Staycation became one of the buzzwords of the pandemic as international travel ground to a halt and holidaymakers decided to take a break more locally.
While this type of holiday has been rising in popularity in recent years, intermittent restrictions and health measures since 2020 have meant that many people are turning their attention to the exciting holiday opportunities on their doorstep, exploring and enjoying Britain’s hidden and not-so-hidden gems.
Although international travel has opened up again and people can now go overseas once more, staycations have made their mark and are here to stay. Research carried out by Square has revealed that 45% of UK holidaymakers plan to holiday in Britain in 2022 and 1 in 10 will continue to do so for at least the next three years. Affordable, more sustainable and with no passport needed, practically hassle-free holidays are appealing to more and more people.
So with that being said, where is the best place to buy a holiday home? Another way to reduce the hassle of travelling is to buy a holiday home right here in the UK.
Why you should buy a holiday home in the UK
There’s never been more interest in UK staycations
While we learn to live with the virus, there are some lingering hygiene and health fears it seems we can’t shake off. Hotels, particularly all-inclusive deals, have seen a dip in interest as holidaymakers opt for private, self-catered accommodation over the unknown of shared facilities. Environmental concerns have also intensified over recent years, meaning many eco-conscious travellers are opting for no-flight holidays over high-emission flights across the globe.
It’s a home away from home
Whether you’re taking a long break or simply want a weekend away, a holiday home provides a much-needed change of scenery and a familiar place you can escape to. A home away from home, it’s a fantastic and affordable option for staycationers who want to make the most of a getaway in their favourite corner of the country. There’s a sense of the unknown when booking a hotel that can be off-putting to many - you don’t always know exactly what you’re getting until you’ve arrived and checked in. Owning a holiday property means you don’t have to leave your home comforts behind when you travel, and know exactly what to expect upon arrival.
It’s convenient
You can even find holiday homes in Britain’s holiday hotspots, reducing the stresses of finding accommodation at peak times by knowing you have somewhere to come home to. If you often go on holiday to the same place, buying a holiday home there makes sense. You can simply get in your car and travel there whenever you like, without having to worry about flights, hotels and transfers. Say goodbye to the once-a-year holiday - when you own a second home in the UK, you can take a trip whenever you feel like it.
There’s something for everyone
What makes the UK the ideal place to purchase a holiday home is the variety it offers holidaymakers. You have easy access to beaches, cities and countryside from many locations across the country, and good transport links. The UK is a relatively small country, meaning you can get from place to place and switch up your scenery very easily, especially by car. This offers tourists an exciting and varied holiday with little restrictions on what you can see and do.
Best places to buy a holiday home in the UK
So, where is the best place to buy a holiday home in the UK? According to The Great British Staycation Survey, Cornwall is the nation’s favourite holiday destination and Wales also sits comfortably in the top 5. But the right destination for you ultimately comes down to your needs, preferences and how far you’re willing to travel from your primary home to get there.
Cornwall
Widely thought to be one of the most beautiful regions in the country, Cornwall has long been a staycation hotspot, and is considered by many to be the best place to own a holiday home in the UK.
Its unique climate, pristine beaches, quirky independent pubs and shops and range of fun activities (surfing, anyone?) means there’s something for everyone. Receiving a huge number of holiday bookings each year, it’s safe to say that this is the UK’s favourite staycation destination, and one of the best places to buy a holiday home if you’re looking to make money from sub-letting.
With places like St Ives, Bude and Newquay to explore, holiday goers really can get the best of both worlds in Cornwall, with beaches, countryside and towns all within reach. If you don’t want to travel around too much, St Ives makes the perfect base for a holiday home, as all of Cornwall’s main attractions are easily accessible.
South Wales
Another holiday home hotspot is the South of Wales. In Wales you’re never far from a mountain or beach, making it a popular destination for nature lovers. This also makes it the ideal spot for walkers, hikers, cyclists and sailors, with beautiful beaches and fascinating marine life on your doorstep.
Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire are known for coastal getaways, putting them at the top of the list for ideal second home locations. You’ll also find castles, ruins and green spaces such as the famous Brecon Beacons National Park, known for its beauty and adventurous walking trails.
The Residences
The Residences in Laugharne, Carmarthenshire and Bude, North Cornwall offer the freedom of holiday home ownership in these must-visit areas, providing luxury without breaking the bank.
Prices start from £195,000 per property (cheaper than the average house prices in Laugharne and Bude) and there are even flexible finance options available to help you on the way.
Affordability doesn’t mean skimping on quality though. The two and three-bedroom Residences feature the luxuries of hotel living in a place you call your own with striking architecture, state-of-the-art amenities and a spacious outdoor terrace with gorgeous coastal views.
Learn more about The Residences.