Try Living in Cape Town, Where 70% of Downtown Housing Is for Tourists - The New York Times

Cape Town's downtown residential market has been overwhelmed by short-term tourist rentals, with 70% of housing units now dedicated to visitors rather than permanent residents. The shift reflects a broader global trend where cities popular with tourists see local housing stock converted to vacation accommodations, often through platforms like Airbnb. This transformation has reduced the availability of long-term rentals for Cape Town residents, driving up housing costs and contributing to residential displacement in the city center. The housing squeeze affects working professionals and lower-income families who can no longer afford or find permanent accommodations downtown. The trend underscores tensions between tourism revenue and the need for sustainable residential communities in popular destination cities.