As the housing crisis in the South West of England continues to escalate, UK Members of Parliament are calling for urgent reforms targeting short-term holiday lets. A newly proposed “Airbnb Bill” aims to curb the growing trend of second homes being transformed into lucrative short-term rentals in Cornwall and other rural beauty spots. The proposed legislation seeks to restore housing balance in coastal towns increasingly dominated by tourists instead of residents.

This latest political move, backed by 40 MPs including Liberal Democrat Tim Farron, demands that homeowners be required to obtain planning permission from local authorities before converting a full-time residence into a short-term let. With Cornwall’s housing demand outpacing supply, and local people struggling to find affordable homes, this legislative effort is generating both support and criticism from various corners of the housing sector.

Cornwall is one of the UK’s most sought-after holiday destinations, drawing millions of visitors annually. Its idyllic beaches, quaint villages, and rugged coastlines make it a top choice for both domestic and international tourists. However, this popularity has contributed to a worrying trend: second homeowners purchasing properties to rent out through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, leaving locals with dwindling housing options.

According to recent statistics, more than 13,000 properties in Cornwall are listed on short-term rental platforms, while the number of long-term rental options remains drastically low. This imbalance has led to rising rents, evictions of long-standing tenants, and a noticeable decline in year-round community life in several coastal villages.

The cross-party group of MPs aims to introduce a bill that would require property owners to apply for planning permission before renting a home on a short-term basis. This regulatory shift would give local councils more control over housing stock, with hopes of reducing the number of new listings for holiday homes in communities already overwhelmed by tourism-related pressure.

Supporters of the bill argue that the current freedom property owners have to convert homes into Airbnbs has put immense strain on small communities. “This loophole is tearing apart communities,” said Tim Farron. He emphasized that the proposed law is not about penalizing tourism but about restoring fairness and balance to the housing market.

While the proposed changes could alleviate pressure on local housing, not everyone agrees with the government’s approach. Critics argue that short-term lets bring vital income to areas that heavily rely on tourism. Local businesses, seasonal workers, and property investors warn that new regulations could deter tourism and hurt small economies.

Still, many residents feel that stricter rules are long overdue. For some, the Airbnb boom has led to entire streets becoming ghost towns during the off-season. The rise of investment-driven property acquisition for short-term profits has undercut the social fabric of these communities.

The debate isn’t limited to Cornwall. Other high-demand tourist locations across the UK—such as Bath, Oxford, and the Lake District—are facing similar issues. Airbnb management companies in places like Bath play a crucial role in balancing profitability with local needs.

This Cornwall-centric proposal aligns with the broader UK government plans announced in early 2024. In April, Housing Secretary Michael Gove revealed that future legislation will introduce a mandatory national registration scheme for short-term lets in England. Councils will have new powers to control how many properties are dedicated to tourism and safeguard local housing needs.

The government’s strategy also reflects changes in urban centres. Cities like London have already implemented rules such as the 90-day Airbnb rule, which limits how often properties can be rented on a short-term basis annually. These curbs aim to protect rental availability for residents while still allowing for flexible hosting opportunities.

If the new bill becomes law, second homeowners across the UK will need to factor in additional bureaucracy and possible restrictions before entering the short-term rental market. Experts recommend that prospective property investors and landlords closely monitor local policies and consider working with established Airbnb management services to navigate compliance and optimize rental performance legally and ethically.

For those currently operating profitable lets, professional assistance can support long-term success. Learning how to manage Airbnb properties efficiently and responsibly will be a game-changer in adapting to the shifting regulatory landscape.

As MPs push for greater oversight of short-term holiday lets, property owners, investors, and local communities are bracing for transformation. Cornwall, emblematic of wider tensions between affordable housing and tourism economics, may be just the beginning. The proposed Airbnb bill is a significant step in acknowledging the unintended consequences of an otherwise booming sharing economy.

Those with stakes in the short-term rental market must remain proactive, informed, and open to adapting their strategies. Whether it’s through embracing professional Airbnb management in towns like Oxford or complying with new planning and licensing requirements, the path forward is one where sustainability and community coexist with profitable tourism.