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Number of people staying in holiday homes jumps in decade, census data shows

There was a 4.7% increase between 2011 and 2021 in the number of people staying in a holiday home for more than 30 days per year.

Thousands more people were staying in holiday homes for more than 30 days per year in 2021 than a decade earlier, according to Census data.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) released figures showing the characteristics of people in England and Wales with a second address.

It said there was a 4.7% increase between 2011 and 2021 in the number of people staying in a holiday home for more than 30 days per year, rising from 426,000 to 447,000.

The ONS said the peak age of people staying in holiday homes has increased, from 64 years old in 2011 to 73 years old in 2021, which it said likely reflects the size of this generation and their holiday home ownership ageing over the decade.

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In 2021, more than three-quarters (77.0%) of people who stayed at a holiday home were aged 50 and over.

Among people with a holiday home outside the UK, Spain, followed by France, were found to be the most popular locations.

Most people who stayed at a holiday home in the UK in 2021 were between 31 miles (50 kilometres) and 124 miles (200 kilometres) from their usual address, the ONS said.

More than 6,000 people in 2021 had a holiday home that was less than six miles (10 kilometres) from where they usually live.

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The average distance between a usual address and holiday home in the UK was 90 miles (145.7 kilometres).

Kensington and Chelsea in London had the highest proportion of usual residents (5.7%) who spent 30 days or more at a holiday home.

The Vale of Glamorgan (0.8%) and Monmouthshire (0.8%) were among the local authority areas with the highest proportions of people usually resident in Wales who stayed at a holiday home.

Overall in 2021, 3.2 million (5.3%) usual residents in England and Wales reported that they had a second address where they spend 30 days or more a year. This number increased from 2.9 million (5.2%) in 2011.

The largest second address type was another parent or guardian’s address, and the second largest address type was a student’s home address.

The number of usual residents who stayed at a second address while working away from home fell by 25.5% between 2011 and 2021.

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The ONS said it is important to consider the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on the figures.

Students may have been more likely to be living with their parents for the whole year rather than using a different term-time address, for example.

The pandemic also prompted a “race for space” in the housing market, with rural and coastal locations being particularly popular.

Proposals were announced on Monday as part of a Scottish Government and Cosla consultation, that could mean councils could charge more than double the full rate of council tax on second homes.

The proposed changes would enable councils to charge up to double the full rate of council tax on second homes from April 2024, bringing them in line with long-term empty homes.

Figures show that in January 2023 there were 42,865 long-term empty homes in Scotland.

By Vicky Shaw

Source: Standard

Short-term lets
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Airbnb properties are increasing in holiday hotspots

A new map reveals how a staycation boom since the pandemic has seen the number of short-term holiday lets swell in some of England’s most popular tourist hotspots.

Coronavirus and subsequent travel restrictions for foreign trips led to a spike in demand for breaks closer to home – with new data now confirming the enormous growth the UK holiday rental market has endured in just three years.

Kent is among the places to have witnessed a surge in the number of rented holiday lets available in the county – with a leap of 22% between 2019 and 2022.

According to the data, which has been compiled by the short-term rental analysis firm AirDNA, Blackpool, Lincoln, the Peak District and Dorset are also among the areas to have experienced some of the biggest percentage growths that put them close to the top of the chart.

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Dorset’s increase has sent the number of available holiday homes it is registering into double figures for 2022 with 10,782 short-term lets.

Other popular locations also experiencing an increase in listings through companies including AirBnB are Norfolk, Shropshire, Gloucester and the Lake District. AirDNA says it is also noticing ‘an extension of seasonality’ meaning that there is also an increase in supply and demand in the low season as well as at peak times.

Far fewer places are witnessing a decline in property numbers with London, Cambridge and Windsor among a small handful, says AirDNA to have recorded a drop in the number of holiday homes available.

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In Kent, Whitstable is among the county’s most popular tourist destinations – having previously been ranked the eighth most popular town in the UK for second homes.

But down on the coast residents have long-raised concerns about the town being packed with rentals and people’s second homes.

A survey carried out by the Canterbury Green Party in September last year, which collected close to 170 responses, revealed that 87.6% of residents had concerns about the impact short-term holiday lets were having.

At the time, Airbnb owners defended their properties describing them as ‘vital’ to the local economy – among them Labour councillor and Airbnb owner Chris Cornell who, while in favour of more regulation, said the homes have an ‘important role in Whitstable’s economy’ as they are usually cleaned and serviced by local people.

Speaking at the time, he explained: “Like most Airbnb owners, it’s not big business and we don’t own thousands of them or taking billions of pounds in.

“Most of us are people trying to share the town we love and support local business.”

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Concerns over the potential for rowdy guests could prompt a government crackdown on short term lets, according to new anti social behaviour plans.

An action plan published by the Government on Monday aims to stop holiday properties ‘importing anti-social behaviour into communities’.

Referencing noise problems, drunken behaviour and disorderly conduct, the plan promises the creation of a new registration scheme that would provide councils with the data to identify short-term lets in the local area.

If any short-term rental property proved ‘problematic’, local officials could then take action against its guests and owners.

Communities Secretary Michael Gove earlier this month expressed concerns about the impact of short-term letting on local areas, promising to make changes aimed at restricting “the way that homes can be turned into Airbnbs”, amid concerns about problems with holiday lets preventing younger workers from living and finding a job near to home.

By Lauren Abbott

Source: Kent Online

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Holiday let plans for farmland near Burton-in-Lonsdale

PLANS to develop working farmland at Burton-in-Lonsdale to create holiday accommodation have been submitted to Craven District Council.

Proposed by John Carr for land to the south west of Burton is eight new holiday units, a site entrance, service area, access roads, parking and landscaping.

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Other applications submitted to the council include: The part demolition and conversion of existing store/garage and piggery at Lower Windhill Farm, Cowling Hill Lane, Cowling to home office and sauna, and a single storey rear orangery with glass connection at 4 Nookdale Cottages, Dumb Toms Lane, Ingleton. Also proposed is installation of an electric vehicle charging point, and a new porous cobbled driveway at 8 New Hall Farm, Colne Road, Cowling; External modification including resurfacing the existing parking area at Greenfield House, Low Lane, Embsay, raising the retaining wall and making alterations to the patio.

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Planned for Procter House, Kirkgate, Settle, is the change of use of ground floor office and first floor residential accommodation to create two dwellings, and associated alterations.

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Craven District Council has applied for permission to erect a new metal sign over Victoria Street, Skipton at a height of around six metres (19 feet). The sign will say ‘canal quarter’, will resemble traditional narrow boat signage and is aimed at improving the visitor experience.

By Lesley Tate

Source: Craven Herald

Holiday Let
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Burton Pidsea: Grade II-listed Georgian windmill in Yorkshire village to be converted into holiday let

The conversion of a former windmill into a holiday let and proposals to turn a community hall into an art studio are among the latest East Riding planning applications.

The conversion of the Burton Pidsea windmill and Middleton on the Wolds community hall come as plans were also lodged to demolish a disused nursing home for homes in Driffield.

A former Shiptonthorpe bed and breakfast could also become a house of multiple occupancy under plans lodged with East Riding Council in recent weeks.

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The applications will all have to file the necessary paperwork to get them approved by East Riding planning officers.

But if any of them prove controversial they could wind up before one of the council’s three planning committees where they would be voted on.

Former windmill to holiday let conversion

The Mill House, on Greens Lane, Burton Pidsea, could be converted from a home into a two-bedroom holiday home under new plans.

The windows of the Grade II-listed four storey building would be replaced would be replaced like-for-like while a ladder connecting the top three floors would make way for a staircase.

The mill building was constructed in 1834 to replace older ones which had existed in the village since the 1260s.

The steam power-assisted mill ceased to grind in 1901.

It lay disused for decades though it was used first as a play ‘den’ for its owners’ daughter in the 1960s and then became a barn.

That was until an application was lodged to convert it into a home in the late 1980s.

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Art studio plan for community hall

Russell Studios have applied to turn the Reading Room of Middleton on the Wolds’ community hall into an arts space.

Plans were first lodged at the start of the year but since then details including the proposed layout and a proposal to install a kiln in the property.

The layout of all rooms inside the building would not change, except for its main hall.

The hall would be used as the studio while an existing office would be turned over to serve the new occupants.

The plans stated none of the changes would be visible from outside of the building.

They added it was possible the studio may only last into next year.

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Nursing home demolition for homes

Nine new homes could be coming to Driffield’s Long Lane if plans to tear down a former nursing home get the go ahead.

Applicants Essential Estates are seeking to demolish the former Northfield Manor home which closed around three years ago.

The two and a half storey building would be replaced by four three bedroom and five four bedroom homes.

A total of 23 parking spaces would serve the new homes if they get the go ahead.

The nursing home was initially converted from a hospital in 1987.

It underwent extensions up until 2005.

Bed and breakfast multiple occupancy home transformation

Retrospective plans have been lodged to give approval to the renting of rooms in the Shiptonthorpe Arms out.

A House of Multiple Occupancy has already been issued by the council for the former Shiptonthorpe bed and breakfast since the renting of rooms began in 2020.

The occupants living in York Road are all workers at the Hughes Mushrooms food factory, located in nearby Holme-on-Spalding-Moor.

The company rents the building from its owners because of a lack of suitable accommodation near their plant.

By Joe Gerrard

Source: Yorkshire Post

holiday let
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Surge in holiday let deals as lenders return

Buy-to-let landlords will find holiday let deals have bounced back from a substantial drop towards the end of 2022, with fresh analysis by Moneyfacts.co.uk revealing that there are now more than 400 deals available to holiday let.

Mortgage options for borrowers looking at holiday lets have increased to 411 options, up from 173 seen in October 2022, thanks to the rise in lenders active in this area of the market.

Lenders have returned to the holiday let market, with 34 different brands now operating, eight more than in October 2022 – the majority of which are currently building societies.

Government rules to be introduced in 2023 impact the demand for holiday let properties, but the cost of living crisis may encourage demand for UK holidays over a trip abroad.

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Rachel Springall, finance expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, commented: “The outlook for buy-to-let product choice in the holiday let market took a nosedive in the aftermath of the fiscal announcement, so it’s positive to see product availability bounce back. Lenders have returned to the market and average rates have come down since October 2022, but as seen in the wider buy-to-let market, it may take time for more improvements to surface. Building societies continue to dominate this space and overall, there are more than 400 deals to choose from, covering both fixed and variable rate options.

“Due to the pandemic, there was a huge demand for UK-based holidays, so buy-to-let investors could have seen the potential to dip into holiday lets. As the holiday aspirations of consumers change, demand for UK holidays could fall, but at the same time, the country is facing a cost of living crisis which may keep them interested in a more cost-effective UK break. However, rising interest rates may well dent the profit margins of investors during 2023 and, on top of this, the Government is due to make reforms which will impact holiday let investors. Holiday lets will need to be rented for a minimum of 70 days a year and available to be rented out for 140 days a year, and homeowners will need to show evidence of their lettings and meet certain criteria to qualify for business rates relief. These new rules are due to come into force this April and are designed to protect legitimate investors.

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“Landlords may be dipping into their savings due to the cost of living crisis, and the expense to redevelop a property to a high standard may be more now than in previous years. Mortgage interest rates have risen over the past year, so it is imperative prospective landlords seek advice to compare their options and consider a fixed rate deal for peace of mind. Investors picking a property with their head over the heart is extremely wise, and in-depth research must be done on locations and listing services to ease any concerns over letting exposure and seasonal dips.”

By Marc Da Silva

Source: Property Industry Eye

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Is Investing in a Holiday Home Worth It?

The idea of owning a property used as a place to escape to is certainly a luxurious one. Not everyone is lucky enough to be in a position to afford one property, let alone two! However, if you are fortunate enough to find yourself in this position, you might have already considered buying a second house or property to increase your assets. Property ownership can be costly, though, as well as a big responsibility to keep the place in good condition. This is why it is important to carefully consider whether purchasing a second house for a holiday home is worthwhile. Below are some of the key things you need to think about.

It Can be a Source of Income

As mentioned above, purchasing a second home and keeping up with the general expenses of looking after a house can put pressure on you financially. Even if you are doing well with money at this time in your life, that doesn’t guarantee that you will always be in this position. However, owning a second property can also be a great source of income if you are willing to lease this space to other holiday goers when you’re not using it. Many people choose to let their homes on sites like Airbnb or other letting agencies as this can help them pay off mortgages attached to that property and the maintenance costs. Leasing your home in this way will require some management to keep your guests happy and coming back, but if you are happy to do this, it could be a great way to make some money.

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A Variety of Options

It’s also important to remember that there are a variety of options available when it comes to choosing holiday accommodation to purchase. A lot of people might choose a pretty cottage in the countryside or a stunning beach house. Others might prefer a chic apartment in a vibrant city somewhere or a chalet in a ski resort. Of course, these are all excellent choices, but if you are looking for something a little more affordable but still comfortable, you can consider static caravans. There are many parks, like this one for caravan ownership in the Lake District, that can offer beautiful options for a holiday escape, and they won’t cost you as much as a property would.

Useful in Emergencies

Another good reason to invest in a holiday home is that it can be useful in emergencies. If your main home becomes compromised for some reason, you will always have somewhere else you can stay. It might not be in the ideal location, but for those who can work remotely or need somewhere suitable for their family to stay, this can be beneficial. Even if you choose to renovate your main house to create a better living environment, your holiday home could be used temporarily until this project is completed. You might also be able to help friends or other relatives who are in a difficult situation and need somewhere to stay.

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You Could Make a Profit

Leasing your holiday home will be a great way to pay off the mortgage and boost your income, but you might also be able to make a profit if you did choose to sell this property later on. Property prices have risen in recent years, and although this market can fluctuate, if you do sell at the right time, you might be surprised at just how much of a profit you could make. This is even better if you have been using rent to pay off the mortgage and might be left richer than before.

A Place to Make Wonderful Memories

Finally, owning a holiday home can be a benefit as it provides a special place for you and your loved ones to make cherished memories together. Many people look back on a place they visited for holidays in their youth with fondness, and your family could have this opportunity with your home. If the property doesn’t get sold during your lifetime, it could also be passed down through generations for them to enjoy. Whether you choose to spend your summers in this house or get the family gathered there for special occasions throughout the year, it will certainly become a happy place for you and your loved ones.

If you are thinking about purchasing a holiday home but are unsure if this is the right move, it’s smart to take some time to consider this carefully. These are all great reasons to move ahead with your plans, but you need to be sure that you are in the right financial position to make this investment.

By Max Livesley

Source: Silver Surfer Today

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Holiday let mortgage enquiries remain strong post-pandemic

The holiday let mortgage market has remained popular with investors since the easing of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, according to a new poll conducted by Hampshire Trust Bank.

Over half (55%) of broker respondents said they had written a holiday let case over the past 12 months.

84% of respondents said they had received more holiday let enquiries since the onset of the pandemic in 2020 and 48% had even seen more enquiries since restrictions were lifted earlier in the year.

In addition, brokers were asked what the most popular regions in the UK for holiday let enquiries were over the past 12 months. For 54% or respondents, the South West of England was the most popular location, followed by Cumbria and the Lake District (26%), the South Coast (23%) and East Anglia (14%).

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Louisa Sedgwick, managing director of specialist mortgages at Hampshire Trust Bank, commented:

“These findings show there is still significant demand for holiday let mortgages. The staycation boom we witnessed during the pandemic shows little sign of abating in the short-term.

“The fact that almost half of brokers taking part in the webinar have seen an increase in enquires since Covid restrictions were lifted clearly indicates the strength of demand for holiday let mortgages in the UK.”

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By ROZI JONES

Source: Financial Reporter

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What you need to know before putting your home up as a holiday let

Thousands of Brits are exploring the idea of letting out their homes to holidaymakers or festival-goers this summer but don’t know how to do it. There are legal and tax obligations to be aware of, while other factors such as home insurance, cleanliness and practicalities also need to be considered.

Alok Alstrom, CEO of leading gig economy platform AppJobs, said: “Putting your home to work is often a good way to earn some extra cash, but it’s important to know how to do it safely and legally. For example, the extra income is considered taxable and it is advised to factor this into your finances and potential profit margins.

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“Meanwhile, it’s not as simple as just letting someone sleep in your spare room. There are certain standards of cleanliness, privacy and convenience that it’s recommended you adhere to. There is also a risk that things might not turn out as well as you had expected, such as a guest causing damage to your home or overstepping the boundaries.

“Make sure you know exactly what you are letting yourself in for and be confident that you are making the right decision.”

Different laws in different cities

Greater London applies a planning restriction where it is often considered a change of use if you rent out a home, and as such entire home listings in London are limited to 90 days per year unless you have the planning permission to host more frequently.

Planning permission may also be needed in Glasgow and Edinburgh, while Northern Ireland requires a licence from Tourism NI.

Some individual buildings, such as high-rise apartment complexes, can have strict rules and regulations against sublets.

Be careful to check the small print of your lease or contract to make sure you don’t fall foul of your neighbours.

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Mortgage and home insurance restrictions

Some mortgages won’t allow subletting, so it’s important to clear it with your mortgage provider to make sure it does not invalidate your policy.

The same goes for home insurance as you might need specific cover. Airbnb has a product called AirCover for Hosts that includes host damage protection and liability insurance.

Safety and emergency contacts

It’s advisable to make sure your guest is aware of what to do in an emergency, such as a fire or break-in, and who to contact. Also make sure they know where the medical supplies are should they be needed.

It’s good to flag any issues with the property that they might need to know, such as a window that doesn’t open or a plug socket that isn’t safe to use.

Being a good neighbour

Some big apartment complexes will have rules on how shared amenities such as gyms, swimming pools and rubbish disposals are used.

Make sure you communicate these rules to your guests to make sure you avoid any conflict.

By Neil Shaw

Source: Kent Live

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Research reveals 39% of us don’t check doors are locked before going on holiday

A new study has revealed that more than a third of people don’t check that all of their doors are locked before going on holiday.

Research from Aviva has shown that only 61 percent – or three-fifths – of people check all doors when they go away, and only 58 percent check that windows are closed.

Other safety checks come even further behind, with 57 percent of holidaymakers admitting that they don’t check that sheds and garages are secure, and 81 percent leaving garden furniture out.

As well as this, nine percent of people hide keys under doormats or plant pots, despite the fact that 14 percent of the people surveyed had experienced their home being burgled in the past.

Aviva reports that claims for UK home thefts are 48 percent higher in July to September compared to the rest of the year, with claims averaging a value of £6,000.

The company has offered up its best advice for those planning to go away on holiday this year.

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Don’t forget to lock up

Aviva research finds that two-fifths of people don’t check that their doors or windows are locked before they go on holiday.

Don’t advertise your holiday on social media

Before you travel and while you’re away, be mindful that countdown trackers and holiday snaps will let others know you’re not at home.

Leave a key with a trusted neighbour, friend or family member

But give the key to the person to look after – don’t leave under a plant pot or doormat where anyone could find it. Ask your trusted person to check for other internal issues such as water leaks, as well as signs of unwanted guests.

Make your home seem occupied while away

Use timers to switch on lamps and radios to give the impression of someone being at home.

Ask a neighbour to park on your driveway

Again, this suggests that someone is living at the property.

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Consider investing in a burglar alarm and security lighting

Both are practical ways to protect your home and can act as a deterrent to burglars.

Mow lawns and trim hedges before you go

An overgrown garden is a giveaway that residents may have gone away.

Lock ladders and tools away

Some burglars will have their own toolkits, but others are more opportunistic, so make sure sheds and outbuildings are locked.

Keep your valuables out of sight

Where possible, keep valuables away from windows. Similarly, don’t store valuables in the bedroom. Thieves know that’s where most people keep their precious items, so hide them in different spots around the home.

Kelly Whittington, Property Claims Director for Aviva UK, commented: “So many people have postponed their breaks because of the pandemic, so summer 2022 is a fantastic time for holidays. But we’d urge people not to get so excited that they forget to carry out checks and leave their homes vulnerable while they’re away.

“A few simple steps can help to deter burglars and keep homes secure – so people aren’t returning to a post-holiday headache.”

By Chloe Shakesby

Source: Farnham Herald

Mixed Use & Multi-Unit Holiday Lets staycation boom holiday let is
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Airbnb is giving more than £8m away so people can design weird and eccentric homes

Airbnb is known for its weird and unusual letting options. From treehouses and converted double-decker buses to medieval castles and mansions.

North Wales has endless rental options for people hoping to visit the area, or those wanting a mini-break to enjoy the incredible options on their doorstep. And now, the company has pledged $10 million (approximately £8.1 million) to people who want to build their own eccentric rental homes.

The funding is part of a project the company has created to make “100 of the craziest and most unique property ideas”, as reported by the Insider. Anyone who wants to apply has until July 22.

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Airbnb said it will accept submissions from architects, designers, and everyday people. If successful you could be given $100K (£81.5K) to bring the ideas to life.

Once the project has been completed, it will be rentable on Airbnb’s “OMG!” category. Submissions will be judged by the celebrated architect Koichi Takada, designer and fashion icon Iris Apfel, Airbnb VP of experiential creative product Bruce Vaughn, and Airbnb host Kirstie Wolf.

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Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb said: “We’re in 100,000 cities. Very few people can think to type in more than 20 places [into a search bar]. So what happens? Everyone ends up going to the same places. Everyone goes to Vegas and Miami and New York and Paris and Rome and London.”

We previously reported on the ‘out of this world’ flying saucer Airbnb. The small campsite in Redberth, near Tenby, is home to some of Wales’ most unique holiday homes – including a jet, a Pacman dome, a UFO spaceship and more.

The rental was deemed so incredible that it even appeared on the Airbnb advert. You can read all about the space here.

We also reported on the six North Wales hotels on the list of UK’s top places to stay in Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice awards. This saw several places in North Wales make the top 25 lists for the UK. It included five in the resort of Llandudno.

By Jaymelouise Hudspith

Source: Daily Post