LONDON, UK / ACCESS Newswire / December 1, 2025 / The introduction of the High Value Council Tax Surcharge in last week's Budget is prompting families to reconsider the economics of luxury property ownership, according to specialists in large holiday home rentals.

Landed Houses, which has facilitated over 10,000 bookings at country estates and manor houses since 2009, reports website traffic up 17% year-on-year in the week following the Budget announcement - with new visitor numbers rising 15% compared to the same period last year.

The new surcharge, which takes effect in April 2028, will see owners of properties valued over £2 million pay between £2,500 and £7,500 annually on top of existing council tax. An estimated 100,000 homes across England will be affected, with approximately 80% located in London and the South East.

Sallie Hendrick, Bookings Manager at Landed Houses, believes the measure will accelerate demand for luxury holiday rentals as an alternative to ownership.

"For families who dream of gathering at a beautiful country estate, the mansion tax changes the calculation entirely," said Sallie Hendrick. "A week at a stunning manor house with 20 family members costs a fraction of the annual tax burden alone - before you even consider mortgages, maintenance, and the million pounds of capital tied up in bricks and mortar.

"We're seeing a growing trend toward what we call 'experience the lifestyle' holidays - multigenerational families who want the grandeur of a country estate for milestone celebrations without the long-term financial commitment. The Budget has only sharpened that appeal."

Industry data supports the shift toward group and multigenerational travel. Research indicates that 47% of UK travellers now choose multigenerational family trips - a 17% increase from 2024 - while bookings for properties sleeping eight or more guests have risen 25% year-on-year across the sector.

Landed Houses' portfolio of approximately 125 properties focuses exclusively on large country houses, estates, and manor houses accommodating groups of 16 or more guests, with prices typically ranging from £3,000 to £25,000 per week.

"The mansion tax targets the very properties our guests love to experience," Sallie added. "But there's a smarter way to enjoy that lifestyle - arrive on Friday, leave on Sunday, and let someone else worry about the council tax bill."

Landed Houses has operated since 2009, facilitating over 10,000 bookings. The company specialises in large holiday homes for groups of 16+ guests and properties include country estates, manor houses, and historic homes across the UK. Website: www.landedhouses.co.uk

MEDIA CONTACT

Name: Sallie Hendrick
Company: Landed Houses
Email: sallie@landedhouses.co.uk
Website: https://www.landedhouses.co.uk/

SOURCE: Landed Houses