The problem of second homes in and around Rye is one that has been acknowledged for some time. There is a shortage of housing in the town, particularly at the less expensive end of the market and the problem has been regularly aired in the chambers of both Rye Town Council and Rother District Council. Second home ownership invariably means that the property is left unoccupied for a large part of the year and too many unoccupied properties have been shown elsewhere to have a significant effect on both the social and commercial life of an area.
There have been various suggestions as to the best way of dealing with this from adjusting (upwards) the level of council tax charge on unoccupied homes through to the Channel Islands system of one price for local residents and a second much higher one for incomers not intending to live here full time. No single answer has yet been arrived at, but discussions on how to tackle the problem are currently ongoing.
But there is also another growing factor that is affecting the market, and this is the increasing number of properties used for holiday lets. For the period of 2017 – 2018, for example, Rye News understands that the increase in Airbnb listings increased by some 33% nationwide. This figure will obviously vary from area to area and there is no doubt that some of the listings will refer to additional space either in, or attached to the owner’s own fully-occupied house, but a great many will be properties specifically acquired for the purpose of holiday lets, fuelled by the current increase in “staycation” holidays.
The Westminster government is now recognising the issue via a review and a call for evidence launched by the Department of Media, Culture and Sport last week.
We understand from the office of our local MP, that the review will focus on understanding the effects – both positive and negative – of short-term holiday lets on communities
“across the country, especially those in popular tourism destinations such as Hastings, Rye and the wider 1066 Country area”.
The review will acknowledge the positive effects of tourism on local businesses but will also look at the effect on house prices and availability and it will provide an opportunity for local residents to make their own views known. The call for evidence will run until September 21 and more information can be found here.
The MP for Rye, Sally-Ann Hart has commented on the initiative, saying:
“Tourist footfall remains as important as ever for many local businesses in Hastings and Rye and whilst it is fantastic that so many people wish to spend time in our beautiful part of the country, I know that some residents are concerned about the impact of short-term holiday lets.
“That is why I have been encouraging ministers to look into the issue in greater detail, and this review and call for evidence empowers those with concerns, views and opinions to have their voices heard.”
Image Credits: Kenneth Bird .
The biggest negative in Rye is the buy to rent brigade, buying up all the less expensive houses and reletting them to vunerable people who cannot get on the social housing list at extortionate rents. Once after a few years they then sell on, and more people who wish to settle in Rye have to move on against their wishes.
Is there any aspect of Rye life that gives you joy? The world turns and things change.
Being a real Ryer John,I do worry about how our town has changed dramatically over the last few years,and of course some like yourself will not agree with my views,but one thing all the time Rye news prints my letters,I will always add my full name,and not hide behind my keyboard.
I asked you John what an “outsider” was in another correspondence thread but didn’t get an answer I’m afraid. Please can you explain, for all of our benefits, what a “real Ryer” is. Thanks!
I don’t often agree with John Tolhurst but he’s exactly right on this issue. Yes, the world turns and things change but not for the better, John.
Rye, like many attractive towns, has become a feast for people with money to snap up the cheaper homes to rent or Air B & B.
I love Rye, it’s unique and don’t want it to become a ghost town where locals can’t afford to live here.
Things can and often do change for the better. Admittedly the larger picture shows the world to be in a parlous place at the moment, but we’ve been there before. Rye has and still is undergoing change and I applaud those who are trying to make this a change for the better. And there’s the problem. I spent almost the whole of my childhood and young adulthood in the town. I have an affection for it, but I would hate to be thought of as a Ryer, whatever that is.
Despite the lovely old buildings and quaint streets and the loads of history, life in Rye was boring beyond belief, dullsville, a dying town in which to live and await to die. I and many like me couldn’t wait to get out, so we did. Now, things are changing and the town has come alive and yet the lovely old buildings* and quaint streets are still there. Cheer up everyone and enjoy what you have got.
*If one can ignore the external colour of the rebuilt George Hotel!
Just like to say too John and Bob Dalton, there has always been an old Rye saying,if you have lived in the town for 50 years,you are entitled to be called a Ryer, try learning from others aswell that will confirm this.
John is right, I too grew up in Rye in the 50’s and 60’s and apart from a fine youth club and the cadets organisations there was very little to do.
But Rye has learned very little from that and it still rings true today, there’s very little geared to the young, fast food outlets are a no no as is anything else that would mean the young gathering.
Sadly or obviously the young in Rye are not into art galleries, tut shops or antique shops which is more or less all Rye has to offer.
Does anyone on the various councils that run this town ever talk to the young and ask them what they want they didn’t back in my day and I very much doubt that they do now.
Locals are not suddenly going to disappear and their wishes and wants are as important as the rich of the town and need to be heard but I very much doubt. They will be.
John Tolhurst and other contributors frequently refer to ‘real Ryers’ I am anxious to understand what conditions must be met to achieve this status. Perhaps readers could put forward some suggestions. To get the ball rolling here are a few. Place of conception, place of birth, duration of residency, schooling, employment and contribution to the life of Rye.
I’m not considered a Ryer as I wasn’t born here, although I’ve lived in the town for 50 years!
I get really fed up with the comments about newcomers and people who become Town Councillors etc that have only just moved into the town.
A perfect example is the Heritage Centre, most of volunteers are not Ryers. In fact the chairman of the Trustees has only been here for a few years.
Newcomers bring energy to the town and many join our local organisations and contribute something.
Perhaps instead of whinging, why not become a volunteer? We desperately need more in the Heritage Centre to preserve the Town Model
David in reply to your comments I believe I’m considered to be a real Ryer, my grandad & grandma lived in Rye , my farther & mother lived in Rye I was born in Rye and still do well over 130 years my family has lived in Rye,
So you might say I’m a real Ryer went to school in Rye so did my children and my contribution to Rye was several Charity Disco in aid of Rye swimming pool.
My wife & son had a shop & a business in Rye.
So hopefully you consider my family as a real Ryer.
Vic V
It’s good to see Steve Blattman volunteering his services to the heritage centre, many of us have contributed to the wellbeing of the town over the years,serving on various committees, and I’m glad he is keeping this tradition going, at the heritage centre.
I was always told that to be a real Ryer you either had to be born in town or walk down Mermaid Street blind drunk without falling over!
I’m a true Ryer! Born in Rye in the same house and bed as my dad. Lived here for 50 years. Served as a firefighter in the town for 9 years, ran my decorating buisness here and painted most of town. I have contributed to many an event, got confirmed in st Mary’s church, raised my family here and have enjoyed my life whole heartedly since doing so. This makes me very proud.
I have no issues with anyone moving to the town, and it’s good to offer additional accommodation to those who want to visit our lovey town. However, there should be some sort of housing scheme to accommodate the locals. New builds and opening up some of the redundant accommodation in the town. There is actually a lot of buildings that remain empty.
I too am a Ryer. My concern is with the affordable housing. The new builds are out of most people’s price range. The private renting has gone sky high. What does a young working couple do?
The lack of ” affordable housing” is a national issue and that can only be resolved by National Govt with major funds to buy up and build and RENT or sell at subsidies – something that the current Govt wont do as the focus is on tax cuts not spending. ( I am not making a political party point, labour administrations were little better ).
Take the old granary as an example ( though there are many others ). Had the Local Housing authority bought it at full market value when it was doubtless initially available and redeveloped it themselves there would have been maybe 6 flats for young ( er ) people / ” starter ” homes . But funds are not provided by central Government to undertake such ideas. Some housing trusts do such things occasionally in major conurbations bat far too infrequently .
The article about second homes seemed to turn into a competion of who is a Ryer or not. Does it really matter? I have been in Rye 10 years have been part of the group fighting for the Kino which made the town more vibrant and volunteered at various projects over the years including the vaxination centre and the panel who gives money from the windfarm fund to local and Kent projects making a huge difference.
I don’t care what I am called but I do care about the housing situation, second homes, as I have worked with young people who have no hope of renting reasonably ,forget buying. In Europe it is regulated and landlords cannot throw people out on a whim or increase rents as they wish.
Also a youth club would be wonderful. Youth has nothing locally. Rye Town Council should work with Rother to find a suitable place and set it up.
Yes we need tourism and cater for it but we should not forget the young who live here. Heidi Foster