As we head into the busiest season for the UK holiday industry, auctions have emerged as one of the most effective ways to secure a seaside property with business potential.
With domestic tourism booming and platforms such as Airbnb continuing to grow in popularity, coastal properties can provide a desirable asset for investors looking to maximise short-term rental income.
However, purchasing by the sea isn’t always straightforward. Many coastal homes present unique challenges, including erosion risk and limitations on mortgage eligibility.
In some cases, traditional lenders are cautious or unwilling to fund properties in areas at risk of long-term coastal erosion or flooding, particularly when older buildings are involved. For buyers who understand these risks and are prepared to act quickly, often with cash or flexible finance, auctions offer an ideal solution.
Unlike traditional property sales, which can be prolonged by chains or subject to delays, auction purchases typically complete within 28 days. This allows buyers to move fast and take advantage of seasonal tourism income almost immediately. For coastal properties, where demand spikes in the spring and summer, this can be the difference between missing or capturing a year’s peak rental revenue.
Tourism continues to be a powerful driver of value across the Norfolk and Suffolk coasts. Areas such as Blakeney attract premium holidaymakers drawn to nature, heritage, and exclusive surroundings. In contrast, seaside towns such as Lowestoft offer a more accessible and budget-friendly experience, making them attractive to families and larger groups.
Both markets are thriving, but each requires a different investment approach, which auctions readily accommodate through their diverse catalogue of properties.
Briar Cottage in Blakeney, Norfolk, is a prime example of a high-end coastal property successfully sold through auction. Guided at £750,000 (plus fees), this traditional four-bedroom brick and flint cottage offered stunning views over the salt marshes and nearby nature reserve.
It sold in our recent March auction for an impressive £810,000. Its location in a highly desirable village, combined with character features and landscaped gardens, made Briar Cottage an ideal choice for a second home or luxury Airbnb investment.
Meanwhile, 49 London Road South in Lowestoft, Suffolk, offered a different kind of opportunity. This five-bedroom, three-storey terraced house had been recently refurbished and was already being used as a holiday let.
Its guide price of £200,000 - £225,000 (plus fees) reflected its potential for consistent, high-volume income from group stays. Located close to the beach, the property was perfectly positioned to tap into the town’s steady stream of summer holidaymakers. It sold prior to our February 2025 auction, confirming strong demand for ready-to-let properties in well-placed coastal locations.
Similarly, Flat 4, 6 Sea Road in Felixstowe presented a rare opportunity to secure a well-proportioned top floor flat in a prime seafront position. Overlooking the promenade with uninterrupted views of the pier, the leasehold property offered flexibility to become either a permanent residence or a holiday retreat. It sold in our March auction at the top end of its guide price for £120,000.
These sales underline the role of auctions in bringing the right properties to the right buyers. Where the open market may falter, due to financing complexity, condition, or specialist appeal, auctions provide a fast, efficient and focused route to purchase.
For those looking to acquire a holiday home, short-let property, or Airbnb-ready investment, the auction room remains one of the best places to find high-quality coastal opportunities.
If you’re considering selling or investing in a property with holiday potential, we invite you to speak to our team on 01603 505100 to discuss current listings or arrange a free valuation.
