Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that the government will press ahead with controls on the short-term holiday let sector, starting with a mandatory national register.

In an interview with BBC Spotlight, the regional news programme for the South West, Starmer said the register — originally announced by the previous government — is now under way.

Registration First, Licensing Later?

During a 2023 visit to Plymouth, while still Leader of the Opposition, Starmer pledged that a licensing system for holiday lets “should be in operation as quickly as possible.”

However, in his latest comments he admitted that no further restrictions have yet been introduced beyond the register.  “We’re going stage-by-stage, so this is basically stage one, we’ll then carefully review what stage two should look like,” he told Spotlight.

“In terms of the underlying concern or issue, I completely understand that and I’m determined that we’ll get to grips with it, working with others to make sure that we get it right.”

Why It Matters

The growth of short-term lets has been highly controversial in coastal and tourist hotspots, with local residents blaming the sector for inflating rents, reducing housing supply, and hollowing out communities.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said it recognised the “frustration” of communities facing rising numbers of holiday homes. A spokesperson added:

• Councils are being given powers to charge a council tax premium on second homes.

• A short-term lets registration scheme will help local authorities track and manage the sector.

• Tax incentives for landlords operating in this area are being phased out.

What’s Next?

The Prime Minister has signalled that this is only the first step in reform. The government will now review whether additional measures, such as a full licensing system, are needed to balance the interests of landlords, holidaymakers, and local communities.

📌 Key Takeaway: Landlords operating in the short-term holiday let market should prepare for mandatory registration in the near term — and possibly tougher licensing rules to follow.