Don’t hammer Airbnb landlords with extra council tax – call

Don’t hammer Airbnb landlords with extra council tax – call


Todays other news
There's a silver lining amidst the turbulence of being a...
Being lax on safety at Christmas can have disastrous consequences......
Experts give their views on the renovations that could add...


A prominent property industry figure says he backs higher council tax for unlet and vacant second homes but warns that Airbnb hosts should not be hammered the same way.

National Association of Property Buyers spokesman Jonathan Rolande says: “We’d be 100 percent behind elevated council tax for second homes that are unlet and often left vacant. They contribute little to the local economy and frankly, if people want somewhere of their own to pop to for a holiday, they should pay for it. 

“After All, the rest of us must stay in a hotel so there is little downside.”

But he continues: ““However, those that are let AirBnb-style are different. Like them or loathe them, they bring visitors to the area. Visitors who use local shops, pubs, restaurants and tourist attractions. Run as a business, the owner will be paying tax on income after expenses. 

“In these cases increased council tax could actually damage this market and much could be reclaimed anyway via the owner’s tax return. The net gain would be tiny and the threat to local tourism, competing as it is once again with sunnier, more exotic locations could be significant.”

About half a million properties in England – around two per cent of housing stock – are classified as ‘second homes’ and many families use them when they are working away from their main home, or for weekends or holidays. 

Local authorities have been able to charge the full rate of council tax on second homes since 2013, but latest figures show that about 10,000 of them still get a council tax discount. 

There’s been a recent trend for councils in England to announce they will double the council tax for some or all of these second homes, providing national legislation is passed by the Westminster Parliament in the near future.

In Wales local authorities will be able to charge a council tax premium on second homes of up to 300 percent from next month. 

Share this article ...

Join the conversation: Login and have your say

Want to comment on this story? Our focus is on providing a platform for you to share your insights and views and we welcome contributions. All comments are screened using specialist software and may be reviewed by our editorial team before publication. Landlord Today reserves the right to edit, withhold or delete comments that violate our guidelines, including those that harass, degrade, or intimidate others. Users who post such content may be banned from commenting.
By commenting, you agree to our Commenting Terms of Use.
Recommended for you
Related Articles
Fiscal advice is what landlords most want from brokers, a...
The Scottish additional homes tax is the highest level anywhere...
This is the latest bid by Airbnb to be seen...
A university lecturer claims Airbnb has damaged the housing market....
Council will pay part of tenants’ rent to private landlords...
A mortgage chief is warning that thousands of buy to...
The government says it will shortly start a formal consultation...
Recommended for you
Latest Features
There's a silver lining amidst the turbulence of being a...
Being lax on safety at Christmas can have disastrous consequences......
Experts give their views on the renovations that could add...
Sponsored Content

Send to a friend

In order to send this article to a friend you must first login. Click on the button below to login or sign up.

No one likes pop-ups ...
But while you're here