Gwynedd County Council is poised to become the first in Wales to introduce tough new rules for second homes and Airbnbs.

Gwynedd is facing a serious housing crisis. The number of second homes and holiday lets in the county has skyrocketed in recent years, pushing local residents out of the market.

• In 2018, there were 6,293 second homes or holiday lets in Gwynedd.
• By 2022, that number had jumped to 7,559!
• Even after a slight drop to 7,311 in 2023, the situation remains critical for many local residents.

A New Weapon – Planning Permission

To tackle the problem, Gwynedd County Council is planning to introduce a new rule that would require homeowners to get planning permission before converting their property into a second home or holiday let. This would mean an end to the easy conversions that have contributed to the influx of holiday homes.

How It Works:

The new rule, known as an “article four direction”, would take effect in September. It would not apply to second homes and holiday lets that were established before this date.

What Could This Mean For You?

• Landlords and Investors: If you’re thinking about buying a property in Gwynedd to rent out as a second home or holiday let, you’ll need to get planning permission first. This could be a lengthy and expensive process.
• Local Residents: The council hopes that this measure will help to free up more homes for local residents.
• The Housing Market: There are concerns that the new rule could negatively affect the housing market, potentially pushing homeowners into negative equity. Critics also worry that the change could drive up prices for second homes and holiday lets.

The Debate Heats Up:

There’s been fierce debate about the proposed changes, with some supporting the move and others voicing strong opposition.

Supporters:

• They argue that the influx of second homes and holiday lets is pushing locals out of the housing market and harming communities.
• They believe that the new rule is necessary to protect the future of local villages and towns.

Opponents:

• They argue that the new rule would unfairly restrict homeowners’ rights.
• They warn that it could damage the local economy by discouraging tourism.

The Council’s Stance:

Councillor Dafydd Meurig, cabinet member for the environment, said: “Cyngor Gwynedd wants to ensure that local people are able to access suitable and affordable housing locally, which is key to securing the future of our communities. It is therefore inevitable that the significant number of houses being used as second homes and short-term holiday accommodation is affecting the ability of the people of Gwynedd to access homes in their communities.”

What’s Next?

The Gwynedd County Council cabinet will meet on July 16th to make a final decision on whether to implement the new rules. The outcome could have significant implications for the housing market in Gwynedd and could set a precedent for other areas in Wales.