The number of second homes for sale in Pembrokeshire has surged dramatically following a substantial council tax increase. New figures reveal that in July, there were 135 second homes listed for sale, a significant rise from just 38 in the same month last year, marking an increase of 255%.

This spike comes after Pembrokeshire County Council introduced a 200% council tax premium in April, effectively tripling the bills for second home owners. In response, many property owners have opted to put their homes on the market, with the number of listed second homes in the county rising by 97 in just 12 months. As of 1 July, the total number of second homes registered in the area has dropped slightly from 3,364 in 2023 to 3,271.

The Welsh Government’s recent policy changes have granted local authorities the power to charge up to 300% in council tax premiums on second homes, aiming to make housing more affordable for local residents. These measures have been particularly controversial in coastal and picturesque areas, where holiday homes are prevalent.

Neil Evans, owner of West Wales Properties estate agents, highlighted the significant impact of the council tax premium, especially in towns like St Davids and Newport. “We’re seeing properties come on the market at such a volume that I’ve never seen in 30 years,” he said. Evans noted that second home owners could easily relocate across the Severn Bridge, where such premiums do not apply, adding that the policy has also had a detrimental effect on the local holiday trade.

The issue of second homes has long been contentious in Wales, particularly in areas like Gwynedd, where the local council has been accused of “playing Russian roulette” by imposing a 250% council tax premium on second homes. Earlier this year, Gwynedd went a step further, requiring new second homes to obtain planning consent—a measure that will come into effect on 1 September.

Cyngor Gwynedd has justified these policies by citing the “huge housing crisis” in the area, with many young people supporting the move as they find themselves priced out of the housing market by wealthy second home owners. Other Welsh councils, including Anglesey and Conwy, have also implemented council tax premiums, albeit at lower rates of 100%. Ceredigion is set to increase its premium from 100% to 150% in 2025, while Carmarthenshire currently charges a 50% premium.

Campaigners like Hedd Ladd Lewis, who advocates for housing market reform, welcomed the increase in second homes on the market as a positive sign but remained sceptical about whether local residents could afford these properties. “What we have is an open market and local people who earn wages – on average around £28,000 a year – will not be able to compete [for houses],” he said. Living in Newport, where 30% of properties are second homes or holiday lets, Lewis called for a legal act to ensure that the local community has the right to buy homes.

However, Aled Thomas, a local Conservative councillor, opposed the council tax premium, warning that it could harm the local economy. “Tourism is one of the things that brings money into the economy, but people are going out of business because of these policies,” he said. Thomas argued that the solution lies in building more homes, criticising the local council for constructing only 20 to 30 houses over the past 30 years. “That is disgraceful,” he added.

THE LATEST latest round of Pembrokeshire First Division football delivered some thrilling encounters, with standout performances from Monkton Swifts and Merlins Bridge, while Goodwick and Hakin couldn’t be separated in a tightly contested match.

Monkton Swifts 3-1 Carew
Monkton Swifts extended their unbeaten run with a solid 3-1 victory away at Carew. Dylan Davies was the star of the show, netting twice, while Ben Steele also added his name to the scoresheet, securing the win for the Swifts. Carew’s James Hinchliffe found the back of the net, but his effort wasn’t enough to prevent a home defeat. With this result, Carew has only one point from their opening three matches, signalling a slow start to their season.

Clarbeston Road 1-0 Milford United
In a closely-fought contest, Clarbeston Road edged out Milford United with a narrow 1-0 victory, courtesy of a goal from Travis Jones. Both teams had their chances, but it was Jones’ decisive strike that earned Clarbeston Road a valuable three points. Milford United, despite a spirited performance, will be disappointed to leave empty-handed.

Hakin United 1-1 Goodwick United
The highly anticipated clash between Hakin United and Goodwick United ended in a 1-1 draw. Shane Walsh opened the scoring for the Vikings, but Rhys Dalling quickly equalised for Goodwick, ensuring both sides shared the spoils. The evenly matched nature of the teams suggests that this season could see a thrilling title race.

Herbrandston 0-6 Merlins Bridge
Merlins Bridge delivered the most dominant performance of the weekend, thrashing Herbrandston 6-0. Jordan Thomas was in sensational form, scoring four goals, while Nathan Evans added a brace to complete the rout. Herbrandston face an uphill battle even at this early stage of the season, while the Wizards will be relieved to have secured their first win.

Kilgetty 0-4 Tenby
Tenby cruised to a comfortable 4-0 victory over local rivals Kilgetty, with four different players finding the net. Jerome Mansbridge, Joe Leahy (from the penalty spot), Daryl Mansbridge, and Fraser Finlay all contributed to Tenby’s dominant performance. The result leaves Tenby with seven points from a possible nine, marking a strong start to their campaign.

St Ishmaels 2-3 Pennar Robins
Pennar Robins emerged victorious in a five-goal thriller against St Ishmaels. Luke Phillips converted a penalty for Pennar, while Ben Adams struck twice to secure the win. Tish fought valiantly, with Brennan Devonald and Ieuan Hawkins both scoring for the home side, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Robins from taking all three points in an enthralling encounter.

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WITH ‘love where you live and work’ as the key focus of the campaign, Carmarthenshire County Council is looking to encourage qualified and experienced social workers to make the move and seek a better quality of life for themselves and their families.

This includes highlighting the best of what Carmarthenshire has to offer and the many benefits of living and working in the county such as breath-taking scenery, vibrant nightlife, exciting days out and a family friendly atmosphere.

Online information sessions will take place over several evenings throughout September and into October (Tuesday 11 September – Monday 7 October), giving anyone looking for more information to learn more about the salary, benefits and lifestyle in Carmarthenshire. More specific information is also available with one-to-one sessions and can include information on housing, schools, health and social care and much more.

With vacancies in their adults, children’s and integrated services teams, the Council is also looking to target qualified social workers from areas surrounding Carmarthenshire.

Cllr Jane Tremlett, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Services said: “Our new recruitment campaign looks to entice qualified social workers from areas across the UK to consider a career in Carmarthenshire and to make the move to our fantastic county.

We have a proud tradition of growing our own social workers here in Carmarthenshire, but alongside this we are seeking experienced social workers to join our teams and help make a difference to the lives of children and adults.”

With well supported teams and a good work/life balance, I would encourage anyone interested in learning more to sign up to one of our informal online information sessions where they can learn more.”

To find out more about living and working as a social worker in Carmarthenshire or to sign up for an online information session visit the Council’s website.