Faroese support municipalities imposing service fees on vacation homes

Two out of three Faroese people, or 67 percent, support granting municipalities the authority to impose service fees on vacation homes and unoccupied properties within their jurisdictions. This finding comes from a significant municipal survey conducted by Kringvarp.

However, 22 percent oppose the fees, while 11 percent are undecided.

The Ministry of Finance is preparing to allow municipalities to charge a so-called service fee to homeowners with second homes or vacant properties. The municipalities’ association has long advocated for such powers. The proposed fee would cover services such as snow removal, waste collection, road maintenance, and other municipal services provided to these homes, even when they remain unoccupied for a considerable part of the year.

The survey also indicates that support for service fees is particularly high among men, though the difference between genders is not significant. In contrast, a notable age gap exists; significantly fewer individuals aged 18-29 support service fees compared to older age groups.

When examining regional differences within the country, support varies quite a bit. In Suðuroy, 80 percent are in favor of the service fees, while in Norðoyggjar, only 57 percent share this view.

Additionally, the survey finds that support for service fees correlates with individuals’ income levels. Unsurprisingly, the endorsement for such fees rises in line with higher annual incomes, although it decreases among the highest earners.