Coastal Property Correction: Stamp Duty Hike Triggers Sharp Value Drops in Holiday Hotspots
A wave of financial pressure is sweeping across the UK’s coastal housing market as stamp duty surcharges and second-home tax policies begin to bite. Areas that experienced record demand during the pandemic — such as Cornwall, the Isle of Wight, and parts of North Wales — are now seeing price falls of up to 22%, with a noticeable slowdown in sales and a sharp drop in second-home buyer interest.
These shifts come as both local councils and central government move to discourage speculative holiday home ownership through higher stamp duty, council tax surcharges, and licensing restrictions. With the supply of short-term lets rising just as demand softens, a coastal correction is underway — and it has major implications for landlords, developers, and second-home investors.
What’s Happening to Coastal Property Prices?
Across multiple regions, estate agents report a sudden pullback in pricing and transaction volume. In some towns along the southwest coast, asking prices for holiday lets and second homes have dropped by more than 15% in just six months.
Cornwall and the Isle of Wight — two of the most popular second-home destinations during the pandemic — are experiencing the sharpest drops. According to recent data, some property types are now down over 20% from their 2022 peaks. Even in areas like the Lake District and coastal Kent, price corrections of 8–12% have been reported on larger holiday-style homes.
Buyers who rushed into these areas during the "race for space" are now facing higher borrowing costs, lower demand, and tighter tax rules. Many are choosing to offload underperforming assets or reduce asking prices to achieve a sale.
Stamp Duty Changes Driving Buyer Retraction
One of the most immediate and impactful changes has been the effective stamp duty increases on second homes. The surcharge — which currently adds 3% to the standard SDLT rate — is compounded by a broader tightening in mortgage affordability and the withdrawal of Help to Buy-like schemes for second properties.
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, second-home buyers now face stamp duty rates that can exceed 17% in some circumstances, especially for higher-value coastal properties. For example, a £750,000 holiday let could now incur over £50,000 in stamp duty, depending on residency and purchase structure.
Scotland, via Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), has also increased its Additional Dwelling Supplement to 6%, further deterring second-home investments in places like the Highlands and coastal Fife.
Council Tax and Holiday Let Licensing Policies
Further discouraging coastal investment are localised council tax surcharges. Under new rules, some councils now apply 100% council tax premiums on properties not used as a primary residence for more than 183 days per year.
In Wales, new thresholds mean a property must be let for 182 nights per year to qualify for business rates rather than council tax — a figure many part-time owners are unable to meet.
Additionally, licensing requirements are expanding. Areas like North Yorkshire, Bournemouth, and the Lake District are introducing compulsory holiday let registration schemes, limiting the number of short-term lets allowed in each area.
Together, these changes significantly impact the commercial viability of part-time holiday rentals — especially for landlords who previously relied on short summer bookings to make a return.
Market Impact: From Gold Rush to Glass Ceiling
Between 2020 and 2022, demand for UK coastal properties surged, fuelled by flexible work patterns and urban flight. Many buyers entered the market assuming year-round demand and rapid capital appreciation.
Now, however, many of those assumptions are being tested:
- Rental yields are falling, particularly where occupancy fails to meet revised local thresholds
- Voids are increasing, with some letting agents in Devon and Pembrokeshire reporting 25% lower summer bookings
- Buyer interest is waning, as affordability pressures rise and tax changes bite
In some locations, estate agents are seeing listings increase as second-home owners opt to cash out, only to face price reductions to attract serious buyers.
Who’s Still Buying Coastal Property?
While the broader picture is of declining investor interest, some buyer groups remain active. These include:
- Retirees seeking primary residences in lifestyle areas
- Families relocating for quality-of-life reasons (e.g., Cornwall and Norfolk)
- Institutional developers exploring permitted development or long-term build-to-rent (BTR) opportunities
Buy-to-let investors, however, are noticeably absent — especially those relying on short-term letting models, which now carry greater regulatory risk.
Strategy Shifts: What Property Professionals Should Consider
For landlords, developers, and agents, the shift in coastal markets requires a pivot in both strategy and expectations.
- Switch to long-term letting: In areas with strong year-round demand (e.g., Exeter, Margate, Southport), converting holiday lets to 12-month ASTs could stabilise income.
- Reposition assets: Properties with EPC improvement potential and flexible layouts may be more attractive to lifestyle buyers.
- Diversify locations: Instead of high-profile hotspots, consider secondary coastal towns with lower baseline values and modest tourism economies.
- Review ownership structures: Investors should assess whether incorporation, trust ownership, or financing adjustments can mitigate tax exposure.
Regulatory Outlook: Is There More to Come?
The UK government is expected to push forward with the Renters’ Reform Bill, which will have indirect effects on the coastal market. While not directly targeting holiday lets, the bill is part of a broader trend toward tenant protections and owner accountability.
Meanwhile, Labour’s housing policy proposals signal further reforms could follow if the party wins the next election. These include potential nationwide planning changes and more stringent second home registration rules.
As such, investors would be wise to stay ahead of the curve — not only responding to current tax structures but anticipating future compliance demands.
Long-Term Outlook: A Natural Rebalancing?
While painful for some, many analysts view the coastal price corrections as a healthy rebalancing after an unsustainable boom.
With prices returning to pre-pandemic norms, genuine buyers — including local families, downsizers, and relocation movers — are beginning to re-enter the market. This could create more stable demand and reduce the overcrowding and pricing out of locals that many coastal communities have experienced in recent years.
In parallel, councils stand to benefit from higher full-time residency rates, increased local spending, and more balanced housing access.
Conclusion
The coastal property gold rush is over — and what comes next may be slower but more sustainable. Rising stamp duty, council tax, and regulatory oversight are reshaping the market, shifting demand away from speculative holiday home purchases toward long-term, locally grounded use.
For those still active in the space, the message is clear: adapt, reposition, and reassess. There is still opportunity — but only for those who understand the new landscape.
