The demand for second homes has shifted from luxurious retreats in Mediterranean villas and Alpine ski chalets to properties with views of the Channel and picturesque walks in Shropshire. According to recent figures from the English Housing Survey, the majority of English owners of second homes now prefer to have their holiday properties within the UK, with only 30% owning properties in Europe. This represents a significant decline from ten years ago when the split was approximately 50/50.
The decrease in second home ownership in Europe can largely be attributed to Brexit. Following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, British citizens without visas are restricted to spending a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period in an EU country. This has led to a decrease in the number of British individuals owning second homes in popular European destinations such as France and Spain. In fact, the number of second homes owned by English residents in France has dropped to 60,000 compared to 89,000 in 2008.
Conversely, owning a second home within the UK has become increasingly popular. The English Housing Survey reveals that there are now 520,000 households in the UK with second homes, compared to 279,000 in 2008. Residents of the south-east and London are most likely to own second homes, followed by those in the Midlands and the east of England.
The additional bureaucracy brought about by Brexit has deterred British individuals from purchasing properties in Europe. Estate agents in popular European destinations such as the Dordogne and Brittany have noted a decline in interest and sales from British buyers. The paperwork and requirements, including the need for health insurance, have proven to be significant hurdles for potential buyers.
The rise in the popularity of second home ownership within the UK has raised concerns about the impact on local communities. Campaign group Generation Rent has described the holiday-let sector as “out of control,” with properties being taken away from locals and making it unsustainable for individuals who grew up in popular tourist areas. The issue of second homes has become a topic of debate and consideration for policymakers.
In conclusion, there has been a significant shift in the preferences of English second home owners, with a decrease in ownership in Europe and an increase within the UK. Brexit and its associated bureaucratic challenges have played a significant role in this trend. While the popularity of owning a second home within the UK has risen, concerns have been raised about the impact on local communities and the sustainability of the holiday-let sector.
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