The English government has announced that a register for short-term and holiday lets (STLs) will be fully operational by March 2027. This initiative, confirmed by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is part of a broader effort to regulate the lettings market and empower local communities.
The new register is expected to be mandatory and primarily online, providing local authorities with better data to understand the impact of STLs on housing availability and compliance with health and safety rules. This development follows the abolition of the Furnished Holiday Lets tax regime in April 2025 and the introduction of 100% council tax premiums on second homes.
Balancing tourism and local housing needs
Nandy emphasized that the regulation aims to give communities the power to shape their areas, balancing the benefits of tourism with the need for decent housing. She stated, “This regulation is about putting power back into people’s hands so that they can shape the right balance between the benefits that tourism brings and the needs of people locally for decent housing.”
The scheme is part of a broader trend, with Scotland and Northern Ireland already operating similar registers, and Wales set to implement a visitor accommodation register from October 2026.
Propertymark a trade body representing lettings agents, has welcomed the initiative, stating that better data on STLs will help local authorities manage housing impacts effectively. However, they have called for further details on the administration of the register, the information required from providers, and the frequency of registration.
Propertymark has consistently advocated for a fairer balance between short-term and residential lettings, acknowledging that STLs can support tourism and provide flexibility for owners. They have also highlighted the importance of increasing the supply of private and social housing to address pressures linked to STLs.
The trade body supports proportionate regulation that creates greater parity with the private rented sector, including effective local controls and appropriate standards. As the deadline for the register’s implementation approaches, landlords and agents are advised to stay informed about the upcoming requirements and prepare for the changes ahead.
