The problem of second homes in and around Rye is one that has been acknowledged for some time. There is a shortage of housing in the town, particularly at the less expensive end of the market and the problem has been regularly aired in the chambers of both Rye Town Council and Rother District Council. Second home ownership invariably means that the property is left unoccupied for a large part of the year and too many unoccupied properties have been shown elsewhere to have a significant effect on both the social and commercial life of an area.
There have been various suggestions as to the best way of dealing with this from adjusting (upwards) the level of council tax charge on unoccupied homes through to the Channel Islands system of one price for local residents and a second much higher one for incomers not intending to live here full time. No single answer has yet been arrived at, but discussions on how to tackle the problem are currently ongoing.
But there is also another growing factor that is affecting the market, and this is the increasing number of properties used for holiday lets. For the period of 2017 - 2018, for example, Rye News understands that the increase in Airbnb listings increased by some 33% nationwide. This figure will obviously vary from area to area and there is no doubt that some of the listings will refer to additional space either in, or attached to the owner's own fully-occupied house, but a great many will be properties specifically acquired for the purpose of holiday lets, fuelled by the current increase in "staycation" holidays.
The Westminster government is now recognising the issue via a review and a call for evidence launched by the Department of Media, Culture and Sport last week.
We understand from the office of our local MP, that the review will focus on understanding the effects – both positive and negative - of short-term holiday lets on communities
"across the country, especially those in popular tourism destinations such as Hastings, Rye and the wider 1066 Country area".
The review will acknowledge the positive effects of tourism on local businesses but will also look at the effect on house prices and availability and it will provide an opportunity for local residents to make their own views known. The call for evidence will run until September 21 and more information can be found here.
The MP for Rye, Sally-Ann Hart has commented on the initiative, saying:
“Tourist footfall remains as important as ever for many local businesses in Hastings and Rye and whilst it is fantastic that so many people wish to spend time in our beautiful part of the country, I know that some residents are concerned about the impact of short-term holiday lets.
"That is why I have been encouraging ministers to look into the issue in greater detail, and this review and call for evidence empowers those with concerns, views and opinions to have their voices heard.”
