The demand for an easygoing, self-catering break in the UK is higher than ever, as holidaymakers continue to escape to cabins, treehouses, and the cosiest of cottages.
Finding a staycation has never been more hassle-free, and research by Sykes Cottages shows a 9% increase in UK getaway bookings this July and August, in comparison to last year. This has been reflected within the growth of self-catering brands; take Boutique Retreats, for example, whose portfolio has grown drastically from 257 properties to 274 in one year alone.
Although despite the demand from travellers, being a holiday home owner is proving difficult due to the increasing burden of tax, regulation, and hostile sentiment. However, for those looking to invest, the slump in house prices in areas popular with visitors may provide for the perfect investment opportunity.
Turns out, prices for homes in prime coastal locations have dropped by 15.7% since 2022 and 6.7% since last year. If you are someone thinking about becoming an owner of a holiday home to let, location is everything, and according to The Telegraph, these are the very best spots.
Burford, Oxfordshire
As one of the Cotswolds’ sought-after ‘golden triangle’ towns, Burford is a beautiful spot, at the top of the list for many tourists and visitors. It’s nearby to Estelle Manor and Soho Farmhouse, bringing in a lot of people, but those wanting to explore the Cotswolds themselves often opt to stay in the town.
With a maze of historical architecture, a quaint high street offering a range of independent shops, and plenty of food spots, Burford has the perfect vibe for a countryside getaway. Not to mention, it’s thought that the Beckhams live on the outskirts of the charming town.
Chester, Cheshire
Chester, sitting comfortably close to Chester Zoo, Chester Racecourse, and the Blue Planet Aquarium, makes for the classic mini-break city. What makes it a standout stay is also its proximity to the beaches of North Wales via car and the trails of Snowdonia.
Its ancient buildings and traditional rules restrict a lot of housebuilding, which explains its handy low holiday let ratio, at just 3.9 in every 1000 properties. The limited accommodation means there is a high demand from those visiting but also brings along stiff competition from fellow buyers.
Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria
Bowness-on-Windermere is the Lake District escape that tourists love for its ancient fishing village and the charm of its 11th-century origins. Holiday rentals here are not short on business, and with a suitable amount of pubs, cafes, and breathtaking views, it offers everything for the perfect weekend away.
Weymouth, Dorset
Weymouth is on the up as an investment location, thanks to the likes of the Nyetimber Seafood Festival and the Weymouth Food Festival. Of course, visitors have been flocking for years for its beautiful beaches, but these events are offering more opportunities for holiday home rentals to rake it in.
The three-mile stretch of sandy beach, paired with charming period villas across the promenade, gives Weymouth an idyllic backdrop for young families. Its shallow waters and cost-effective benefits make it the ideal escape by the seaside, and it is not a destination to be overlooked.
Southwold, Suffolk
Southworld is home to white sands lined with picture-perfect pastel-coloured beach huts and a pier, all set against the backdrop of a historic town.
Packed full of independent stores and a renowned food scene, it draws in families from the capital who are looking for a relatively easy escape. As an upscale seaside resort that competes with the likes of Brighton and Southwold, demand outweighs its supply, and it has strong capital growth and yields.
The full list of holiday let locations
- Burford, Oxfordshire
- Chester, Cheshire
- Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria
- Weymouth, Dorset
- Betws-y-coed, Conwy
- Southwold, Suffolk
- Haworth, West Yorkshire
- Crantock, Cornwall
- Seahouses, Northumberland
- Inverness, Inverness-shire