Beach hut prices soar by as much as 100% in some desirable coastal locations

The latest research from over-50s property specialists, Regency Living, reveals that it’s not just demand for bricks and mortar that is pushing up house prices in Britain’s most desirable coastal locations, with the average price of a beach hut soaring by as much as 100% in some seaside towns.

High cost of coastal homes

England’s coastal locations have long been among the most desirable and in-demand homebuying hotspots, which means local house prices have always sat well above the national average. But Regency Living’s new analysis shows just how out of control coastal markets have become.

In West Sussex, home to popular seaside locations such as West Wittering, Bognor Regis, and Worthing, the average house price currently stands at £373,743*, marking a premium of 32.7% compared to the overall UK average of £268,652.

Homebuyers face a similar challenge in Hampshire where prices have increased by 2.4% in the past year to sit at an average of £365,384 – 30.5% above the national average.

The past year has seen prices in Essex climb by 4.4% to an average of £364,345 – 30.2% above the UK average – while large premiums are also an obstacle to hopeful buyers in Kent (25.8%), Dorset (20.5%), East Sussex (19.6%).

The premiums are slightly less dramatic in Suffolk (7.4%) and especially Norfolk (0.7%), but both counties have also recorded strong price growth in the past year at 4% and 3.7% respectively.

£100K+ for a beach hut

Such is the appetite for a beachside foothold that even beach huts have seen prices rise incredibly over recent years.

Despite the fact that you’re not allowed to live in a beach hut – or even sleep the night in one – additional insight from Regency shows that the average price for a beach hut in popular coastal counties has climbed by as much as 100% since 2022.

In West Sussex, the going rate for a beach hut currently stands at £33,044. This marks an eye-watering increase of 102.1% over just three short years. But this asking price pales in comparison to what you’re expected to pay elsewhere on the south coast.

In Dorset, the average beach hut price is a staggering £102,451 having increased by 66.3% since 2022. In Essex, you’re looking at a price tag of £45,878, followed by Kent (£43,661), Hampshire (£32,655), and East Sussex (£30,784).

Sales & Marketing Director at Regency Living, Tim Simmons said, “For many retirees and silver downsizers, the dream of living by the sea is starting to feel completely out of reach, with traditional homes in coastal counties commanding premiums of more than 30%.

With even beach huts now commanding five-figure price tags, it’s no surprise that more buyers are seeking smarter alternatives.

Park homes are becoming the solution of choice for those who want the benefits of coastal living without the burdens of sky-high property prices or a new mortgage.

They offer high-quality, low-maintenance homes in safe, close-knit communities at a fraction of the cost of bricks-and-mortar properties. Crucially, they also allow buyers to free up capital,  meaning more money to actually enjoy retirement, rather than just fund it.”