Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether he has had discussions with relevant stakeholders on the most effective potential interventions for the purposes of slowing down second home ownership, whether as homes to live in, rent out or use commercially as holiday lets.

The Government recognises the benefits that second homes can bring to local economies and to the tourism sector and does not wish to interfere with people’s freedom to live where they choose. However, the Government also recognises the adverse effect that large numbers of second homes can have on some areas. We have introduced a number of measures to help mitigate those effects, including introducing higher rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax for those purchasing additional properties

My department is speaking to local authorities and other stakeholders across relevant areas to understand the effects of second home ownership on local communities, and to hear their views on how best to address detrimental impacts where these occur.