Many property owners let out their home or second homes that they own on short-term lets via online portals such as airbnb. For many this is seen as preferable in terms of regular income and aggravation to longer lets for six or 12 months. There is an argument that people should be able to do what they want within reason with their own asset, but others perceive that these short-term lets are 'hollowing out' local communities in holiday hot spots.
It is for this reason that the government has announced proposed changes to the planning legislation to deal with the issue. The headline points are:
- Planning permission will be required for future short-term lets.
- Mandatory national register will provide valuable information and help ensure accommodation is safe.
- Proposals will give communities greater control over future growth.
- Homeowners can continue to let out their own main or sole home for up to 90 nights a year.
The government's announcement states:
'Under the reforms councils will be given greater power to control short-term lets by making them subject to the planning process. A new mandatory national register will give local authorities the information they need about short-term lets in their area. This will help councils understand the extent of short-term lets in their area, the effects on their communities, and underpin compliance with key health and safety regulations.
'Homeowners will still be able to let out their own main or sole home for up to 90 nights throughout a year without planning permission and government is considering how to apply the register so it does not apply disproportionate regulation for example on property owners that let out their home infrequently.
'The proposed planning changes would see a new planning 'use class' created for short-term lets not used as a sole or main home. Existing dedicated short-term lets will automatically be reclassified into the new use class and will not require a planning application.
'These measures are focussed on short-term lets, and therefore the planning changes and the register will not affect hotels, hostels or B&Bs.'
The changes have not been introduced yet and of course, might not be introduced at all – but they will affect a large number of property owners – so it might be a good idea to take specialist advice now. Forewarned is forearmed.
To discuss this or any other property matter, contact us.