Is it OK ... to buy a second home?

All the figures suggest that the proportion of second-home ownership is only likely to increase further in coming years. According to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, in 2005 the number of English families with second homes passed 500,000 for the first time - a rise of 10% in just a year. Of the almost 330,000 second homes owned in the UK, nearly 80,000 are located in Devon or Cornwall. The next most popular location is the south-east (67,000), followed by the north-east and north-west (48,000), East Anglia (34,000), London (32,000) and Scotland and Wales (26,000).

Critics of second homes list a number of key problems: 1. First, they restrict the supply of available housing to locals, thereby forcing up house prices. 2. Second, second-home owners typically use local services, such as libraries, post offices, shops and schools, far less - which serves to undermine their viability. In combination, this increases the pressure on those looking for jobs and homes - typically, the young - forcing them to leave the area to look elsewhere, which exacerbates the problem further still. 3. And the rising demand for "buy-to-jet" homes abroad, as well as ramping up prices (in Montpellier and Seville they have more than doubled since 2001 largely because they are well served by budget airlines), adds another problem - increased aviation-related greenhousegas emissions. Either way, supporting the local economy by staying in a locally owned hotel or B&B seems a far more sustainable way to enjoy a much-loved area. Or just moving there permanently.

Second homes face tax increase

The beauty of the Lake District is a magnet to tourists People living in the Lake District have welcomed moves by the government to scrap council tax discounts on second homes. The area is popular with people buying holiday homes, meaning house prices are often pushed out of the reach of local people. The government is due to begin a consultation exercise on Friday, which is expected to lead to the end of half-price discounts.

Controls on second homes reviewed

Plaid have called for a "mature debate" on holiday homes Radical plans which would require second home buyers to apply for planning permission could be introduced in Wales to protect rural communities.