Keeping it local - the communities banning second homes

A growing number of communities in Devon and Cornwall are taking action to stop second home owners buying new-build properties. They feel it's stopping local people from living locally and destroying the community.

In June 2018, the residents of Bantham, Buckland and Thurlestone in South Devon voted for a ban. In Cornwall, the town of Mevagissey also introduced a ban, with 90% of locals voting in favour.

In Mevagissey the average property costs a staggering £300,000 - with an average wage of £15,000 - putting home ownership beyond the reach of many.

Lynton and Lynmouth introduced a ban on second homes in 2013. Credit: ITV West Country

In 2016, St Ives passed a ban on second homes, in 2017, St Minver and Rame Peninsula followed. Lynton and Lynmouth were first to introduce one in 2013 but has it worked?

A ban on new-build second homes might not be the whole solution. Second home owners can still buy older properties but people in Mevagissey believe it's a start.

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