An increase in the number of Brits opting to spend their holidays on the UK's beaches is creating new BTL investment possibilities...

Overseas trips are losing their appeal for many British holidaymakers who prefer staying in the UK instead.

Peter Hampson, director of the British Resorts and Destinations Association (BRDA) commented on the "definite trend" that has seen UK beach holidays becoming more popular - and fashionable - recently.

”certain elements of holidaying abroad have now become ‘naff and nasty’, especially in destination seen as mainstream or mass market. And as for more exotic or far-flung destinations, holidaymakers are becoming increasingly concerned about how these trips impact on the environment.

Mediterranean heat waves a ‘deterrent’

”The lure of better climes is also no longer enough to tip the scales in favour of a foreign jaunt for many.  Northern European destinations share the British weather, while the heat waves of the Mediterranean also deter holidaymakers.

”Indeed, the United Kingdom Tourism Survey found that Britons took 79.21 million domestic holidays last year, spending around £13.6 billion in the process”.

Hastings and Scarborough were also highlighted by the BRDA director as towns where "vast amounts" are being spent on improved infrastructure to accommodate throngs of British holidaymakers.

And this is creating a new opportunity for buy-to-let investors, who are likely to cash in on more tenants looking for short-term lets during the summer.

Markets will ‘vary dramatically’

Mr Hampson continued: “In terms of private investment in beach property, the markets will vary dramatically. If they're popular, then it makes sense to invest them”.

"It's a shame that most of us believe we can only enjoy the coast for a couple of weeks a year when this simply isn't the case," commented the sales director for Persimmon's East Yorkshire region, Karen Harrowell.

"Near-coastal developments tend to be sought after by those looking for a respite from the daily grind and now more than ever as we lead increasingly stressful lives."