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Sally Howdle, who has lived near the coast for 18 years, shares her perspective on the challenges that second homes bring to small seaside communities. After relocating to Criccieth in Gwynedd, she fulfilled a lifelong goal by opening a bed and breakfast. However, her plans changed when she converted two floors of her property into self-catering apartments. This modification resulted in her accommodations being classified as second homes, a designation that triggered substantial council tax premiums, causing considerable distress.
In Wales, local councils have the authority to impose a surcharge of up to 300% on council tax for additional homes that are not let as holiday rentals for at least 182 days per year. Gwynedd, where Sally resides, has set this premium at 150%, reflecting the growing number of second homes—nearly 5,000 in the area. Policies like these aim to address ongoing housing shortages. Mared Llywelyn, representing the Hawl i Fyw Adra campaign, emphasizes that the issue remains as urgent as ever, highlighting the necessity of balancing tourism with the needs of local residents.
Sally explained her frustration to BBC Your Voice, saying, “It was my dream, that’s what I’d always wanted to do, and I’d eventually managed to do it. And now it’s being taken away from me, now it has all fallen flat on its face, it’s turned into a bit of a nightmare.” Facing the prospect of selling her property or removing the kitchens installed to create holiday apartments, she expressed concern that either option would be costly or detrimental to the community. She worries that the policies might not resolve the housing problems but could instead harm local life and deter tourists.
Others involved in the debate hold varied opinions. Jason Owen, a builder from Nebo, Gwynedd, understands both advantages and disadvantages of holiday homes. He suggests that creating designated areas outside village boundaries for second homes could protect local housing affordability while allowing investors to participate without penalty. Meanwhile, Jean and Stephen, owners of a long-held holiday home in Aberdyfi, are contemplating selling due to recent tax and letting law changes. They lament the loss of a family retreat and fear that if sold, the property would
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