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Written question asked by Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 20 June 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 June 2025. It was answered by Matthew Pennycook (Labour) on Monday, 30 June 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Second Homes

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to prevent the purchase as second homes of homes sold under section 157 of the Housing Act 1985 in (a) areas of high housing demand and (b) West Dorset constituency.

Answer

It is for local planning authorities to assess the size, type and tenure of housing needed for different groups in the community, including young families and older residents.

As set out in the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 26 November 2024 (HCWS249), the government is giving careful consideration to the recommendations from the Older People’s Housing Taskforce report.

Whilst second homes and short-term lets can benefit local economies, the government appreciate that excessive concentrations in some areas of the country can impact the availability and affordability of homes, both to rent and buy. In addition to the measures the government has already committed to, including a registration scheme for short term lets and changes to the furnished holiday lets rules, we continue to consider what additional powers we might give local authorities to enable them to respond to the pressures created by excessive concentrations of short-term lets and second homes.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
61662
Session
2024-26
Related items
Older People’s Housing Taskforce
Tuesday, 26 November 2024
Written statements
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Sales Second homes West Dorset
Legislation
Housing Act 1985
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk