MPs Push for New Airbnb Law to Regulate Second Homes in Cornwall
With picturesque coastlines and quaint villages, Cornwall has long attracted holidaymakers and second-home buyers. However, a surge in short-term lets—primarily through platforms like Airbnb—has prompted a wave of concern from local MPs and residents. This growing pressure has led to calls for new legislation that could require second homeowners to obtain planning permission before converting properties into lucrative holiday lets.
Why Cornwall Is at the Centre of the Holiday Let Debate
The picturesque beauty and growing popularity of Cornwall have made it a hotspot for second homeowners looking to profit from holiday lets. Estimates show that one in ten properties in some Cornish areas are now short-term rentals. This growing trend has caused a rental shortage for local residents, sparked concerns about “ghost towns” in winter months, and raised questions about the sustainability of local communities.
MPs, particularly from Cornwall and rural coastal areas, argue that unchecked holiday letting is contributing to the housing crisis, driving up property prices and squeezing rental options for locals. In response, they are proposing a landmark “Airbnb planning bill” that would empower local councils to control this rapid transformation of housing stock.
What the Proposed Law Entails
The cross-party group of MPs is urging the UK government to implement the bill, which would require property owners to apply for planning permission before listing a home as a short-term let. This is intended to give local authorities more power in regulating the market and preserving housing availability for local communities.
Unlike the widely known 90-day Airbnb rule in London, this new bill would go further by introducing a “use class order.” This means that holiday letting would be considered a distinct category of property use, separate from standard residential housing—a move hailed as necessary by many rural advocates.
Campaigners hope the move will encourage more balanced development, ensuring that tourism doesn’t override the need for homes that serve permanent residents. A balance between holiday lets and long-term rental housing could bring a better standard of living to often-neglected rural communities such as those in Cornwall.
Impact on Property Owners and the Airbnb Industry
For property investors or second homeowners, especially those with listings on platforms like Airbnb, this proposed bill could dramatically reshape how holiday lets operate in Cornwall—and potentially across other parts of the UK. Existing homes currently used for Airbnb rentals may need to apply retroactively for planning permission, which could lead to rejections based on local criteria.
This change could impact investor profits, especially for those who have heavily relied on holiday bookings in high-demand areas. However, those who already operate short-term rentals responsibly and within community-focused guidelines could maintain profitability. For tips on how to manage your Airbnb successfully and stay compliant, read our guide on how to manage Airbnb properties.
Economic vs. Community Needs: A Delicate Balance
While tourism remains integral to Cornwall’s economy—contributing billions annually—the proliferation of holiday lets has drained the supply of available long-term rentals. Local pubs and businesses have also found it difficult to attract staff due to the lack of affordable housing nearby.
Advocates behind the bill believe that a better-regulated holiday let market can still support tourism without undermining local communities. By requiring planning permission, local councils can enact more precise regulations tailored to their specific housing and economic needs.
Other European countries have already taken similar approaches. For instance, Amsterdam and Barcelona have both introduced licensing and regulation for short-term rentals to mitigate housing shortages. This suggests that stricter short-term let regulations can coexist with vibrant tourist economies.
What This Means for the Future of Airbnb Letting in the UK
If passed, this bill could set a precedent for other holiday hotspots across the UK, from the Lake District to Devon. It may also pave the way for more structured property management systems. For example, working with local management services such as Airbnb Management in Bath or in Bristol could become a crucial asset for owners seeking to ensure compliance and maximise profitability.
As the future of short-term rentals becomes more regulated, choosing the right Airbnb management company could be the difference between legal difficulties and a flourishing business. A combination of legal awareness, good property maintenance, and local insight will help navigate this changing landscape.
Final Thoughts
As Cornwall’s MPs push for more control over holiday lets, the UK seems poised to reevaluate its approach to Airbnb and second-home investments. While some property owners may need to adapt, this change also presents an opportunity to align short-term letting with sustainable community growth and housing policy.
Whether you’re a property owner, Airbnb host, or investor, staying informed is crucial. As always, adapting to policy changes and investing in responsible property management are your best bets in a shifting short-term rental landscape.