Tackling second homes and holiday lets is an issue that has divided opinions in Wales in recent years. Over the past few months, the Welsh Government has announced its plans to crackdown on second homes, which will come into force next year.
Their plans include an increase to the maximum level of council tax premiums for second homes as well as new local tax rules for holiday lets. The maximum level at which local authorities can set council tax premiums on second homes and long-term empty properties will be increased to 300%, which will be effective from April 2023. You can read more about this plan here.
On top of this, change will bring in stricter rules for holiday homes that are exempt from council tax. Currently any holiday house that is let out for more than 70 days a year – and is available to be let out for more than 140 days a year – can pay business rates instead of council tax. Under the new rules holiday homes will have to be let out for more than 182 days a year and be available for let for upwards of 252 days a year to qualify for the exemption. You can read more about this plan here.
