The Government is taking steps to address the impact of short-term holiday lets on the housing market, particularly in the South West and London. The proposed changes include a new registration scheme and potential alterations to planning rules ...
This is a significant step towards addressing the impact of short-term holiday lets on local affordable housing!
This could require homeowners to seek planning permission for operating a short-term or holiday let. However, the Government proposes a 'light touch' registration scheme, so what are the implications for homeowners and the wider community?
The 'Consultation on a registration scheme for short-term lets in England' outlines the government's plans for a new registration system. This decision follows a call for evidence last year and the analysis of almost 4,000 responses. The scheme will be operated by local authorities or the Tourist Office, depending on which option is chosen.
In 2022, there were roughly 257,000 short-term and holiday letting listings in England, with 62% concentrated in the South West (28%), London (17%), and South East (17%). The call for evidence responses showed that hosts typically listed 1-2 properties, earning £5,000-£6,000 a year, and that the industry functioned within its own ecosystem, including online booking services, management, cleaning, and maintenance.
To address the growing concerns around short-term holiday lets, the government has launched a new planning consultation called 'Introduction of a use class for short-term lets and associated permitted development rights'.
The key areas covered in this consultation include:
Introduction of a new use class for short-term lets
Potential introduction of a new permitted development right for the change of use from a dwellinghouse to a short-term let
Potential introduction of a new permitted development right for the change of use from a short-term let to a dwellinghouse
Exploring flexibility for homeowners to let out their home for up to 30 nights in a calendar year, either through changes to the dwellinghouse use class or an additional permitted development right
Introduction of a planning application fee for the development of new build short-term lets
The government's proposed registration scheme and consultation on changes to planning rules mark a significant step towards addressing the impact of short-term holiday lets on the availability and affordability of local rental housing.
Homeowners, particularly in the South West and London, need to stay informed about these changes and understand how they may affect their ability to let their properties on a short-term basis.
While the 'light touch' registration scheme aims to strike a balance between regulation and maintaining the industry's growth, it remains to be seen how effective these measures will be in mitigating the negative impacts on the housing market.
Until next time ...
HELEN BEAUMONT
Would you like to know more?
If anything I've written in this blog post resonates with you and you'd like to discover more about holiday lets and the proposed new planning scheme, it may be a great idea to give me a call on 01908 774323 and let's see how I can help.
Helen brings the personal tax planning experience of the top 20 tax companies to Essendon. Formerly of MacIntyre Hudson (with 45 offices nationwide), Helen worked at Chancery for more than 10 years before joining Essendon as the personal tax specialist.
Tax Planning can make a considerable difference to your tax liability. Helen has specialist knowledge and experience in tax planning and uses every opportunity to minimise your tax bill is utilised. By analysing your investments, income, profit and expenditures, Helen will provide strategic tax planning expertise that could offer significant savings, whilst delivering clear, honest advice and guidance.
When Helen is not at Essendon she spends time with her young son and likes going on long walks with the family dog.
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