The count of residences purchased for use as vacation homes within a single Welsh administrative area has dropped over the past year, as reported by the local government body.
In September 2024, Gwynedd Council launched
a condition requiring property owners to obtain planning approval
to convert a house into a secondary residence or vacation rental as part of initiatives aimed at tackling a lack of available homes.
Data indicates that 250 properties were purchased as secondary residences in Gwynedd during the period from July 2024 to June 2025, a decrease from 290 recorded the previous year.
Although the policy has faced criticism from certain second-home owners, a local inhabitant stated that the effort is helping preserve neighborhoods.
Studies conducted by the local government indicate that 65% of residents throughout the region find themselves unable to afford home ownership.
The committee stated that its main focus was to promote “sustainable communities,” as Gwynedd faces “considerable strain” due to insufficient suitable housing.
Back then, certain activists expressed concerns about the regulation,
Some advocates voiced their apprehension regarding the policy,
At that moment, several campaign members were worried about the guideline,
A number of protesters indicated they were anxious concerning the directive,
During that period, some individuals involved in advocacy felt uneasy about the measure,
Certain campaigners at the time showed fear towards the regulation,
Several activist groups expressed worry over the new rule,
In those days, some people who campaigned spoke out with concern about the regulation,
Many supporters had fears related to the implemented rule,
Some participants in the movement shared anxieties about the established guidelines.
referred to as an Article 4 Direction
could complicate home sales and potentially lead to a decrease in property values.
As per the Principality Building Society, the typical cost of properties in Gwynedd has
dropped by 7.2% over the past 12 months.
Residential property values continue to be elevated, with the typical home priced at £288,800 in Gwynedd, whereas the average stands at £238,098 throughout Wales.
However, the policy continues to be disputed by certain individuals, with some locals in Gwynedd claiming that the actions have resulted in more homeowners deciding to put their properties up for sale.
William Owen resides in Nefyn and is presently transforming his ancestral house into a vacation rental property.
“Morfa Nefyn has long been a destination for visitors seeking vacation time, and rather than selling this property as a second home, I will now allow others to visit and contribute financially to the local economy,” he said.
told Newyddion S4C.
Although Mr. Owen stated that he supports the idea behind the council’s initiatives aimed at helping young people afford to reside in the area, he takes issue with their specific strategies.
He stated that Cyngor Gwynedd has approached it entirely incorrectly.
They sold every house that we once referred to as council properties, so why should people who currently own homes be responsible for fixing their errors?
Just like numerous local councils, Cyngor Gwynedd also
imposes a tax surcharge of 150%
on second homes.
Nick Brown has another residence in the town and mentioned that he also recognized the intentions of the council, yet remained doubtful about the effectiveness of its actions.
“I believe it has crossed a line. The actual issue around here is employment,” he stated.
Employment is what individuals seek – it has lowered costs.
Several individuals are choosing to sell out.
Mr. Brown mentioned he is aware of the effects of possessing a secondary residence and noted that the policy caused him to reconsider having one.
Nevertheless, he is convinced that Gwynedd Council’s strategies will not enable more youth to afford housing in the area.
However, Iwan Rhys Evans, 23, from Morfa Nefyn stated that the program is benefiting local areas.
Our sole aim is to safeguard our Welsh-speaking communities. We hold no hostility towards English people or tourism.
“However, in the end, if you arrive here, avoid causing trouble in our neighborhoods because once they’re lost, they’re truly gone,” he stated.
Mr. Evans further mentioned that there has been a significant rise in the number of houses available for purchase in the village at present.
The Gwynedd Council stated that their main focus was to guarantee the sustainability and continued existence of communities “by improving access to inexpensive housing for residents.”
It stated, ‘The county faces considerable strain due to the absence of reasonably priced housing.’
This is evident from the fact that almost 4,000 individuals are listed on our social housing waiting list, with 956 households declaring homelessness between 2023 and 2034.
The municipal council stated that it is expanding the number of homes available and allocating £70 million.
It also mentioned that the committee will assess and continuously oversee the measures implemented to address the housing emergency.
- New regulations come into effect for second properties and vacation rentals
- Allegations of ‘Russian roulette’ regarding the secondary housing initiative
- What issue does Wales face regarding second properties?
