Anglesey has long been one of Wales’ most sought-after coastal destinations — from the beaches of Rhosneigr to the coastal paths of Trearddur Bay and the bustling harbour at Beaumaris. With visitor numbers growing year-round, demand for high-quality holiday accommodation is strong.

However, Wales is currently home to some of the strictest and fastest-evolving short-let regulations in the UK. For property owners, that means one thing: success in this market isn't just about guest reviews and occupancy — it’s about staying compliant.

This guide breaks down what short-let hosts in Anglesey need to know in 2025, what’s coming next, and how to stay both profitable and compliant.

1) Understanding the Current Regulatory Landscape

Wales has introduced tougher controls on short-term letting to support housing availability and protect local communities.

Right now in Anglesey, hosts should be aware of:

• High occupancy thresholds to avoid Council Tax premiums
  
  
• Upcoming national registration and licensing schemes
  
  
• Greater scrutiny on safety, insurance, and operating standards
  
  

What’s happening now

Anglesey hosts must already meet specific tax and occupancy rules and ensure their property is fully safety-compliant.

What’s coming next

The Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) (Wales) Act 2025 sets out a new framework for:

• A mandatory register of accommodation providers
  
  
• A compulsory licensing system for holiday lets
  
  
• Ongoing evidence of compliance and safety
  
  

This will roll out nationally between 2025–2026, so preparation now is essential.

2) Planning Permission & Use Classes

Wales has created distinct categories for different types of homes:

Switching to a dedicated short-let (C6) may be classed as a material change of use, meaning planning permission could be required.

Article 4 – where Anglesey stands

• Gwynedd has already introduced Article 4 controls
  
  
• Anglesey has not yet, but this could change
  
  

Recommendation: Before converting a property to a full-time holiday let, seek guidance from Anglesey Council.

Record-keeping matters too — established use evidence may support future licence or planning applications.

3) Tax Rules & Occupancy Requirements 

To avoid Council Tax and qualify for business rates, your property must:

• Be available to let for 252 days per year
  
  
• Be actually let for at least 182 days in a rolling 12-month period
  
  

Failing to hit those thresholds means:

✅ Business rates
❌ + 100% Council Tax premium (currently applied in Anglesey)

This is one of the key financial challenges for hosts — and one reason many now use professional management to maintain occupancy.

4) Safety & Legal Requirements

Before licensing arrives, hosts must already comply with core safety laws, including:

• Fire Risk Assessment
  
  
• Mains-linked smoke alarms on each floor
  
  
• Heat alarms in kitchens
  
  
• Gas Safety certificate (annually)
  
  
• EICR (electrical check every five years)
  
  
• Public liability insurance
  
  

The new licensing system will formalise and enforce these requirements.

5) Industry Insight: Why This Matters

Local debate reflects two realities:

• Some worry stricter rules may reduce investment and local trade income
  
  
• Others welcome regulation to protect housing supply and communities
  
  

For hosts, this means:

• Professional standards matter more than ever
  
  
• Compliance is now a competitive advantage
  
  
• Documentation and safety planning are essential
  
  

Simply put: treated professionally, holiday lets remain viable — and profitable — in Anglesey.

6) Anglesey Host Compliance Checklist

Do now

• Hit 182+ let nights
  
  
• Keep occupancy and tax records
  
  
• Complete Gas Safety and EICR checks
  
  
• Install mains smoke/heat/CO alarms
  
  
• Carry out & record a Fire Risk Assessment
  
  
• Maintain good neighbour relations
  
  

Next 6–18 months

• Prepare for mandatory registration
  
  
• Prepare for licensing requirements
  
  
• Track any local planning updates
  
  
• Be ready for training and operational standards
  
  

7) Staying Compliant and Maximising Income

Running a short-let in Anglesey is no longer “list and forget”. With higher occupancy thresholds, more paperwork and tighter expectations, hosts are increasingly partnering with full-service providers.

Benefits include:

• Dynamic pricing to maintain year-round occupancy
  
  
• Regulation-ready onboarding
  
  
• Safety documentation and risk assessments handled
  
  
• Professional cleaning & guest management
  
  
• 24/7 support and noise/waste controls
  
  

This approach helps ensure:

✅ Better guest reviews
✅ Stronger local relations
✅ Consistent bookings
✅ Lower compliance risk

FAQs

Do I need a licence in Anglesey yet?
Not yet — but Wales’ new registration and licensing scheme is in motion.

Will I need planning permission?
Possibly, especially when changing a main home to a dedicated short-let. Check with Anglesey Council.

What’s the biggest risk to hosts now?
Falling short of the 182-day occupancy requirement — leading to a 100% Council Tax premium.

Thinking of launching or scaling a holiday let in Anglesey?

We can help you:

• Review your property for upcoming Welsh regulations
  
  
• Prepare for registration and licensing
  
  
• Build a compliance-first hosting plan
  
  
• Maximise year-round bookings and pricing
  
  

Stay stress-free and regulation-ready while boosting returns.