Holiday lets are not the housing crisis culprit – STAA

Holiday lets are being unfairly blamed for the UK’s housing crisis, according to a new study by the Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA).

Its research shows that in most local authorities, there are more empty homes than holiday lets.

This contradicts the common perception that holiday lets are ‘hoovering up’ properties, particularly in desirable locations.

The STAA argues that empty homes, often left vacant for years, contribute nothing to communities, while holiday lets generate revenue and support jobs in areas that might lack hotels.

Holiday lets blamed for the housing crisis

The organisation’s chief executive, Andy Fenner, said: “Holiday lets have been taking the blame for the housing crisis for a long time, but this research reveals the true picture.

“Holiday lets are not to blame for the housing crisis, but rather the blame lies with councils allowing homes to sit idle.

“Holiday lets create much-needed jobs in communities up and down the country, empty homes produce nothing.”

He added: “Most councils are sitting on so many long-term empty homes that they eclipse the numbers of holiday lets in their area.

“This is where policymakers should be looking to solve the housing crisis, not scapegoating an industry responsible for jobs and investment in areas that often have nothing else.”

Long-term empty homes

The STAA’s study looked at 313 local authorities and found that 58% have more long-term empty homes than holiday lets.

Tourist hotspots like Arun Borough were highlighted, where empty homes outnumbered holiday lets by more than six-fold.

The organisation criticises the ‘rampant hypocrisy’ of some councils that penalise holiday lets with taxes while allowing empty homes to sit idle.

It argues that holiday lets contribute significantly to the economy, generating billions in revenue and supporting nearly half a million jobs.

Councils ‘encouraged to strangle’ holiday homes

Mr Fenner said it was ‘rampant hypocrisy’ that councils are being ‘encouraged to strangle’ the holiday let sector with council tax surcharges, planning requirements and licensing schemes.

He added: “Empty homes benefit no one and can even have negative effects on neighbours and local communities when unattended and in disrepair, while short-term lets are a vibrant part of our tourist industry, bringing in visitors from around the world.

“The way people are being demonised for letting out their homes to families who want to enjoy a holiday in the UK is outrageous, especially while empty homes are barely talked about as a problem.

“The housing crisis is a complex issue, and it cannot be solved overnight, but making use of our existing housing stock would be a great place to start.”

Share This Article