Seaside Towns Take on Second-Home Owners with “Draconian“ New Rules

Locals in seaside towns across Britain are fed up with outsiders snapping up holiday properties, driving up prices and pricing locals out of the market. In a bid to take back control, some towns are considering introducing “draconian“ new rules to restrict second-home ownership. One town that is leading the charge is Whitstable, in Kent. The town council is considering a proposal that would see second-home owners forced to pay an annual levy of up to £10,000. The money raised would be used to fund affordable housing and other local services. Other towns are considering similar measures. In Cornwall, for example, some councillors have proposed a ban on second-home ownership altogether. The proposals have been met with mixed reactions. Some people support them, arguing that they are necessary to protect local communities and make housing more affordable. Others argue that they are unfair and discriminatory. “We’re fed up with outsiders coming in and snapping u