Residents are outraged after being denied the chance to buy a charming cottage on Anglesey, which is now only available for holiday rentals
Anglesey: Locals are really upset after finding out they can’t buy a lovely cottage that’s up for sale. This place, called Gors y Twr, is in a prime spot on the island and is listed for £175,000. But here’s the catch: it’s only available for holiday rentals, not for people looking to settle down.
The cottage is in rough shape, with a hole in the roof from a storm years ago, but it’s got potential. It’s been approved for development into a three-bedroom home, but the rules say it can’t be a permanent residence. That’s got the community fuming.
Back in 2021, the local council tried to stop this tourist-only rule, arguing there were already too many holiday homes around. But the bigger authority didn’t listen and went ahead with the plan, following national guidelines.
One local real estate agent described the cottage as an “idyllic and well-situated” holiday retreat, but for many residents, it’s just another chance to own a home slipping away. With house prices skyrocketing, locals feel priced out of their own neighborhoods.
In fact, a recent study showed that house prices in Rhosneigr have jumped from about £50,000 30 years ago to nearly £680,000 today. It’s no wonder people are frustrated.
Overtourism is a hot topic these days, with many popular spots introducing tourist taxes to manage crowds and improve local services. The issue of second homes driving up prices is also causing a rift between locals and visitors, especially with more tourists coming from abroad.
One local expressed her disappointment on social media, saying she was “gutted” about missing out on the cottage. She’s looking for a family home in the area but can’t find anything affordable.
Another resident couldn’t believe the situation, questioning why a family can’t move into a renovated home while it’s okay for it to be a holiday rental. It just doesn’t make sense to them.
And yet another person pointed out that there are new homes nearby that are sitting empty because they can only be sold as holiday lets. It’s frustrating for those who want to live in the community.
The local council has a housing strategy to help first-time buyers and charges extra council tax on empty properties and second homes. But many feel it’s not enough to tackle the issue.
