Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by The Negotiator. Read the original article for full details.

Government Confirms March 2027 Launch for Short-Term Lets Register in England

England’s register of short-term and holiday lets (STLs) will be fully operational by March 2027, according to the Culture Secretary. The announcement was made by Lisa Nandy during a recent Parliamentary debate on short-term lets regulation.

The Government is accelerating work on STL regulation, which is the latest change affecting letting agents and landlords managing short-term rentals. The register is expected to be mandatory and primarily delivered online.

The move follows the abolition of the Furnished Holiday Lets tax regime in April 2025. Local authorities now have the power to charge 100% council tax premiums on second homes and can limit the number of days these properties are rented out.

A register for holiday lets has been under discussion since a 2022 consultation. Scotland and Northern Ireland already operate similar schemes, and Wales is set to implement a visitor accommodation register from October 2026.

Industry body Propertymark has stated that improved data on STLs should help local authorities better understand local housing impacts and support compliance with health and safety rules. However, Propertymark has also noted that further details are needed regarding the register’s administration, the information required from providers, and the frequency of registration.

Propertymark has previously raised concerns about the impact of STLs on the private rented sector and has called for a fairer balance between short-term and residential lettings. The organisation supports proportionate regulation that creates greater parity with the private rented sector, including effective local controls and appropriate standards.

Letting agents and inventory clerks should be aware of these upcoming regulatory changes and monitor further announcements for details on compliance requirements.