蜜芽传媒

Second home ownership has always been controversial. Too many and a place no longer functions as a community. There are also claims that demand for second homes forces up prices and prices local people out. However, there are others that say that second homes bring life to communites, boost the economy and create jobs for those living in the area.

Councils have been given powers to charge more council tax on second homes, this started in April in England, and is already in place in Wales and Scotland. (Northern Ireland doesn鈥檛 apply an additional premium for second homes.)

Estate agents are now saying that they are seeing a marked number of second home owners looking to get their property on the market. However, these aren't your typical first time buyer properties, and not the answer to housing shortages.

Perhaps you have a second home, what do you contribute to the local community? If you live in a holiday area do you welcome second home owners as good for the local economy and good for local businesses? Or are there so many that you live in a ghost town for a lot of the year?

So, are second homes a good or bad thing in your experience?

Let us know - email youandyours@bbc.co.uk, and leave a number so we can call you back. And after 11am on Tuesday October 22, you can call us on 03700 100 444.

PRESENTER: WINIFRED ROBINSON

PRODUCER: DAVE JAMES