Living the Dream: The Rise of Holiday Homes in England
Introduction:
Holiday homes have become increasingly popular in England, with coastal areas, national parks, and areas of outstanding natural beauty being the most sought-after locations. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has recently released data from the 2021 census, revealing interesting insights into the prevalence and concentration of holiday homes across the country. This article explores the findings and delves deeper into the implications of this phenomenon.
The Devon Dream:
Devon takes the spotlight as a leading destination for holiday homes in England. The Salcombe, Malborough, and Thurlestone area on the south Devon coast boasts the highest ratio in the country, with 172 holiday homes per 1,000 addresses. South Hams, the local authority encompassing these areas, holds the record for the highest concentration of holiday homes, with 44 per 1,000 addresses. These figures highlight the allure of Devon’s stunning coastal landscape and reinforce its status as a top spot for second home ownership.
Cornwall’s Crown:
While Devon steals the limelight, it is Cornwall that takes the crown for the highest number of holiday homes in England. The census reveals that Cornwall boasts a staggering 6,080 holiday homes, followed by Gwynedd in Wales with 2,590, Dorset with 2,490, and North Norfolk with 2,195. Cornwall’s popularity as a holiday destination is evident, attracting both local and international visitors with its breathtaking beaches and charming seaside towns.
The Race of Ratios:
Aside from Devon and Cornwall, several other areas in England and Wales boast a significant proportion of holiday homes. In fact, there are seven local areas where at least one in ten residential properties are used as holiday homes. Alongside Salcombe, Malborough, and Thurlestone in Devon, Abersoch and Aberdaron in Gwynedd also make the list. Additional hotspots include Trebetherick and Whitecross, and Padstow and St Issey in Cornwall, Brancaster, Burnham Market, and Docking, and Hunstanton in King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, as well as Wells and Blakeney in North Norfolk. These locations offer a wide range of leisure activities, picturesque views, and a relaxed ambiance, making them highly desirable for holiday home seekers.
Legislative Changes:
Recognizing the impact of holiday homes on local communities and housing availability, the UK and Welsh parliaments have introduced new laws to regulate second home ownership. From April 2023, second home owners in England must provide evidence of renting their property for at least 70 days per year and have it available for rent for a minimum of 140 days to qualify for reduced rates for small companies. These measures aim to ensure that second homes are contributing to the rental market and alleviating housing shortages, rather than sitting empty for the majority of the year.
The Economic Impact:
The rise of holiday homes has significant implications for local economies. From creating jobs in the tourism sector to boosting local businesses, the holiday home industry contributes significantly to the economic well-being of communities in popular vacation destinations. Local shops, restaurants, and amenities thrive on the influx of visitors, and many areas have experienced a revitalization of their economy due to the demand for holiday homes.
Hidden Costs and Housing Crisis:
While holiday homes bring economic benefits, they also pose challenges for local communities. The unequal distribution of available housing drives up property prices and makes it increasingly difficult for local residents to afford permanent homes. In areas with a high concentration of holiday homes, such as South Hams in Devon, the strain on housing supply has led to a housing crisis. To address this issue, local authorities have proposed measures to ensure second home owners pay their fair share of council tax, including doubling the council tax for second homes. These measures aim to encourage second home owners to contribute to the local community and alleviate the strain on housing availability.
Conclusion:
The rise of holiday homes in England signifies both the allure of picturesque locations and the economic opportunities they bring. While the industry benefits local economies and provides employment opportunities, it also poses challenges for housing availability and affordability. Striking a balance between promoting tourism and ensuring sustainable housing practices is essential to both preserve the charm of these destinations and support local communities. As the popularity of holiday homes continues to soar, finding innovative solutions and strategies to address these challenges will be crucial for maintaining the harmony between tourism and housing needs.
Summary:
Holiday homes are on the rise in England, with Devon and Cornwall leading the way. The Salcombe, Malborough, and Thurlestone area in Devon boasts the highest ratio of holiday homes, followed by Cornwall with the highest number of holiday homes. Several other areas in England and Wales also have a significant proportion of holiday homes. Legislative changes have been introduced to regulate second home ownership and ensure that second homes contribute to the rental market. While holiday homes bring economic benefits, they also pose challenges for housing availability and affordability. Local communities are adopting measures to address these issues and ensure a fair distribution of resources. Finding a balance between tourism and housing needs is crucial for the sustainable growth of holiday home destinations in England.
Engaging Additional Piece:
Living the Dream: How Holiday Homes Have Transformed Coastal Communities
Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing against the shore, with a breathtaking view of the sun rising over the horizon. This is the reality for many holiday home owners in England’s coastal communities. The rise of holiday homes has not only transformed the landscapes of these areas but also the lives of the people who call them home, even if only for a few weeks a year.
Coastal communities have always been popular holiday destinations, attracting visitors with their stunning beaches, charming seaside towns, and unparalleled natural beauty. However, the surge in holiday home ownership has taken this popularity to new heights. With picturesque locations and a relaxed ambiance, these areas offer the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
But what impact does this influx of holiday homes have on local communities? On one hand, it brings economic prosperity. Local businesses thrive on the influx of tourists, creating employment opportunities and boosting the local economy. From quaint seaside shops to bustling beachfront cafes, these areas come alive during the holiday season, providing a vibrant and thriving community for residents and visitors alike.
However, the rise of holiday homes also presents challenges. The demand for second homes drives up property prices, making it increasingly difficult for local residents to afford permanent housing. This has led to a housing crisis in some areas, where the availability of affordable housing for local residents is scarce. Striking a balance between catering to the needs of holiday home owners and ensuring housing availability for local communities is a delicate task that requires careful consideration.
To address this issue, local authorities have proposed measures to ensure second home owners contribute to the local community. One such proposal is to double the council tax for second homes, ensuring a fair share of the tax burden falls on those benefiting from the area’s amenities and services. This approach aims to encourage second home owners to become active members of the community and alleviate the strain on housing availability.
While regulations and measures can help manage the impact of holiday home ownership, it is important to recognize the value that these second homes bring to coastal communities. They provide an economic lifeline, supporting local businesses and creating employment opportunities. They also contribute to the preservation and maintenance of the local environment and heritage, as second home owners often invest in the restoration and upkeep of their properties.
Holiday homes offer not just a place to relax and recharge but also an opportunity to immerse oneself in the unique culture and lifestyle of coastal communities. They provide a gateway for individuals and families to experience the joys of seaside living, even if only for a short time. Whether it’s exploring hidden coves, indulging in local seafood delicacies, or simply enjoying the peace and tranquility of coastal living, holiday homes offer a chance to create lasting memories and forge deep connections to these unique destinations.
In conclusion, holiday homes have become an integral part of England’s coastal communities, bringing economic prosperity and unique experiences to both visitors and residents. While there are challenges to address, finding innovative solutions that strike a balance between tourism and housing needs is key to ensuring the sustainable growth and vibrancy of these areas. By harnessing the benefits of holiday home ownership while addressing housing affordability, we can create a harmonious and thriving environment for all. So why not consider living the dream and investing in a holiday home in one of England’s coastal gems? You might just find yourself falling in love with a new way of life.
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A part of Devon has the highest proportion of holiday homes of any part of England. The Salcombe, Malborough and Thurlestone area on the south Devon coast has the highest ratio, with 172 holiday homes per 1,000 addresses.
Cornwall had the largest number of holiday homes at the time of the census (6,080), followed by Gwynedd (2,590), Dorset (2,490) and North Norfolk (2,195). But South Hams, which contains Salcombe, Malborough and Thurlestone and its highest numbers, was the local authority with the highest concentration of holiday homes, with 44 out of 1,000 addresses.
There are seven local areas in England and Wales where at least one in 10 residential properties are used as holiday homes. Along with Salcombe, Malborough & Thurlestone in Devon and Abersoch & Aberdaron in Gwynedd, there are Trebetherick & Whitecross (140 per 1,000) and Padstow & St Issey (121 per 1,000) in Cornwall; Brancaster, Burnham Market & Docking (130 per 1,000) and Hunstanton (104 per 1,000) in King’s Lynn and West Norfolk; and Wells & Blakeney (109 per 1,000) in North Norfolk. The list excludes the Isles of Scilly, which have a very small resident population.
Read more – Devon tourists rush to seaside resort that’s ‘just like mainland Europe’
The census data on second addresses includes only people who reported spending at least 30 days a year on the property. But the total number of second addresses used as vacation homes and the people who use them is likely to be higher, the ONS said.
The figures have been compiled by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and are based on the 2021 census. They show that around 70,000 second addresses in England and Wales are used as holiday homes and are mainly concentrated in coastal areas, national parks and areas of outstanding national beauty.
The UK and Welsh parliaments recently passed new laws regulating second home ownership. From April 2023, second home owners in England must prove that they rent on holiday for a minimum of 70 days per year and are available to rent for at least 140 days, in order to qualify for reduced rates for small companies.
The full council of South Hams borough council previously unanimously agreed to proposals for second home owners to pay a fair share of council tax. The agreed proposals would make second-home owners pay double the council tax for the area. In 2021, the area declared a housing crisis.
https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/posh-salcombe-officially-second-home-8536655.amp
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