A senior Norfolk councillor has launched a scathing defence of the region’s second home levy, dismissing estate agents’ concerns over falling property prices.
Terry Parish, former leader of West Norfolk Council and current councillor for Heacham, has hit out at agents opposing the levy, which was introduced to curb demand for second homes and address local housing pressures.
Parish, who played a key role in bringing the policy forward during his tenure as council leader, criticised what he called “whingeing” from estate agents who claim the levy is driving down house prices in the area.
He argued that a slowdown in property values, particularly for second homes, is a positive step for the local market. “A drop in prices should be applauded,” Parish said, pointing to the need to make housing more accessible for local residents.
The second home levy, introduced as part of wider reforms to ease housing pressures in tourist-heavy parts of Norfolk, has sparked debate between policymakers and property professionals, with estate agents warning of potential price cuts of up to 30% in some areas.
In an article for the Eastern Daily Press newspaper, he wrote:
“House prices in second home hotspots are grossly inflated, which may benefit estate agents, currently whingeing, but makes it all but impossible for locals and their dependents to purchase properties to actually live in and work from,” he said.
“Second homes are hardly a necessity; having a home is. Whatever can be done to help people get a proper home should be accepted.”
Parish believes the policy of charging double council tax on properties not used as permanent residences could free up hundreds of homes across the county, as owners may be encouraged to sell.
In addition to the levy, several villages in Norfolk have introduced planning conditions to restrict the sale of new-build homes to permanent residents only — a move aimed at curbing the growth of second home ownership.
These restrictions are designed to prioritise local buyers and preserve year-round communities in areas heavily impacted by holiday homes and part-time residency.
“Why should acres of fields be ripped up if a significant proportion of houses built on them become second homes or holiday lets?” he added.
“The housing crisis used to justify government demands to build ever more houses is supposed to be about supplying homes for those who need them to live in, not play in.
“The same applies to all the infill housing, which takes away gaps between properties and removes smaller green spaces.”
It will also raise millions of pounds in revenue for cash-strapped local authorities, with a significant portion earmarked for the communities that have been ‘hollowed out’ by second homes.
“Government does not fund local services adequately and councils have to garner money from wherever they can,” Parish continued. “That’s why the government allowed a second home levy to be made and why I started that ball rolling in West Norfolk.”
Across Norfolk, there are reportedly 14,683 second homes, with 3,353 in West Norfolk, 5,973 in North Norfolk and 3,005 in Great Yarmouth.
