I meant simply that you have a position re this matter and you've made that clear in your post. I also have view and I agree that the legislation could probably have been better framed. I'm told that mountain bothies have been drawn into this for example. Likewise, the 32 local authories should agree a consistent position over problematic issues via COSLA but the whole point of local democracy is to respect local conditions. However, the idea that short term lets should not be regulated is untenable and some of the responses in the media from STL owners (such as the "pogrom" I quoted) , has been grossly exaggerated and appears aimed at stopping the legislation rather than amending it.
The flaw in my analogy being that my bike will only ever cost me and when I sell it, I will never make a profit. Not so with housing!
STLs are profit making and part of the reason for their profitability has been market conditions, as I pointed out. Recent changes in interest rates must surely have been a factor in STL owners cashing in their property investments. Likewise, the £5000 you mention should be regarded as investment not pure cost. That investment will be recouped over time. Trouble is that housing has become regarded by many as a way of making a quick and very large buck.
Sorry Dane but if they can't understand the difference between "Should" and "Must" ... come on! Surely the trade body quoted above should have been supporting them in providing guidance?
There's a bigger issue here Dane, as I've alluded to in my posts. I think you should watch the TV prog I posted about above earlier. I appreciate your circumstances are unique to you but the wider issue is the housing market. Successive governments have, by omission and commission, created a housing market which disproportionately favours people with capital over people without capital. Young people cannot afford to buy homes which people of my generation, at their age and income level, could easily afford. Housing has become, disproportionately, a source of significant income and profit rather than providing roofs over heads and serving the wider economy. The STL issue, especially in the cities, is part of that. A lack of regulation and low interest rates have helped to inflate house prices and remove houses from the market for permanent or long term homes. STL legislation and higher interest rates will go some way to re-balancing the housing market.
I appreciate that's no consolation to yourself when you've clearly invested time, money and emotion into your second home but it's whats needed (and more) if things are to get back to a better balance.