The picturesque seaside town is facing growing tension over the impact of second home ownership and overtourism, with locals expressing their frustration.

Hunstanton, a delightful coastal town on the Norfolk cost, is grappling with mounting tensions surrounding second home ownership and excessive tourism.

Renowned for its unique striped cliffs and picturesque coastline, Hunstanton has remained a beloved spot for holidaymakers for generations.

Yet residents are growing increasingly angry about the escalating numbers of second homes, which they claim are inflating house prices and making it nearly impossible for locals to secure reasonably-priced accommodation.

Throughout recent years, Hunstanton has witnessed a flood of second-home purchasers drawn to the resort’s idyllic location and peaceful ambience.

Figures revealed that almost 20% of homes in the vicinity are now second homes or holiday lets, reports the Express.

This boom in second-home purchases has triggered alarm amongst residents, who believe their neighbourhood is being stripped of its soul by vacant properties and that essential services are buckling under pressure from the seasonal tourist invasion.

Jane Matthews, a lifelong Hunstanton resident, expressed her frustration: “I’ve seen my hometown change dramatically over the past decade. With so many houses sitting empty for most of the year, it feels like we’re losing the heart of our community. And when the tourists do come, the town is overwhelmed and the streets are crowded.”

The problem of excessive tourism has worsened the difficulties confronting the resort.

Throughout busy periods, Hunstanton’s population balloons, resulting in jammed roads, packed beaches, and heightened strain on community services. The boom in short-term rentals, driven by platforms like Airbnb, has intensified the pressure, with some locals arguing that the town’s distinctive character is being stripped away.

Yet, during quieter months, the explosion of second home ownership and holiday lets has resulted in a dwindling population in Hunstanton, creating what another resident, Mark Fuchter describes as “mini-desert areas” around town where most of the houses are unoccupied for much of the year.

This drop in permanent residents has had a visible effect on the local economy and community spirit. “There is less of a sense of community in these circumstances,” Fuchter noted. “More worryingly, this affects footfall in our shops and use of local services.”

The predicament has sparked comparisons to other British towns grappling with similar issues.

Whilst Hunstanton may not be as deserted as some locations branded as “ghost towns,” like Lyme Regis, Fuchter describe the town as a “kiss-me-quick” town.

He explained: “I like the fact that the town provides holidays for those who may not be able to afford to jet off on foreign holidays. I suspect it is probably busier even in the off-season compared with places that are more highly desirable and upmarket.”

Fuchter recognises that the town’s year-round attraction to budget-conscious tourists may be the reason it remains somewhat livelier during the off-season. However, he also expressed concern about the rising poverty levels in the area, which are often masked by the presence of expensive homes and tourist attractions.

“I volunteer at the local foodbank and have run a Helping Hands warm space community hub. I was shocked by the level of poverty and hardship in this are which I always thought was part of wealthy North Norfolk. Of course, it is both.

“Personally I’m worried that there is nothing effective to stem the growth of second homes and holiday lets. Many vested interests do okay out of it.”

Mike Ruston, another local, offered a contrasting viewpoint, recognising the financial advantages tourism brings whilst also urging for equilibrium. “My personal opinion is that this area is a holiday destination,” Ruston said.

“Out of the holiday season, the villages can be quite quiet, but in the holiday season, they’re absolutely heaving, and that is a very important part of the local economy. You’ve got to be a bit careful what you wish for.”

Ruston highlighted the contradictions within local opinions regarding second home ownership and holiday rentals.

“We don’t raise an eyebrow about renting somewhere abroad, but there are plenty of people who, rather hypocritically, might go abroad on a self-catering holiday but don’t want them here. It’s all a matter of balance,” he said.

He also drew parallels with other UK tourist hotspots like Cornwall and Devon, where locals often voice concerns about affordability and the impact on their communities, yet oppose new housing developments.

A town councillor from Hunstanton said last year that the council hasn’t broached the subject and doesn’t have a policy in place.

However, they have been in talks with Norfolk County Council who have commissioned research into the matter, but no report has been produced as of yet.