Gove closes tax loophole on second homes

Owners of second homes who abuse a tax loophole by claiming their often-empty properties are holiday lets will be forced to pay under new measures announced by the government. Currently, owners of second homes in England can avoid paying council tax and access small business rates relief by simply declaring an intention to let the property out to holidaymakers, but this is set to change. From April 2023, to access small business rates relief, second homeowners will have to prove that holiday lets are being rented out for a minimum of 70 days a year, and that these properties are available to be rented out for 140 days a year.