Monday, August 19, 2024 Robin Hood’s Bay, a picturesque seaside village in Yorkshire, is facing a housing crisis due to a surge in demand for holiday homes. The rising popularity of the area, driven by its stunning coastal views and quaint charm, has led to a significant increase in property prices, making it difficult for local residents, especially young families, to afford homes. Over recent years, homes along the Yorkshire Coast have been quickly snapped up by buyers looking for second homes or lucrative holiday rentals.
This trend has caused house prices to skyrocket, pushing many locals out of the market. Long-time residents have expressed concern that in some parts of the village, only a handful of homes are still owned by locals. New listings are often purchased within hours by out-of-town buyers.
One resident, who has lived in the village since the 1960s, shared her concerns with Yorkshire Live, describing how the influx of holiday homes is “killing” the community. She noted that while business owners benefit from the tourism boom, those without businesses are struggling. The village, she says, has become almost unrecognizable, with many properties now serving as holiday lets rather than family homes.
The impact of tourism is felt most strongly during peak months, with the village’s upper areas crowded with cars and visitors. The resident mentioned the challenges locals face, such as tourists parking across driveways and blocking access for emergency vehicles. Despite the benefits that tourism brings, she emphasized the need for a balance that supports both the local community and the tourism industry.
Katie Wallis, a local businesswoman, echoed these sentiments. Struggling to find affordable housing, she described the situation as “an absolute nightmare.” Even renting is challenging, with small flats in nearby Whitby costing as much as £600 per month.
Wallis highlighted the difficulty young couples face in securing mortgages for homes that now cost upwards of £350,000. Becca Oliver, another local resident, shared her experiences of the rapidly changing housing market. She bought her home eight years ago for £225,000, but similar properties are now selling for nearly double that amount.
Oliver worries about the long-term effects on the village, particularly the risk of losing essential services like local schools as families are priced out. The residents agree that while tourism is vital for the local economy, there needs to be a better balance to ensure that the village remains a livable community for locals. The overwhelming number of holiday homes is not only changing the character of Robin Hood’s Bay but also making it increasingly difficult for those who want to live and work there year-round.
As the village continues to attract more visitors, the struggle between maintaining its community spirit and catering to the demands of tourism remains a pressing issue..
