A prominent TV property broker has been renting out her historic home illegally through Airbnb. Jette Gudiksen, co-owner of luxury real estate firm Thorkild Kristensen, removed her listing after being confronted about the violation.
The peach-colored townhouse sits on Hjelmerstald, one of Aalborg's most desirable streets. This cobblestone lane features colorful 18th-century buildings that attract both residents and tourists.
Despite legal requirements for permanent residency, no one lives at the address. Tourists from France, Switzerland, the United States and Norway have regularly checked in since spring 2024.
"Wow, how cozy," exclaimed one middle-aged woman while peering through the windows of the currently listed property.
Gudiksen removed the Airbnb profile immediately after journalists questioned the arrangement. The case highlights how even established real estate professionals sometimes bypass Denmark's housing regulations.
This situation reflects broader challenges in Danish cities where short-term rentals sometimes displace permanent residents. Wealthy property owners occasionally prioritize tourist income over legal obligations to maintain housing stock.
What are Denmark's residency requirements? Property owners in certain zones must maintain permanent residence rather than operating full-time vacation rentals.
Why does this matter for housing? Cities like Copenhagen and Aalborg face housing shortages, making illegal short-term rentals a contentious issue.