News from 25 June 2026
Guest nights in UK short-term lets rose to 100.9 million in 2025, up 11.5%, according to ONS figures reported by Property Industry Eye. Ministers have said they are considering additional powers for councils in England where short-term lets and second homes affect local housing availability.
Possible council powers
The government has not yet set out a final package of additional powers in the report cited by Property Industry Eye. Ministers are considering additional council powers in areas where short-term lets and second homes put pressure on housing availability.
Councils already have some relevant levers. The report notes the ability to charge a council tax premium of up to 100% on second homes. Ministers are also progressing plans for a visitor levy in England, allowing strategic authorities to raise funds from overnight stays, and operators of short-term lets are expected to be brought into a mandatory registration scheme.
The local rules are relevant when considering how a property can be used. Licensing schemes, planning controls, council tax treatment, registration requirements and housing enforcement priorities can all change the economics and administration of a property.
