UK Short-Term Let Regulation: The Year in Review

2025 was a pivotal year for short-term let regulation across the United Kingdom. Here's what changed - and what's coming next.

Scotland: Maturing but Inconsistent

Scotland's licensing scheme, now in its third year, delivered mixed results:

• Edinburgh extended secondary let renewals to 3 years - a significant win for operators
• Glasgow struggled with processing delays, with many applications stuck in limbo beyond statutory deadlines
• Planning refusal rates in Edinburgh reached 97% for residential-to-STL conversions
• DPEA appeals continued to provide an effective route for operators, with several enforcement notices quashed

England: Registration on the Horizon

The UK government confirmed that mandatory registration for short-term lets will go live in April 2026:

• A new C5 use class was consulted on, creating a planning distinction between residential and STL use
• Councils will be able to use Article 4 directions to require planning permission for STL conversions
• The scheme aims to be "light touch, low cost and simple"

Wales: Building a Framework

Wales announced its own approach:

• Mandatory registration with the Welsh Revenue Authority from autumn 2026
• Visitor levy legislation progressing through the Senedd
• New licensing standards for visitor accommodation under development

Northern Ireland: Planning Tensions

With no formal licensing scheme, NI regulation happens through planning:

• Belfast's Supplementary Planning Guidance signals tighter controls
• Community opposition growing, particularly in popular areas
• Planning appeals increasingly common - and operators winning

What's Next

2026 will be the year short-term let regulation goes truly UK-wide. Operators in England and Wales who haven't started preparing should begin now. Those in Scotland should be reviewing their compliance and planning positions.

STL Solutions advises operators across all four UK nations. Get in touch to discuss your specific situation.