MPs demand 'AirBnB bill' to hit second-homeowners in beauty spots

MPs Push for Airbnb Law: Planning Permission May Soon Be Required in UK Beauty Spots

Amid growing concerns over the housing crisis in the UK’s most picturesque hotspots, Members of Parliament are proposing a major shake-up of short-term holiday lets. A new bill aims to compel second-homeowners in areas such as Cornwall to secure planning permission before converting properties into lucrative Airbnb rentals. The bold proposal is a bid to rescue locals priced out of their communities and rebalance the housing market impacted by the explosive rise of the short-let trend.

The Problem: Holiday Lets vs. Local Housing Needs

Over the years, Cornwall and other scenic regions have seen an influx of holidaymakers looking for charming stays through platforms like Airbnb. While this boom has generated income for homeowners and boosted tourism, it has come at a serious cost to local residents. With homes being snapped up as holiday lets, long-term rental options are dwindling, causing rental prices to soar while local services and the community fabric are strained. That’s why Conservative MP Selaine Saxby is championing the Short-Term and Holiday-Let Accommodation (Licensing) Bill — legislation designed to bring structure and accountability to the industry.

What the New Airbnb Law Proposes

The proposed law mandates that property owners in designated tourist hotspots must apply for dedicated planning permission to operate their homes as short-term lets. The goal is to reclassify these homes so councils can differentiate between private residences and commercial holiday accommodation. This would allow local authorities like Cornwall Council more jurisdiction over housing allocations in villages being overwhelmed by tourism-driven property demand.

Providing councils with tools to regulate Airbnb-style lets could prevent second-homeowners from converting entire communities into seasonal destinations with minimal regard for local infrastructure or year-round occupancy.

Cornwall at the Forefront of the Debate

Few regions illustrate the short-let challenge better than Cornwall. Known for its stunning coastlines and historic towns, Cornwall has seen a dramatic spike in holiday rentals, leaving many local families without affordable housing options. In some parishes, up to 44% of homes are used as second properties. During parliamentary debates, MPs shared stories of Cornish villages where “only strangers arrive each week for their holiday” and the local school, church, and bus services face closure due to depopulation.

This trend threatens the very soul of these communities, prompting increasing support for strengthened regulations—something Cornwall Council leaders have long requested. If passed, the bill would empower councils to distribute planning permissions more equitably and protect core housing stock for residents.

The Growing Push for National Regulation

MPs from both sides of the aisle have echoed Saxby’s concerns, pointing out the spread of the issue beyond Cornwall. Areas like the Cotswolds, Devon, and parts of North Yorkshire are facing similar pressures from the rise in second homes. Many believe the central government’s 2023 announcement requiring homeowners to register their short-term rentals doesn’t go far enough. As demand for short-term lets continues to thrive, there’s a consensus forming around the need for planned and managed growth in this sector.

Impact on Airbnb Hosts and Property Investors

Understandably, not all reactions to the bill have been positive. Property owners who rely on Airbnb income to support mortgages or invest in local upgrades argue that additional red tape could deter investment. Others stress that responsible Airbnb management already includes working in harmony with communities and complying with taxation and safety regulations. For some tips on managing your short-term rental effectively, check out our guide on how to manage Airbnb properties.

Those involved in the short-let industry may need to adapt to new licensing requirements and be more selective when considering properties in ‘designated zones’. Exploring strategies from regions like Bath—where balancing tourism growth with local needs is an ongoing focus—can provide insights for moving forward under stricter regulation.

Opportunities Amid Challenges

Amid the uncertainty, this bill could lead to a more sustainable model of short-term rentals. It creates opportunities for landlords, property managers, and professional services that emphasise community-first approaches. Encouraging fair uses of space, ethical pricing models, and year-round residency may help maintain the character and functionality of towns at risk of becoming “ghost villages.”

Companies practicing thoughtful Airbnb management and informed by local needs (like Moa & Kin) are likely to benefit from this shift. Professional oversight, awareness of changing legislation, and a genuine connection to local communities will remain essential success factors.

What Happens Next?

The bill will continue to make its way through Parliament, gathering evidence from communities, councils, homeowners, and industry stakeholders. If passed, it would represent a seismic shift in housing accountability and short-let governance, not just in Cornwall but across the UK. In the meantime, local councils and Airbnb hosts must keep a close eye on legislation updates and prepare to adjust their operations accordingly.

For those owners who want to protect their investment while considering community impact, learning about choosing an Airbnb management company that can handle compliance and local engagement is more important than ever.

Final Thoughts

As the Airbnb revolution continues to evolve, the need to balance profit with people grows clearer. The move to require planning permission in beauty spots like Cornwall represents a pivotal moment in UK housing policy. Whether you’re a host, investor, or a policy watcher, this is a topic that demands your attention.

With proper planning, transparency, and responsible management, the short-term rental model doesn’t have to be at odds with local communities. Instead, it can thrive symbiotically—enhancing the travel experience while preserving the towns that make it unforgettable.

For more context on how rental rules are changing across the UK, you can read about the 90-day Airbnb rule and how it’s reshaping the rental economy.

MPs demand ‘AirBnB bill’ to hit second-homeowners in beauty spots