As Airbnb and other holiday let firms continue to rise in popularity, The Scottish Government has announced plans to limit the number of short-term lets in the capital.
Edinburgh will launch the first ever short-term property limits in Scotland, after too many homes were ‘lost to the holiday market’. The move hopes to preserve the character of neighbourhoods, and reduce the number of Airbnb-style accommodations.
The Scottish Government approved changes to planning laws today, which will cap the amount of short-term lets in the city - after it was revealed a third of all short-term lets in Scotland can be found in Edinburgh.
READ MORE - Fears Edinburgh Council will be overwhelmed by short-term let applications
New owners of short-term lets across Scotland will be required to apply to the local council for a licence to operate, while existing owners will need to reapply in April 2023.
Housing secretary Shona Robison said: “Edinburgh was the first local authority in Scotland to propose a short-term let control area, and Scottish Government approval represents a major step forward.
“We have committed to give local authorities the powers to address concerns about the impact of commercial short-term letting in their communities, should they want to do that. This is a fine example of that local choice in action - supported by the majority of respondents to the council’s consultation on the proposed designation.
“I recognise the important role which short-term lets play as a source of flexible and responsive accommodation for tourists and workers, which brings many benefits to hosts, visitors and our economy. However, we know that in certain areas, particularly tourist hot spots, high numbers of lets can cause problems for neighbours and make it harder for people to find homes to live in.”
Edinburgh City Council leader Cammy Day welcomed the news, adding: “I am delighted that ministers have answered our calls and we look forward to reviewing the full details included in the decision released today.
“For far too long, too many homes have been lost in our city to the holiday market. Their associated issues of safety, anti-social behaviour and noise have a detrimental effect on many of our residents.”
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