They come in all shapes and sizes, and were once purely the domain of beach goers sheltering from a downpour or taking respite from the sunshine for a quick bite to eat or a warming cuppa. However, today, beach huts are a whole new ball game and some have interiors that may just wow.
Of course, as the popularity of these little seaside havens increases, so does the price and according to the latest data the average price of a beach hut has risen by more than £10,000 in year. A beach-side 'hut' will now set you back, on average £50,336, says Rightmove. That's a jump of 28% from last year's average of £39,382.
So why are they so popular? Rightmove’s property expert, Tim Bannister, said: “Beach huts have become increasingly sought after over the past couple of years as more people headed to the British seaside for their holidays".
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Tim continued, explaining: "This has driven prices up, with the frenzied demand leading to some being sold for hundreds of thousands of pounds." Of course, you can still pick up a 'property' for less.
Over in Hunstanton on the Norfolk coast you can pick up a beach hut for as little at £11,995. This example, for sale with Belton Duffey, is situated on a site that runs parallel to the Promenade but it is close to toilet and shower facilities. There are several other examples in this area upwards of this price heading towards the average costs and above.
For those thinking about the Essex coastline, and in particular the area around Clacton-on-Sea, there is currently a beach hut on the market for £55,000. To be precise, it stands alongside the beach in Holland-on-Sea.
It is a traditional looking beach hut and inside there is just one room with work surfaces at one end and a fold-down hatch and stable style door at the other so you can look out across the beach towards the sea.
James Eniffer, director at Sheen’s Estate Agents in Clacton-on-Sea, the firm selling the beach hut, said: “We have seen a huge demand for people wanting a place near the seaside, which has driven prices upwards. The Tendring coast offers miles of impressive coastal walks along with some blue flag winning beaches too."
He went on: "Being so close to London with both direct rail links to London Liverpool Street and to the A12, the Tendring area is very accessible for a day tripper looking for an escape from the larger towns and cities. We often find that once people have a beach hut in the area, they hold onto them for many years for each generation of the family to enjoy.”
In Felixstowe, there is currently a recently redecorated "front row beach chalet" for sale at £65,000. This one has power connected according to selling agent Diamond Mills & Co. Meanwhile, in Frinton-on-Sea, there's a £60,000 front row beach hut for sale at £60,000.
Would you splash out on a seaside retreat? Let us know in the comments below.
