Insights

Expert analysis & regulatory updates

Our team shares insights on policy changes, licensing developments, and practical guidance for STL operators across the UK.

All Licensing Planning Compliance Regulation

Regulation1 September 2026·6 min read

Argyll and Bute Moves on Four Control Areas - ASSC Warns of Legal Challenge

On 25 June 2026 Argyll and Bute Council agreed to consult on Control Area designations covering Mull, Iona, Coll, Tiree, Islay, Jura, Colonsay and the Lorn and Inner Isles (which extends onto the mainland). The Association of Scotland's Self-Caterers has publicly warned of a potential legal challenge. What operators in the affected areas should be doing now, and why the challenge may not save them if it fails.

#Scotland #Argyll and Bute #Control Areas #ASSC

Regulation8 August 2026·5 min read

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Hits Holiday-Let Owners from April 2026: The Compliance Overlap That Should Concern You

From April 2026, individual landlords with property income above the MTD threshold - including former FHL operators - are required to keep digital records and report quarterly to HMRC. On top of the abolition of the FHL regime this is the second material compliance imposition in two tax years, and the overlap of HMRC visibility with planning enforcement visibility should concern operators whose planning status is not clean.

#Tax #HMRC #MTD #Operators

Regulation28 August 2026·6 min read

The STL Insurance Market in H2 2026: Fewer Insurers, Harder Terms, and What to Look For at Renewal

The specialist short-term let insurance market appears — in our own client caseload — to have contracted through 2025 and 2026. This is a commentary from what we see across renewals we handle, not a formal market survey. It flags what to look for when renewing to avoid ending up under-insured or with cover that quietly excludes the exposure that matters most.

#Insurance #Commercial #Operators

Regulation22 July 2026·7 min read

The Mortgage Market for STL Operators in H2 2026: Fewer Products, Tighter LTVs, Bigger Questions at Application

The specialist mortgage market for short-term let operators has narrowed through 2026. This piece sets out what has moved, what lenders are now asking that they did not ask a year ago, and how the planning status of a property increasingly affects the terms available.

#Finance #Mortgages #Operators

Regulation10 July 2026·8 min read

Argyll and Bute, Perth and Kinross, Highland Rural: Scotland's Control Area Map Is Being Redrawn - and Fast

Three Scottish authorities moved on Control Area designation over summer 2026. Argyll and Bute agreed to consult on four island and peninsula areas (with a legal challenge already threatened by the ASSC). Perth and Kinross has already submitted its designation for Highland Perthshire to Scottish Ministers. Highland's own further consultations have closed. Operators in the affected areas have weeks, not months.

#Scotland #Control Areas #Regulation #Argyll and Bute #Perth and Kinross

Regulation18 June 2026·7 min read

HMRC's Abolition of the Furnished Holiday Let Regime: The First Full Tax Year In

The Furnished Holiday Let regime was abolished by Finance Act 2025 with effect from 6 April 2025 (income tax / CGT). The first full non-FHL tax year (2025/26) is now in preparation, with returns due by 31 January 2027. This piece looks at what operators are actually facing on mortgage interest relief, capital allowances, pension contributions and CGT reliefs — including the transitional 3-year BADR window for FHL businesses that ceased before 6 April 2025.

#Tax #HMRC #FHL #Operators

Regulation5 June 2026·10 min read

Scotland's Short-Term Let Licensing Regime, Three Years On: What Did It Actually Deliver?

The Scottish licensing scheme opened in October 2022 and became mandatory on 1 October 2023. Two years and eight months on, this piece takes stock. What did the scheme deliver on the objectives it was sold on - housing supply, guest safety, and neighbourhood amenity - and what did it cost operators, communities, and the wider tourism economy?

#Scotland #Licensing #Regulation #Analysis

Regulation15 May 2026·6 min read

Highland Council Opens Consultation on Two New STL Control Areas

Inverness City and a sweeping Highland Rural area are now in consultation as proposed Short-Term Let Control Areas. Operators in Skye, Lochaber, Wester Ross, Sutherland and Inverness should act before any designation takes effect.

#Highland #Control Areas #Planning #Inverness #Skye

Regulation15 May 2026·12 min read

Short-Term Let Control Areas: Extent and Effects

A comprehensive guide to STL Control Areas in Scotland - the law, the designation process, the current map, the proposed extensions, the protection for pre-existing uses, and what operators should do now.

#Control Areas #Edinburgh #Highland #Planning

Regulation15 January 2026·7 min read

UK Short-Term Let Regulation: The Year in Review

From Scotland's maturing licensing scheme to England's registration plans and Wales's new framework - a comprehensive look at how STL regulation evolved in 2025.

#UK-Wide #Regulation #Year in Review

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