Broadstairs sets the seaside trend for canny commuters

The traditional seaside town of Broadstairs is bracing itself for price rises of as much as 40% over the next three years as an influx of sea-loving commuters and second-home owners snap up property, reveals haart estate agents.

Broadstairs already has the highest sales of all Spicerhaart’s South Eastern branches over the past year as improved rail links, regeneration and a flourishing tourist industry attracts buyers from London and the surrounding areas. Recently awarded a top seaside town accolade, its thriving property market will be boosted further, drawing more people to its Blue Flag sandy beaches, summer folk festival and old-fashioned charm including a traditional Punch & Judy show in Viking Bay.

House prices remain relatively low in the historic fishing town, with an average two-bed terraced property selling for between £150,000 - £170,000 and a three-bed semi on the market from £165,000 - £250,000. Broadstairs offers a wide range of properties from family homes in Georgian and Victorian period buildings still with their original features, to flats for first time buyers and second homeowners and bungalows still sought-after by retirees.

Commuters to the capital are set to have travelling times halved to one hour with the development of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. The high speed link between Ashford and Stratford, and planned services in 2009 connecting Broadstairs to London via Ebbsfleet, will make the town more accessible from the capital and further increase its desirability as a location for first and second homes.

Thanet and Broadstairs Councils have been rejuvenating the seaside town, enhancing the shopping area, including the opening two years ago of Westwood Cross shopping centre, which includes Marks and Spencer and Debenhams. There are also plans to build 1,000 new homes.

Donald Crockart, Branch Manager of Broadstairs Spicer McColl estate agent, part of Spicerhaart, comments: “The property market in Broadstairs is seeing increased activity as interest from South East commuters and second home buyers considering the town grows. The Guardian accolade of Second Best Seaside Town will certainly put Broadstairs on the map. We expect to see property prices rise substantially in the next few years, particularly in the hotspot areas of North Foreland, the Chessboard and the Eastern and Western Esplanades.

“The annual summer Dickens festival is a main attraction, held to commemorate the author’s regular visits to Broadstairs’ famous Bleak House, where David Copperfield was penned.”