The popular Essex tourist destination loved so much that thousands have bought second homes there

A popular area of Essex where thousands flock to each summer has become so well loved that people are buying second homes there. The coastal Essex district is so popular that one in 54 properties is a second home.

Tendring is where a large section of the Essex Sunshine Coast and some of the county's most popular beaches can be found. Thousands make the trip to the likes of Clacton, Walton-on-the-Naze, Brightlingsea, Frinton each year during the warm months.

The latest official statistics state there are 1,404 second homes in the district of Tendring - an increase from 1397 in 2023. It's the location of the most second homes in Essex, beating Southend (751), Colchester (637) and Chelmsford (455).

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Beaches along the Essex Sunshine Coast were awarded the prestigious Blue Flag for 2024, including Frinton, Brightlingsea and Dovercourt Bay. East Beach, Shoebury Common, Three Shells and Westcliff Bay were also given the accolade too. It means all seven beaches have excellent bathing water quality according to the international standards.

It means many people who own second homes in the district of Tendring could be looking to take advantage of the gorgeous coastal location during summer months. Cllr Mark Stephenson of Tendring District Council previously said: "We are proud of our coastline - it is a fabulous place for residents and visitors alike.

"Blue Flags and Seaside Awards show people that our beaches are some of the best in the country and, in line with Our Vision, help us to promote our heritage and environment, attracting visitors and encouraging them to stay longer."

The district also has plenty of popular places to eat. Wadfryz has been named as one of Essex's best takeaways whilst the Hook of Clacton, close to the seafront, is in the running to be crowned best takeaway at the National Fish and Chip Awards.

History and heritage are present across the region. The district's coastal location provides unique and varied heritage from medieval churches to Victorian villas with many sites recognised as being of national significance.

The number of second homes is on the rise across England. There are a total of 279,870 second homes in England, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

That’s 16,552 more than in 2023 and 22,957 more than in 2022. It means the number has increased by 8.9% in the space of just two years. Second homes are far more common in some areas than others. These areas fall into two main categories - central London or popular coastal holiday spots.

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: “We understand the frustration in areas where large numbers of properties are used as second homes and we are determined to tackle this issue. That’s why we are taking decisive action to protect communities by giving councils powers to charge a council tax premium on second homes and increasing Stamp Duty for those buying additional properties."

The Government has provided councils with the discretionary power to charge a council tax premium of up to 100% on second homes from next April. The premium is not a mandatory requirement, it is for councils to decide whether to charge the premium and at what rate.

The government has also announced an increase to the higher rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax on additional dwellings in the Autumn Budget. This is designed to give an advantage to people buying a home to live in an advantage over those purchasing additional property.