Looming shortage of Highland Holiday Cottages

[arawa]

Not commenting on the political aspects – just the implications for fishing accommodation in the Highlands.
Friends who let out holiday cottages are pulling out of the market because of new licensing and other regulations that make their business uneconomic or just too much of a hassle. Anecdotally, they are not the only ones so it is likely that the number of holiday cottages to let will reduce and prices – both because of shortages and increased costs – will rise.
So, book early if you want a cottage in the Highlands for this season or indeed the next.

[Wildfisher]

It is already impossible to get anything at short to medium notice. Prices are through the roof - supply and demand. 5 years ago Corriekinloch was about £450 / week in July. Last time I checked it was over £800. No thanks!

It all went wrong after covid and the NC500. No wonder there has been an explosion in campervan use.

[Wildfisher]

Friends who let out holiday cottages are pulling out of the market because of new licensing and other regulations that make their business uneconomic

Any idea what has motivated the new licensing and other regulations?

[arawa]

Any idea what has motivated the new licensing and other regulations?

Well, at the risk of getting into politics.....
My understanding is that the initiative started in Edinburgh because of complaints from permanent residents of shared buildings that AirBnB occupants were causing disturbances etc. Also, more widely, that holiday cottages were depriving locals of affordable property. There are now 2 schemes; all properties for holiday letting require to be registered and in some areas (Edinburgh and Badenoch & Strathspey) planning permission is also required for new lets. So people are withdrawing from the letting market.
The Telegraph today reports that the Scottish tourist industry will lose £133M pa and 7,000 jobs because of these measures.
Just my simple take.

[Fishtales]

It is already happening in England and Wales where there are communities with more empty holiday homes than lived in houses and the young people who want to stay can't get accommodation. Doing it ad hoc though is very short sited as not every holiday home/letting cottages are suitable or in the right place for residential.

[Wildfisher]

Couldnae run a cauld bath! 

On the other hand now we know why Peter Murrell bought that motorhome. 

[arawa]

How the SNP plunged Scotland into holiday home hell.pdf

That was me trying to attach an article from The Telegraph that covers this subject. I seem to have done something wrong!

[Fishtales]

How the SNP plunged Scotland into holiday home hell.pdf

That was me trying to attach an article from The Telegraph that covers this subject. I seem to have done something wrong!

No it is there.

[burnie]

Prices post covid were unrealistic even before this stupid government scheme, some greedy owners have priced themselves out of the market, some prices doubled overnight after covid, I'll not be paying it.