Global vacant dwellings and seasonal/holiday homes, % of total dwelling stock, 2022 or latest year available

Europe shows a stark divide in housing use: some markets hold large shares of vacant or holiday homes, while others keep nearly all dwellings in primary use

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Sometimes I see seals on the beach, which is so cool.

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Pembrokeshire councillors vote to cut second homes tax premium again

Councillors in Pembrokeshire have agreed to lower the controversial levy on second homes for the second year running, cutting the premium from 150% to 125% following a knife‑edge vote at a cabinet meeting this week.

Narrow vote after heated debate

The decision follows last year’s reduction from 200% to 150%, with councillors now opting for a further cut. An amendment from Cllr Mark Carter, backed by Cllr Di Clements, sought to remove the premium entirely and return the rate to 100%.

But Cllr Alistair Cameron, cabinet member for corporate finance efficiencies, warned that such a move would create a £2.8m budget pressure in 2026‑27, equivalent to a 3% rise in general council tax.

Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey added: “The reality is if this amendment is approved we’ve got to find another £2.8m – either cuts or we put the council tax up by that amount. I would rather be looking after the majority of council tax‑payers in Pembrokeshire rather than supporting this 100%.”

Cllr Mike Stoddart argued the opposite, saying: “Very simply I don’t agree we can chisel money out of these people (second home owners) so we don’t have to go to our people; we’re acting to our own electoral advantage. It’s totally unfair to pay double the council tax and using the services a lot less.”

When the 100% amendment was defeated by 29 votes to 21, Cllr Phil Kidney proposed a compromise of 125%. That motion passed by just one vote — 26 in favour, 25 against — leaving the council facing a £1.4m shortfall.

📊 At a glance: second homes revenue

£12.5m raised across Wales
Councils collected an extra £12.5m last year from second homes and empty property premiums.

Pembrokeshire among top earners
The county generated one of the highest totals, reflecting its concentration of holiday lets and second homes.

£1.4m shortfall ahead
Cutting the premium from 150% to 125% is expected to reduce Pembrokeshire’s income by around £1.4m.

Policy purpose
Premiums were introduced to raise revenue and ease housing pressures in tourist hotspots.

Impact on second home owners

Under current Welsh Government rules, second home owners must pay the premium unless they can prove their property is let for at least 182 days a year.

The Welsh Government is consulting on changes that could allow owners to average lettings over several years, or to count up to 14 days of free charity use towards the 182‑day threshold. The consultation runs until 20 November, with any new legislation due to take effect from 1 April.

High concentration of second homes

A council report shows 13.8% of homes in Pembrokeshire currently have no usual resident, down from a peak of 14.6%.

Four communities — Dale, Lamphey, Newport and The Havens — have rates above 40%, while a further 14 communities exceed 25%.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Council rakes in extra £12.5m from second homes and empties
New figures show how much extra council tax premiums have generated across Wales.

Pembrokeshire backs 200% council tax premium for second homes
Councillors previously voted to double the levy on second home owners in tourist hotspots.

Swansea holiday let occupancy up 47% amid policy concerns
Experts warn Welsh Government rules are squeezing supply and driving competition for rentals.

Critics say 182‑day rule causing ‘soul‑crushing’ distress
Campaigners highlight the impact of strict letting thresholds on small holiday businesses.

#CouncilTax #Dale #holidayHomes #Lamphey #Newport #Pembrokeshire #PembrokeshireCouncil #secondHomes #TheHavens #tourism

Welsh Government proposes more flexibility for holiday let occupancy rules

Since April 2023, self‑catering properties in Wales must be available to let for at least 252 days a year and actually let for 182 days to qualify for non‑domestic rates instead of council tax. The policy was introduced to address concerns over second homes and to support local services, but has faced strong criticism from parts of the tourism industry.

Under the new proposals, two key refinements are being considered:

• Averaging rule – allowing owners to meet the 182‑day threshold on average over two or three years, so those who narrowly miss the target in a single year could still remain on non‑domestic rates.
• Charity stays – permitting up to 14 days of free holidays donated to charities to count towards the 182‑day total.

The consultation also asks whether councils should be able to offer a 12‑month grace period before higher council tax rates apply when a property moves from non‑domestic to domestic classification.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language, Mark Drakeford, said:

“Tourism makes an important contribution to the Welsh economy and to Welsh life… While most holiday let owners are already meeting the new rules brought in from 2023, with 60% of properties meeting the letting criteria, we have listened to those working in the sector and are proposing small changes to the current rules to support them.”

Industry reaction and background

The 182‑day rule has been one of the most contentious elements of the Welsh Government’s approach to holiday lets. As reported by Swansea Bay News last year, some operators warned the threshold was “out of reach” for many rural businesses, causing “soul‑crushing distress” and fears of closures. Farming unions have also raised concerns that wider tourism policies, including proposed licensing schemes, could create extra bureaucracy for genuine accommodation providers.

Analysis earlier this summer suggested Swansea’s holiday let occupancy had risen by 47% year‑on‑year, with some experts linking the increase to fewer properties being available to rent following the introduction of the 182‑day rule.

The consultation is open until 20 November. Full details and response forms are available on the Welsh Government website.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea holiday let occupancy up 47% – but experts warn Welsh Gov policies forcing holidaymakers to fight over fewer rentals
Data shows rising demand amid concerns over reduced availability of short‑term lets.

Critics say Welsh Government 182‑day rule for holiday lets causing ‘soul‑crushing distress’
Operators warn occupancy threshold is unrealistic for many rural businesses.

Farming union opposes Welsh Government holiday let licensing scheme
FUW warns proposed system could add bureaucracy and harm genuine providers.

#CouncilTax #holidayAccommodation #holidayHomes #holidayLet #nonDomesticRates #selfCatering #tourism #WelshGovernment

Summer Short-Term Rental Demand Slips in Southern Europe. Blame the Heat

https://skift.com/2025/08/07/summer-short-term-rental-demand-slips-in-southern-europe-blame-the-heat/

Wake me up (Book me) when September ends
https://open.spotify.com/track/3ZffCQKLFLUvYM59XKLbVm

Following the herd down to Greece

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Book a family-friendly retreat for a memorable getaway together 🏡👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

🔗 Discover more—link in bio!

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May be behind a Paywall

Misleading sales tactics rife in the caravan and lodge park industry https://app.which.co.uk/N7dM/wuhqc1o0

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