Scenic clifftop residences with stunning ocean views are quickly being purchased in a seaside village for as low as £30,000. However, potential buyers are being cautioned about a significant drawback.
Several properties located along the Marrams in Hemsby, Norfolk are currently on the market for prices ranging from £30,000 to £50,000, despite being situated on one of Europe’s rapidly eroding coastlines. Real estate listings promote a “laid-back, coastal lifestyle” but fail to disclose the risk that these bungalows may eventually succumb to the sea.
One property, previously listed at £60,000 but reduced to £50,000, features an open-plan layout, a well-maintained garden, and “breathtaking sea views.” Another property, marketed by Minors & Brady as an “ideal holiday retreat,” was sold under certain conditions for £30,000 and offers “direct access to sandy beaches and dunes.”
However, the picturesque facade hides a grim truth. Government forecasts indicate that numerous homes along the Marrams could disappear within the next five decades. While some estate agents argue that certain buyers are unperturbed by the erosion risk and view Hemsby as an affordable getaway, local council officials have criticized them for not clearly highlighting the danger.
A council spokesperson emphasized that agents have a “moral obligation” to alert potential buyers that their dream homes might be lost to the sea. Despite listings containing a fine-print disclaimer advising buyers to seek legal and environmental counsel, critics argue that this is insufficient.
Nevertheless, there seems to be a thriving market for risky clifftop living. In July, a wooden chalet precariously positioned on the cliff’s edge was sold for less than £10,000, despite being only a few meters away from collapse. Another two-bedroom chalet, priced at £60,000, was described as a “perfect combination of coziness, character, and coastal living.”
Natasha Hayes, the executive director for places at Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC), stated, “Properties are still being sold currently. It’s distressing for those purchasing them. We do not recommend people to invest in these properties. Local real estate agents should have a moral obligation.”
Residents still residing along the deteriorating coastline mentioned earlier this week that access was becoming increasingly restricted, and some individuals had to traverse their neighbors’ gardens to reach their front doors. It is understood that some Hemsby residents use the coast as vacation homes rather than year-round residences. However, long-term residents are grappling with the prospect of abandoning their homes as the cliff edge recedes.
Pascal Rose, aged 51, declared herself homeless after being informed that her home was in imminent danger. She disclosed to the BBC, “I was notified two weeks ago that my home was in the red zone. I am moving all my remaining belongings to a storage unit in preparation for demolition. I have only a few days left. It might come down to me taking my dog and my suitcase and leaving, with nowhere to go.”
Great Yarmouth Borough Council clarified that it is not legally feasible for them to compensate homeowners at risk of erosion due to government regulations. Nevertheless, they are actively advocating for policy changes through their partners at Coastal Partnership East.
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