Reviews find no need for Short-Term Let Control Areas in Nairnshire, Dingwall and Seaforth

Members of the Dingwall and Seaforth Area Committee confirmed the findings at their meeting yesterday. The report assesses the prevalence of short-term lets across the area and the potential impact on housing availability, affordability and local communities.

The analysis shows that:

• Only 2% of potential dwellings in Dingwall and Seaforth are used as short-term lets – significantly lower than the Highland-wide average of 5%.
• New home completions becoming STLs is exceptionally low, at 0.4%, compared with 5% across Highland.
• Most local house sales are to people already living within the Highland Council area, indicating no significant external market pressure.
• While a small number of data zones show recent growth in STLs, numbers remain very small in real terms.
• The local Area Place Plan makes no specific reference to concerns around short-term lets.

On this basis, the report concluded that a Short Term Let Control Area is not justified at this time. However, members agreed that the evidence base be reviewed again in 12 months to monitor any emerging trends.

Councillor Graham McKenzie, chair of the Dingwall and Seaforth Area Committee, said: “This evidence gives us a clear picture of the current situation, and it shows that short-term lets are not having a significant impact on housing availability in Dingwall and Seaforth. While some areas of Highland face pressures, that is not the case here at present.

“We will, however, continue to keep this under close review and base any future decisions on any emerging evidence.”

The Committee agreed to agree that no further action is taken at this stage and that an updated report is brought back to the Committee in a year’s time.

Nairnshire Area Committee finds no justification

Following a detailed review of current housing data and short-term let (STL) activity, the Nairnshire Area Committee has also agreed that there is currently no justification for establishing a Short Term Let Control Area in Nairnshire.

The report presented to members shows that only 2% of potential dwellings in Nairnshire are licensed as STLs - significantly below the Highland-wide average of 5%. While some growth has been noted in specific areas, specifically within Fishertown, the overall numbers remain low in real terms.

The report discussed by members also highlighted that within Nairnshire, 45% of house sales were purchased by buyers already living in the Nairn area, a further 22% were purchased from buyers from elsewhere within Highland Council and 33% of sales were from out with Highland.

Although Committee members agreed not to progress with a Short Term Let Control Area, they will reconsider the evidence base regarding short-term lets prevalence in Nairnshire in 12 months’ time, with a further report brought to the Area Committee again in 2026.

Chair of the Committee, Councillor Michael Green, said: “It’s encouraging that housing markets in Nairnshire are performing relatively well and continue to serve local residents effectively – this is demonstrated by the evidence-based approach and the data presented to members.

“However, locally it is recognised that the number of short-term lets specifically within Fishertown are creeping upwards and this is something which we will remain mindful and considerate of when the follow-up report is presented to members in 12 months’ time. Next year’s report will also include a housing impact assessment from Nairn Improvement Community Enterprise who lead on the Local Place Plan.”