BRITAIN’S obsession with beach huts is only going to increase with prices set to sky-rocket in the next 12-months, a leading property expert has predicted.

The price of beach huts across many English seaside resorts soared by 43 per cent to an average £50,000 in the past year.
Jonathan Rolande, from the National Association of Property Buyers, is predicting a similar rise over the next 12 months.

He said: “The interest in beach huts is fast emerging as one of the most remarkable trends in the property market right now.

“People are literally queueing up to buy them in some places – with bidding wars taking place in many cases. The popularity is probably linked to the long, hot Summer of 2022. Also, staycations are still popular thanks to the increased cost of travel overseas and widely reported disruption at ports and airports in busy periods.”

Explaining another reason why prices are up he said: “The other issue driving price rises is that supply is pretty much static – which always helps to drive up prices. Many people have re-evaluated life and want to have more quality time with their family.

“In comparison to house prices a beach hut is still a cheap additional space, compared to the cost of a property. And the growth in popularity of paddle boarding, sea-swimming and kayaking makes a beach hut a convenient asset to own.”

A report last month found that while housing market price increases slowed to 5.5 per cent a year, there is no shortage of buyers for beach huts, a study by home moving specialists Moverly found.

The most expensive are in Dorset, with the average price there increasing by 101 per cent to £123,424.Other expensive locations include Kent, Essex, East and West Sussex, Norfolk and Hampshire.

Here Jonathan explains the pros and cons of buying a beach hut:

The pros of owning a beach house by AI

PROS:

1. Access to the beach: A beach hut gives you direct access to the beach, allowing you to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea whenever you want.

2. A private space: A beach hut provides a private space for you and your family to relax, change, and store your belongings.

3. A sense of community: Beach hut owners often form a close-knit community, which can be a great way to meet new people and make friends.

4. Rental income: If you’re not using your beach hut all the time, you can rent it out to others and make some extra money.

5. Investment potential: Beach huts can increase in value over time, making them a good investment opportunity.

6. Health benefits: Spending time near the sea has been linked to various health benefits, including reduced stress levels, improved mental health, and better sleep.

7. Great for family activities: Beach huts provide a perfect base for family activities, such as picnics, BBQs, and water sports.

8. Place to escape

CONS:

1. Cost: Beach huts can be expensive to buy, particularly in popular seaside locations. You’ll also need to factor in ongoing costs such as maintenance, insurance, and ground rent.

2. Weather: The UK weather can be unpredictable, and you may find that you’re not able to use your beach hut as much as you’d like, particularly during the winter months.

3. Limited space: Beach huts are often quite small, which means that you may not have enough space to store all your beach gear or entertain large groups of people.

4. Limited availability: Beach huts are in high demand, particularly in popular locations, so it can be difficult to find one to buy or rent.

5. Security: Beach huts can be vulnerable to theft or damage, particularly if they’re located in isolated areas or left unattended for long periods of time.

6. Restricted usage: Depending on the terms of your lease, there may be restrictions on how you can use your beach huts, such as restrictions on overnight stays or the types of activities you can engage in including working. Many people aim to use them as part of the WFH revolution but make sure you are not breaking any rules by doing so.

7. Maintenance: Beach huts require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition, which can be time-consuming and costly.