Beach hut sales go through the roof after summer heatwave
Zenna Everett, of Boydens, says: "In some cases, a hut has come on the market and within hours we’ve had an offer accepted."
Forget the Mansion Tax. In Essex, the property to have this summer costs as little as £10,000 and comes with a bucket and spade.
Estate agent Boydens has sold an impressive number of beach huts – a total of 16 so far this year.
It says the long heatwave this summer sent demand for the seaside properties soaring.
In particular, demand has been high among young families and grandparents keen to own a slice of the seaside at Frinton-on-Sea and nearby.
The hotspots include High Wall, Low Wall and The Leas, near the centre of Frinton, as well as Southcliff in Walton-on-the-Naze.
In some cases, a hut has come on the market and within hours we’ve had an offer accepted.”
Zenna Everett, Sales and Lettings Negotiator at Boydens’ Frinton-on-Sea office, has been dubbed the ‘Queen of Beach Huts’ by colleagues.
She says: “The level of interest in acquiring beach huts has gone through the roof this summer. In some cases, a hut has come on the market and within hours we’ve had an offer accepted.”
Across the region, asking prices for beach huts start at around £10,000 and can run up to £60,000 depending on the location, with an annual licence fee payable to the local authority where applicable.
Demand has not tailed off with the sunshine, with Boydens completing on five huts in August and more going through this month.
Seaside convenience
Everett adds: “The prolonged heatwave has been a big factor with people wanting to spend more time at the beach.
“Most of the sales have been to clients living in the likes of Brentwood, Chelmsford and Romford who just want somewhere to escape to with their children or grandchildren.
“I think people like the convenience of a beach hut as it gives them a base, somewhere to relax and to store their things.
“People like the fact that they can own their own little bit of seaside and enjoy the most amazing views.”
