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North Wales Live
03-07-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Holiday home sales down in hotspot counties of North Wales
The proportion of properties sold for holiday lets or second homes has fallen significantly in hotspot counties and national parks according to new figures from the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA). The issue of second homes is felt most keenly in areas of Eryri and Pembrokeshire national parks, Gwynedd and Anglesey - with almost half the properties in places like Aberdyfi now second homes. It has seen a concerted effort to mitigate that trend in a bid to free up more homes for local people. Measures includes significant council tax premiums on second homes as well as stricter criteria for a property to be classed as a holiday let, which are exempt from council tax. Cyngor Gwynedd has also introduced a new Article 4 rule that requires planning permission for a residential property to change its use. While the measures have been welcomed by many, the tourism industry has warned of the impact on their sector and the Tories have said the focus should be on building new houses. Recent data is indicating that the measures are reducing the number of sales to second home and holiday let buyers. In January to March 2025, residential transactions across Wales were up 23% from the same quarter a year earlier - a total of 11,980. During the same period there was a lower 8% hike in higher rate residential sales to 2,630. Higher rate transactions include buy to let landlords, second home, holiday homes or holiday lets, as well as bridging (buying a new property while trying to sell an existing one). For areas like Anglesey, Gwynedd and Eryri these tend to be second home and holiday let sales. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox By local authority, higher rates transactions as a percentage of all residential transactions (2024-25) varied from 13% in Monmouthshire to 31% in Merthyr Tydfil. In past years Gwynedd has often had the highest proportion of these sales with it around 37% to 39% - nearly four in every 10 homes sold. But over 2024-25 the rate has seen a notable decrease to 27% - this is down from 31% the previous year. When it comes to Eryri National Park it is down from 35% in 2023-24 to 28% over the past year and for Pembrokeshire Coast the rate has gone from 48% to 39%, Meanwhile Anglesey has declined from 34% in 2023-24 to 27% in 2024-25 - the biggest annual fall in the proportion of higher rate transactions of any county. The WRA said: 'In the past several years, there have generally been falls in these percentages in northern and western areas of Wales. 'The percentages for Gwynedd were fairly stable from 2018-19 to 2021-22 (around 37% to 39%). There was a marked fall the next year followed by a period of stability, before another notable decrease to 27% in 2024-25. 'The percentages for Anglesey declined from 36% in 2019-20 to 29% in 2022-23. While there was a notable increase to 34% the next year, there followed a larger fall to 27% in 2024-25.' They added: 'There are multiple factors influencing the large fall for Anglesey in the latest period (compared with a year earlier). One reason is the number of transactions in Anglesey is relatively low compared with nearby areas, therefore the percentages are generally more volatile from year to year. Much of this fall can also be explained by a relatively large increase in residential transactions at the main rates while higher rates transactions actually fell in the same period. 'Early data we hold on the intent behind higher rates transactions indicates the fall in higher rates transactions for Anglesey is mainly influenced by trends in purchases of second homes, holiday homes and holiday lets, and to a lesser degree, by purchases of buy to let properties.' Adam Al-Nuaimi, Head of Data Analysis in the WRA, said: 'The percentages of residential transactions at the higher rate are changing for several reasons, depending on the local authority. 'In some areas, the drop has been considerable and is partly due to fewer second home purchases. Other factors are also involved such as changes in purchase of buy-to-let properties and increases in main rates transactions exceeding those for higher rates. 'Nationally, in January to March quarterly residential revenues were higher than the same time last year, but not as high as three years earlier. There are several reasons for the latest rise. There were increases in residential transactions and average property values over that time, and tax rates for higher rates transactions increased from December 2024.'
Wales Online
03-07-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Holiday home sales down in hotspot counties of North Wales
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The proportion of properties sold for holiday lets or second homes has fallen significantly in hotspot counties and national parks according to new figures from the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA). The issue of second homes is felt most keenly in areas of Eryri and Pembrokeshire national parks, Gwynedd and Anglesey - with almost half the properties in places like Aberdyfi now second homes. It has seen a concerted effort to mitigate that trend in a bid to free up more homes for local people. Measures includes significant council tax premiums on second homes as well as stricter criteria for a property to be classed as a holiday let, which are exempt from council tax. Cyngor Gwynedd has also introduced a new Article 4 rule that requires planning permission for a residential property to change its use. While the measures have been welcomed by many, the tourism industry has warned of the impact on their sector and the Tories have said the focus should be on building new houses. Recent data is indicating that the measures are reducing the number of sales to second home and holiday let buyers. In January to March 2025, residential transactions across Wales were up 23% from the same quarter a year earlier - a total of 11,980. During the same period there was a lower 8% hike in higher rate residential sales to 2,630. Higher rate transactions include buy to let landlords, second home, holiday homes or holiday lets, as well as bridging (buying a new property while trying to sell an existing one). For areas like Anglesey, Gwynedd and Eryri these tend to be second home and holiday let sales. Sign up for the North Wales Live newslettersent twice daily to your inbox By local authority, higher rates transactions as a percentage of all residential transactions (2024-25) varied from 13% in Monmouthshire to 31% in Merthyr Tydfil. In past years Gwynedd has often had the highest proportion of these sales with it around 37% to 39% - nearly four in every 10 homes sold. But over 2024-25 the rate has seen a notable decrease to 27% - this is down from 31% the previous year. When it comes to Eryri National Park it is down from 35% in 2023-24 to 28% over the past year and for Pembrokeshire Coast the rate has gone from 48% to 39%, Meanwhile Anglesey has declined from 34% in 2023-24 to 27% in 2024-25 - the biggest annual fall in the proportion of higher rate transactions of any county. The WRA said: 'In the past several years, there have generally been falls in these percentages in northern and western areas of Wales. 'The percentages for Gwynedd were fairly stable from 2018-19 to 2021-22 (around 37% to 39%). There was a marked fall the next year followed by a period of stability, before another notable decrease to 27% in 2024-25. 'The percentages for Anglesey declined from 36% in 2019-20 to 29% in 2022-23. While there was a notable increase to 34% the next year, there followed a larger fall to 27% in 2024-25.' They added: 'There are multiple factors influencing the large fall for Anglesey in the latest period (compared with a year earlier). One reason is the number of transactions in Anglesey is relatively low compared with nearby areas, therefore the percentages are generally more volatile from year to year. Much of this fall can also be explained by a relatively large increase in residential transactions at the main rates while higher rates transactions actually fell in the same period. 'Early data we hold on the intent behind higher rates transactions indicates the fall in higher rates transactions for Anglesey is mainly influenced by trends in purchases of second homes, holiday homes and holiday lets, and to a lesser degree, by purchases of buy to let properties.' Adam Al-Nuaimi, Head of Data Analysis in the WRA, said: 'The percentages of residential transactions at the higher rate are changing for several reasons, depending on the local authority. 'In some areas, the drop has been considerable and is partly due to fewer second home purchases. Other factors are also involved such as changes in purchase of buy-to-let properties and increases in main rates transactions exceeding those for higher rates. 'Nationally, in January to March quarterly residential revenues were higher than the same time last year, but not as high as three years earlier. There are several reasons for the latest rise. There were increases in residential transactions and average property values over that time, and tax rates for higher rates transactions increased from December 2024.' Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
Wales Online
29-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Second homes and holiday lets curb slammed as a 'big brother' move
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info North Wales Live readers are concerned to hear that planning chiefs have stated that new restrictions on second homes and holiday lets in Eryri will grant "more control" over local housing stock. Data reveals nearly half the homes in one village are second homes. A new Article 4 Direction within the Eryri National Park as of June 1, 2025, has curtailed rights concerning the conversion of primary residences to second homes or short-term holiday lets, including certain mixed uses. This move also affects the change of use between second homes and holiday lets. Following this, the planning and access committee of Eryri National Park has endorsed proposals regarding its Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG), which aims to regulate the usage of dwellings as holiday homes. The SPG establishes an annual review process to determine a threshold percentage for allowable properties, with 15% being deemed an "appropriate" limit for the number of holiday or second homes in specific locales. Across Eryri, the current rate is 17.4%, but setting a 15% cap for individual areas aligns with policy frameworks of other authorities. Statistics indicate the proportion of second homes and short-term lets across community council regions, with Aberdyfi topping the list at 45%. Cllr Elwyn Jones queried the rise and fall of figures in areas, and asked if there would be a review. Director of Planning and Partnerships Keira Sweenie said a review in a year would be "very sensible". She said: "Whatever percentage we agree today, nobody knows what the impact of the guidance will be. What is important is that we are in a better situation than before Article 4, because, at least now we have some level of control." Commenter Morpick says: 'Sadly shades of a 'Big Brother' state that will have zero impact on the availability of affordable homes. Just takes attention away from the council and their lack of priority given to the provision of such accommodation for generations.' BarnettFormulaSpongers replies: 'The problem is lack of jobs. On average property in North Wales is very cheap.' Llanpeter agrees: 'I think that's the point: the problem is jobs and the income that comes with them. The rest is a consequence, whether it's housing, poverty, lack of opportunity or whatever. SCATHINGPEN adds: 'Control of housing is control of a major asset, control of income and ultimately, control of someone's money. This argument about the housing crisis caused by holiday lets second homes is a false flag. It has been from the start. There are plenty of homes that are cheap enough to be affordable for locals, if employed.' Truebrit thinks: 'All those houses have been sold to outsiders by locals to get a higher price for them, so who is most at fault the locals selling out their neighbours or the outsiders buying a house put up for sale on the open market? If all the houses were owned by locals how would they make a living as there's very little local employment, the hard fact is Wales needs tourism to survive.' Indigodebz adds: 'I'd love to know how many of these second homes were built as second homes in the first place. So many wealthy Victorian and Edwardian businessmen built homes in North Wales towns and villages. Some brand new towns. Subsequent generations have developed and maintained them employing local tradespeople. We have some fabulous restaurants and retail shops that depend on wealthy visitors.' Tomosb81 points out: 'Basic economics means that if you take an asset (a primary home) and impose a massive selling restriction on it (can only be sold as a primary home), then the value of that asset will fall. Note, that the smoke and mirrors that continue to be deployed mean that many people still think this primarily affects second home owners. Of course, as a secondary impact, all house values including second homes and holiday homes will be hit due to everyone losing confidence in the governance of Gwynedd and Eryri. But even if in the short-term that means second homes are sold for reduced prices, they will most likely just be bought by other second home owners. "The only primary home owners who may be unaffected by this are those who never intend to leave Gwynedd/Eryri. They continue to say "we need house prices to crash". But it is incredibly selfish to everyone else who may need at some point to sell their home to move away for a multitude of reasons, or to fund care home fees, etc.' Glueman53 complains: 'The government under-funds councils and then gives them the right to introduce a punitive tax on people's investments. They will find to their cost that second homes will inject more income into the local economy than any local resident. Affordability is nothing new, I wanted to live in London but got priced out, so I moved out.' Do you think the Article 4 direction will free up homes for locals? Have your say in our comments section.
North Wales Live
29-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Second homes and holiday lets curb slammed as a 'big brother' move
North Wales Live readers are concerned to hear that planning chiefs have stated that new restrictions on second homes and holiday lets in Eryri will grant "more control" over local housing stock. Data reveals nearly half the homes in one village are second homes. A new Article 4 Direction within the Eryri National Park as of June 1, 2025, has curtailed rights concerning the conversion of primary residences to second homes or short-term holiday lets, including certain mixed uses. This move also affects the change of use between second homes and holiday lets. Following this, the planning and access committee of Eryri National Park has endorsed proposals regarding its Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG), which aims to regulate the usage of dwellings as holiday homes. The SPG establishes an annual review process to determine a threshold percentage for allowable properties, with 15% being deemed an "appropriate" limit for the number of holiday or second homes in specific locales. Across Eryri, the current rate is 17.4%, but setting a 15% cap for individual areas aligns with policy frameworks of other authorities. Statistics indicate the proportion of second homes and short-term lets across community council regions, with Aberdyfi topping the list at 45%. Cllr Elwyn Jones queried the rise and fall of figures in areas, and asked if there would be a review. Director of Planning and Partnerships Keira Sweenie said a review in a year would be "very sensible". She said: "Whatever percentage we agree today, nobody knows what the impact of the guidance will be. What is important is that we are in a better situation than before Article 4, because, at least now we have some level of control." Commenter Morpick says: 'Sadly shades of a 'Big Brother' state that will have zero impact on the availability of affordable homes. Just takes attention away from the council and their lack of priority given to the provision of such accommodation for generations.' BarnettFormulaSpongers replies: 'The problem is lack of jobs. On average property in North Wales is very cheap.' Llanpeter agrees: 'I think that's the point: the problem is jobs and the income that comes with them. The rest is a consequence, whether it's housing, poverty, lack of opportunity or whatever. SCATHINGPEN adds: 'Control of housing is control of a major asset, control of income and ultimately, control of someone's money. This argument about the housing crisis caused by holiday lets second homes is a false flag. It has been from the start. There are plenty of homes that are cheap enough to be affordable for locals, if employed.' Truebrit thinks: 'All those houses have been sold to outsiders by locals to get a higher price for them, so who is most at fault the locals selling out their neighbours or the outsiders buying a house put up for sale on the open market? If all the houses were owned by locals how would they make a living as there's very little local employment, the hard fact is Wales needs tourism to survive.' Indigodebz adds: 'I'd love to know how many of these second homes were built as second homes in the first place. So many wealthy Victorian and Edwardian businessmen built homes in North Wales towns and villages. Some brand new towns. Subsequent generations have developed and maintained them employing local tradespeople. We have some fabulous restaurants and retail shops that depend on wealthy visitors.' Tomosb81 points out: 'Basic economics means that if you take an asset (a primary home) and impose a massive selling restriction on it (can only be sold as a primary home), then the value of that asset will fall. Note, that the smoke and mirrors that continue to be deployed mean that many people still think this primarily affects second home owners. Of course, as a secondary impact, all house values including second homes and holiday homes will be hit due to everyone losing confidence in the governance of Gwynedd and Eryri. But even if in the short-term that means second homes are sold for reduced prices, they will most likely just be bought by other second home owners. "The only primary home owners who may be unaffected by this are those who never intend to leave Gwynedd/Eryri. They continue to say "we need house prices to crash". But it is incredibly selfish to everyone else who may need at some point to sell their home to move away for a multitude of reasons, or to fund care home fees, etc.' Glueman53 complains: 'The government under-funds councils and then gives them the right to introduce a punitive tax on people's investments. They will find to their cost that second homes will inject more income into the local economy than any local resident. Affordability is nothing new, I wanted to live in London but got priced out, so I moved out.'
Shafaq News
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
AEOI: Natanz damage 'Superficial' after Israeli strikes
Shafaq News/ Iranian nuclear officials downplayed, on Friday, the effects of Israeli strikes on the Natanz enrichment site. Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) spokesperson Behrouz Kamalvandi told state television the damage at Natanz was mostly superficial, with no casualties, noting, 'Both Natanz and Fordow are underground.' Kamalvandi confirmed minor chemical and radiological contamination at Natanz but claimed it was contained and posed no external risk. Cleanup teams are working inside the facility. He also accused Israel of attempting to undermine Iran's scientific resolve but insisted the attacks had only strengthened the country's commitment to its nuclear rights under Article 4 of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Earlier today, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities and reportedly killing senior IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists. In response, Iran closed its airspace, placed its forces on high alert, and launched over 800 drones.
