The government is preparing to apply extreme controls on second home ownership that would stop people buying in sought-after rural areas.
An inquiry commissioned by Gordon Brown will recommend local authorities have the ability to prevent outsiders buying property they do not intend to make their main residence. Those seeking to buy country boltholes that deprive local residents of houses would be forced to apply to the council.
They would have to achieve planning permission to change the house from fully occupied to a second home and could be refused by the council. The inquiry is also considering banning outsiders from buying newly built homes in such areas.
This decision is advantageous for local buyers looking to buy a home in such areas, however this is not beneficial for people outside the area looking for a second property.It is also not good news for people who are selling their home and looking for a quick house sale as they will have a limited amount of prospective buyers.
