Short-term let rules in Powys (updated 29 Oct 2026)
Last checked: 3 official source pages for this council scanned automatically for changes on 2 Nov 2026What changed
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Licensing, planning, visitor levy and fees in Powys, checked against official sources. Free, unsubscribe any time.
Dates we're watching for Powys (2)
- 31 Mar 2027: WRA registration deadline
- May 2027: council elections; any levy decision left to the new administration
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Last checked 29 Oct 2026: no change logged for this council in our changes log. Get free alerts when it changes.
Council tax second-home premium of 75% (175% of the standard bill), in place since 1 Apr 2023 and unchanged for 2026-27. No visitor levy at this stage; any levy left to the council elected in May 2027, earliest start 2028.
Licensing or registration
Registration requiredNo 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 路 What the licensing Act will require.
Control area / planning
None foundNo Article 4 direction or local short-let planning control found on the council's site (checked 23 Oct 2026). In the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park, the park authority handles planning.
Visitor levy
None foundNo levy at this stage. Full Council voted 29 to 19 on 9 Oct 2025 not to implement a levy for now and to run an engagement exercise.
That survey closed 30 Sep 2026 and results go to Cabinet and full Council. The council says any decision would be for the administration elected in May 2027, a formal consultation would be needed, and 2028 is the earliest a levy could start.
Fees
WRA registration is free. Council tax second-home premium: 75% on top of the standard charge (175% in total), effective since 1 Apr 2023 and unchanged for 2026-27.
The council's 2026-27 tax base report notes 235 extra self-catering units moved from business rates into council tax after failing the Welsh 252/182-day letting test. Exceptions include Class 5 (occupied caravan pitches and boat moorings) and Class 6 (seasonal homes or holiday lets where year-round occupation is prohibited, for example by a planning condition).
What changed in Powys
- Rules on this page last checked in full against the official sources listed above.
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
- Do I need to register with the WRA? 4-question checker
- Second homes council tax premium in Wales: rates, the 182-night test and exceptions
- Business rates or council tax? Occupancy threshold tracker
- Holiday let fire safety in Wales: what you need and a checklist
- Wales licensing scheme (2026 Act, legal default March 2030): who needs a licence
- How holiday lets are taxed since the FHL regime ended
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 Powys: 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 Apr 2023: 75% second-home premium started
- 9 Oct 2025: council decides not to implement a levy at this stage
- 30 Sep 2026: levy engagement survey closed
- 31 Mar 2027: WRA registration deadline
- May 2027: council elections; any levy decision left to the new administration
Powys short-let rules: quick answers
Do I need a licence or registration for a short-term let in Powys?
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 路 What the licensing Act will require.
Do I need planning permission for a short-term let in Powys?
No Article 4 direction or local short-let planning control found on the council's site (checked 23 Oct 2026). In the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park, the park authority handles planning.
Is there a visitor levy (tourist tax) in Powys?
No levy at this stage. Full Council voted 29 to 19 on 9 Oct 2025 not to implement a levy for now and to run an engagement exercise. That survey closed 30 Sep 2026 and results go to Cabinet and full Council. The council says any decision would be for the administration elected in May 2027, a formal consultation would be needed, and 2028 is the earliest a levy could start.
What fees apply to short-term lets in Powys?
WRA registration is free. Council tax second-home premium: 75% on top of the standard charge (175% in total), effective since 1 Apr 2023 and unchanged for 2026-27. The council's 2026-27 tax base report notes 235 extra self-catering units moved from business rates into council tax after failing the Welsh 252/182-day letting test. Exceptions include Class 5 (occupied caravan pitches and boat moorings) and Class 6 (seasonal homes or holiday lets where year-round occupation is prohibited, for example by a planning condition).
Answers summarise the sections above. Follow each section's official source before acting.
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