Launch date revealed for new short-term and holiday lets register

England’s register of short-term and holiday lets (STLs) will be fully operational by March 2027, the Culture Secretary has confirmed.

Speaking to Parliament during a debate on short-term lets last week, Lisa Nandy (pictured) said the Government was accelerating the work on regulation.

It is the latest change for lettings agents and landlords managing short-lets.

This regulation is about putting power back into people’s hand.”

The Furnished Holiday Lets tax regime was abolished in April 2025 and local authorities can charge 100% council tax premiums on second homes and also limit the number of days they can be rented out.

There has been talk of a register for holiday lets to show how homes are being used since a consultation in 2022 and now it is coming to fruition.

Scotland and Northern Ireland already operate similar schemes and Wales is implementing a visitor accommodation register from October 2026.

Nandy said during the debate: “This Government are committed to implementing the regulation of short-term lets.

“We believe in our communities and in their right to shape their own areas. This regulation is about putting power back into people’s hands so that they can shape the right balance between the benefits that tourism brings and the needs of people locally for decent housing.”

More details

The scheme is expected to be mandatory and delivered primarily online.

Propertymark said better data on STLs should help local authorities better understand local housing impacts and support compliance with existing health and safety rules.

But the trade body warned that further details are still needed on its administration, the information providers must supply, and how often they would need to register.

A Propertymark statement says: “Propertymark has been outspoken over how the proliferation of STLs risks reducing the size of the private rented sector, and we have consistently called for a fairer balance between short-term and residential lettings.

“STLs can support tourism and give owners flexibility, but local authorities need effective tools to respond where high numbers reduce the availability of homes for local people.

“Our research has found that increasing the supply of private and social housing is the main solution to pressures linked to STLs. However, our members also support proportionate regulation that creates greater parity with the private rented sector, including effective local controls and appropriate standards.”