Is it possible to replace Airbnb short-term rentals with social housing? A motivational analysis from Spanish Airbnb hosts

The article analyses, from the point of view of Spanish Airbnb hosts, the options for converting rented short-term units into alternative and social housing. Framed in the self-determination theory (SDT), different intrinsic and extrinsic motivational variables for home sharing are combined, through cluster analysis, to identify three different hosts' profiles (social and economic motivated, economic motivated and social motivated). To collect data a survey was conducted to a sample of the population who own a house listed on Airbnb (114 valid responses). The results show that each profile considers different motivations and life strategies when sharing their primary residence and this is related to the fact that they have different willingness to replace Airbnb with alternative and social uses. Specifically, hosts who have an intrinsic social motivation for home sharing are more willing to switch to social housing than those who have strictly extrinsic economic motivations. Finally, some recommendations are made for local administrations interested in generating housing policies that strategically incorporate short-term rented accommodation hosts. • Given the shortage of rental and social housing in Spain, it is key to explore alternatives based on short-term accommodation. • Airbnb hosts see economic opportunities, but social drivers influence their participation, shaping readiness for social housing. • To convert Airbnb rentals into social housing, policies must support this shift and provide compensations considering hosts' attitudes. • Combining housing policies with Airbnb's management will address a key urban housing issue, the professionalisation of hosts.