New responsibilities on the horizon
If the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill is passed by the Senedd, due by the summer of 2025, the WRA will then be responsible for running a national visitor accommodation register and collecting a new visitor levy.
These powers are part of the Welsh Government’s plans to support sustainable tourism and rebalance housing supply in popular visitor areas.
For agents operating holiday lets and short-term accommodation, this could mean new registration and compliance requirements. Local authorities will be able to decide whether to apply the levy in their areas and set the rate, but the WRA will handle the collection and administration.
Propertymark supports a fair and targeted approach
We responded to a Welsh Government consultation in December 2022, supporting the visitor levy if implemented fairly and transparently. However, clarity is needed around the definition of visitor accommodation to avoid unintended consequences for private landlords.
Opportunity to boost Welsh housing supply and decarbonise stock
The Welsh Government’s proposal to provide discretionary powers for local authorities to apply a visitor levy in Wales should see any revenue raised ringfenced to tackle any housing problems within the local authority area. This could also solve the chronic lack of housing options for vulnerable people and working families.
In parallel, we see the introduction of a compulsory national registration scheme for visitor accommodation in Wales as a welcome step in this direction. Establishing a register will help raise standards by ensuring that all providers meet core safety requirements and can demonstrate the quality of their offerings.
Propertymark supports this approach as a practical way to bring greater consistency to the sector while distinguishing legitimate operators from those who are non-compliant.
Compulsory registration will enable short-term lets to demonstrate quality
Plans for statutory registration and licensing for all visitor accommodation in Wales have been announced with legislation expected to be introduced before the end of the year to address the negative impact second homes and short-term holiday lets have on the availability and affordability of housing for local people.
Working together to deliver change
The WRA’s plan places a strong emphasis on collaboration, recognising that partnerships will be key to the successful delivery of its expanding remit. As the visitor levy and accommodation register take shape, it has committed to working closely with organisations across the property and tourism sectors. Propertymark will ensure the voices of our members are part of that conversation. With agents playing a vital role in managing short-term lets, advising clients, and supporting compliance, our sector will be instrumental in making these changes work in practice.
Keeping members informed
As the WRA’s remit expands, agents should monitor the progress of the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) (Wales) Bill and prepare for potential changes. The WRA’s corporate plan confirms a strong focus on digital systems to make the process simple and user-friendly for accommodation providers.
Propertymark continues to engage with the Welsh Government on behalf of members and will provide updates on developments that will impact them.
