One village in the UK has been hailed as the most-profitable place to have a holiday let in the country.
Seahouses in Northumberland is experiencing a tourism boom but this is dividing the locals some of whom are wary of the influx of visitors over the summer months. In 2023, rental income surged by a massive 36 per cent to £29,700, recent data shows. But the knock-on impact has lead to a surging property market and increases in house prices. Young people are being forced out because they can't buy in the area.
The town sits on the northeast coast of England and is a short boat ride to Farne Islands, which is internationally renowned for its seal and puffin breeding colonies. On the mainland, it's close to the stunning, hilltop 12th Century Bamburgh Castle, which overlooks a long sandy beach.
Local business owner Julie Dawson is struggling to hire staff, and says the village has changed so "it's just not the same any longer". Speaking to the Daily Express, she said: "I don't mind some tourism, but there needs to be a balance as there are far too many now. Too many second homes, and no affordable housing for our children. It's a vicious cycle as more tourism needs staff to run businesses but no permanent housing chases the working age people out."
Robert Glass, another local, expressed more concern over how locals are being priced out. He said: "This area massively depends on tourism but the preponderance of second homes, holiday lets, and Airbnbs has meant there is virtually nowhere affordable for local people to live unless they are on big wages."
Now, the high street is packed with kebab shops, fish and chip shops, and bargain stores. Car parks are also overflowing, with the traffic being blamed for a rise in pollution. Locals have also reported huge number of tourists queuing at the side of the road to cross because there's so much traffic. The town is lined with boutique shops, quirky cafes and restaurant attracting Brits looking for a relaxed staycation. Local resident Rach Douglas added: "What is needed is balance. This can only come from investment in social and affordable housing for residents and investment in social, educational and economic services for those residents of all ages."