should we introduce a hefty property tax on empty houses?
Yes, but only in certain circumstances. I live in Cornwall, one of the more desirable locations in the country due to low population density, low crime, beautiful scenery and a warmer climate. In recent years- since the 80’s, it has become an extremely popular destination for the rich south-easterners buying second homes, which are left empty most of the year. This has two major consequences- it reduces the number of properties for people locally to buy, rent or live in, and it pushes up the prices at rates vastly out of proportion with local wage increases. There is a severe shortage of affordable homes down here now, to the extent that all new planning applications for housing projects are now having to include an element of affordable housing before they are approved. If we were to aim a high taxation at empty second homes, then less of the out-of-county folk would buy properties here, meaning the prices would stay lower for local people, and that more houses would be available. It
