READERS QUESTION CLAIMS OF 2ND HOME CLAMPDOWN IMPACT

READERS remain doubtful that Wales' clampdown on holiday homes is showing a clear “impact on purchasing behaviour” despite new official figures pointing that way.

- By CLAIRE ELLIOTT

The boom in second homes and holiday lets in some rural and coastal communities has sparked a fierce backlash, with concerns over the strain on local residents.

In parts of Gwynedd, holiday homes have made up half of all properties, prompting stark warnings about threats to the Welsh language and culture. Measures have been brought in to reverse the trend and free up housing for locals - though critics say the real focus should be on building more homes.

The changes include steep council tax premiums on second homes and stricter criteria for properties to qualify as council tax-exempt holiday lets. Cyngor Gwynedd has also introduced a new Article 4 directive requiring planning permission to change a home's use. Other regions are considering similar rules.

While many welcome the crackdown, the tourism industry warns of a potential hit to their trade, and the Conservatives argue that more housing construction should take priority.

New Land Transaction Tax figures - Wales' version of stamp duty - suggest the policies are reducing sales to second home and holiday let buyers. Properties bought as second homes, holiday homes, or for buy-to-let face higher transaction rates, and such sales are now falling.