Reform MP Buys £800k Second Home After Housing Warning 2026

A Reform UK MP has purchased an £800,000 second home on the picturesque Welsh island of Anglesey, just two days after raising concerns in parliament about the impact of second homes on rural communities. Sarah Pochin, the MP for Runcorn and Helsby in Cheshire, completed the purchase of a Grade-II listed property on the southern coast of Anglesey (Ynys Môn) on 17 June, according to the Will Hayward newsletter.

Timeline of Events

The sequence of events has raised eyebrows among political commentators and local residents alike. On 15 June, Pochin submitted a written question to housing minister Matthew Pennycook, asking: "what assessment he has made of the potential impact of second home ownership on housing availability in coastal and rural communities".

Pennycook responded: "Excessive concentrations of short-term lets and second homes impact on the availability and affordability of homes for local residents to buy and rent, as well as local services." Two days later, Pochin completed the purchase of her own second home on the island.

The Property and Ownership Details

According to Land Registry records, the purchase was made jointly with Pochin's husband, Jonathan. The couple, who have submitted plans to Anglesey County Council for changes to the property, retain ownership of another home in Cheshire. This means the MP now owns at least two properties, one of which is a second home in a constituency far from her own.

Anglesey: A Second Home Hotspot

Anglesey, famous for its coastline and ancient Celtic and Roman history, has become a hotspot for second home ownership in recent years. The island had the largest increase in holiday home users among local authorities from 2011 to 2021, according to the Office for National Statistics.

As of March 2026, Cyngor Sir Ynys Môn (Anglesey County Council) reported that over 1,500 properties were registered as second homes, representing approximately 5% of the island's housing stock. This surge has been linked to rising house prices and a shortage of affordable homes for local residents.

Political Reaction and Implications

The timing of the purchase has sparked criticism from opposition parties and local campaigners. A spokesperson for the Welsh Liberal Democrats said: "This is hypocrisy of the highest order. To raise concerns about second homes and then buy one two days later shows a complete lack of awareness."

Reform UK has defended the MP, stating that the purchase was a personal matter and that Pochin's parliamentary question was part of her duty to represent constituents' concerns. However, the incident may fuel further debate about the impact of second homes on rural communities across the UK.

• Reform MP Sarah Pochin bought an £800,000 second home on Anglesey.
• The purchase occurred two days after she raised concerns about second home ownership in parliament.
• Anglesey has seen a significant increase in second homes, impacting local housing affordability.
• The MP already owns a home in Cheshire with her husband.
• The timing has led to accusations of hypocrisy from political opponents.

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