Short-term let rules in Gwynedd (updated 1 Nov 2026)

Last checked: 1 Nov 20264 official source pages for this council scanned automatically for changes on 2 Nov 2026What changed

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Dates we're watching for Gwynedd (1)

31 Mar 2027: WRA registration deadline

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What changed (1 Nov 2026): Now tracked: Eryri National Park Authority's Article 4 direction, in force since 1 June 2025, on the Gwynedd and Conwy pages. Inside the National Park, planning permission is needed to change a main home (C3) into a second home (C5) or short-term holiday let (C6), and to switch between C5 and C6. Homes already used as a second home or holiday let before 1 June 2025 are not affected. Cyngor Gwynedd's own direction stays quashed, and Conwy County Borough Council has not confirmed one for the area outside the park. Source · Get free alerts

Cyngor Gwynedd's Article 4 direction (C3 to C5/C6) quashed. Not in force since the Court of Appeal refused appeal on 6 Feb 2026. Inside Eryri National Park, the park authority's Article 4 direction has applied since 1 Jun 2025, so changing a main home to a second home or holiday let there needs planning permission. Visitor levy: consulted 20 May to 26 Jul 2026; on 24 Sep 2026 Full Council agreed the final decision will come back to it once the consultation responses have been fully analysed (no date set). No levy decision yet.

Licensing or registration

Registration required

No council licence yet. Wales-wide: if you take bookings of 31 nights or fewer you must register with the Welsh Revenue Authority by 31 Mar 2027 (free, applies even with no council levy).

A national licensing scheme is legislated but not in force (default commencement March 2030). Check if you must register · What the licensing Act will require.

Source: source source source

Control area / planning

Applies

Homes already used as a second home or holiday let before 1 Jun 2025 are not affected, and the park authority suggests keeping evidence of that use (for example tax or letting records). Outside the park, Cyngor Gwynedd's own Article 4 direction was quashed by the High Court and is not in force; the Court of Appeal refused permission to appeal on 6 Feb 2026, so these changes are permitted development there (checked 1 Nov 2026).

Source: source source

Visitor levy

None found

No levy. The council consulted from 20 May to Jul 2026 and says (page updated 1 Oct 2026) it has not made a decision. Any Gwynedd levy could start no earlier than Oct 2027. GOV.WALES lists Cardiff as the only council charging.

Source: source source

Fees

WRA registration is free.

What changed in Gwynedd

1 Nov 2026 Now tracked: Eryri National Park Authority's Article 4 direction, in force since 1 June 2025, on the Gwynedd and Conwy pages. Inside the National Park, planning permission is needed to change a main home (C3) into a second home (C5) or short-term holiday let (C6), and to switch between C5 and C6. Homes already used as a second home or holiday let before 1 June 2025 are not affected. Cyngor Gwynedd's own direction stays quashed, and Conwy County Borough Council has not confirmed one for the area outside the park. Official source
29 Oct 2026 Rules on this page last checked in full against the official sources listed above.
6 Feb 2026 Gwynedd Article 4 direction ends after appeal refused. Official source

Newest first. Every UK change is in the changes log. Nothing here is legal advice: check the official source before acting.

Wales guides and tools

Not sure what applies to your let? Use the free licence checker: pick your nation, council and type of let for a plain-English answer with the official source.

Buying here? See the buyer checks for Gwynedd: licence or registration, planning, visitor levy, business rates or council tax, plus the lender, insurance and title checks to make before you buy.

Key dates

1 Jun 2025: Eryri National Park Article 4 direction in force (park area only)
6 Feb 2026: appeal refused, Cyngor Gwynedd Article 4 not in force
31 Mar 2027: WRA registration deadline

Gwynedd short-let rules: quick answers

Do I need a licence or registration for a short-term let in Gwynedd?

No council licence yet. Wales-wide: if you take bookings of 31 nights or fewer you must register with the Welsh Revenue Authority by 31 Mar 2027 (free, applies even with no council levy). A national licensing scheme is legislated but not in force (default commencement March 2030). Check if you must register · What the licensing Act will require.

Do I need planning permission for a short-term let in Gwynedd?

Two planning authorities cover Gwynedd. Inside Eryri National Park, the park authority's Article 4 direction has been in force since 1 Jun 2025: planning permission is needed to change a main home (C3) into a second home (C5) or short-term holiday let (C6), or to switch between C5 and C6. Homes already used as a second home or holiday let before 1 Jun 2025 are not affected, and the park authority suggests keeping evidence of that use (for example tax or letting records). Outside the park, Cyngor Gwynedd's own Article 4 direction was quashed by the High Court and is not in force; the Court of Appeal refused permission to appeal on 6 Feb 2026, so these changes are permitted development there (checked 1 Nov 2026).

Is there a visitor levy (tourist tax) in Gwynedd?

What fees apply to short-term lets in Gwynedd?

WRA registration is free.

Answers summarise the sections above. Follow each section's official source before acting.

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