

Locally, leaders are sounding the alarm. The Dare County Board of Commissioners has identified a pressing need for approximately 1,200 housing units specifically aimed at providing homes for essential workers. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s the lifeline that these workers desperately need to stay in the community they support.

Rental Inquiries Skyrocket

In the midst of this housing scarcity, local landlord Pamela Anderson has received more than 100 inquiries for a rental unit priced at $800 per month, which includes utilities. Such interest in one unit paints a stark picture of the current market—demand is far outpacing supply, leading to intense competition for every available property.

The Airbnb Effect

One major factor contributing to this crunch is the shift of long-term rentals to short-term rentals. Landlords are increasingly converting their properties into rentals on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, driving prices through the roof. While this might be a lucrative option for some property owners, it is diminishing housing availability for locals, forcing them to look for alternatives that are often not there.

Concerns are widespread, with local leaders noting that the current trend favors short-term rental profits over the pressing housing needs of the local community. A poignant example is the case of long-time resident Margaret Guardado, who was forced out of her home when her landlord decided to list it on Airbnb. Now, she’s living in a friend’s camper, a hard reality that speaks volumes about the urgency of the situation.

Community Displacement

This crisis doesn’t just affect individual renters; it has broader implications for the community as a whole. Just ask Chris Furey, who had to move his family to West Virginia simply because affordable housing options were scarce. Stories like his highlight the pressure that families are facing as they attempt to stay rooted in the Outer Banks.

Efforts Towards Mixed-Income Housing Initiatives

In response to this growing issue, the Dare County commissioners are considering proposals for mixed-income housing in Manteo. These plans aim to create around 200 rental units, but it’s clear that this is just a drop in the bucket compared to the 1,200 units that are desperately needed. The urgency of these discussions is further heightened by the lack of any current restrictions on short-term rentals, prompting calls for regulations that can rein in the impact of platforms like Airbnb on the local housing market.

An Urgent Call for Action

The community is actively voicing its needs and seeking solutions in the face of this housing crisis. Local leaders and residents alike agree that action must be taken to ensure that the Outer Banks can maintain its vibrant community amidst rising rental challenges. Time will tell whether their ongoing discussions lead to meaningful change, but one thing is clear—the need for affordable housing and the preservation of the local community is more critical than ever.