Residents of a picturesque village in England are being forced out due to an influx of holidaymakers dominating the area. Blakeney, situated in North Norfolk, experiences a surge in visitors during the summer months attracted by its charming stone houses, acclaimed hotel, and thriving seal colonies. In contrast, the winter season sees a sharp decline in tourists, leaving many traditional fishing properties vacant.
Blakeney Point is renowned for its seal populations, with guided boat tours available year-round. Over the past century, the village has transitioned from a fishing community to a popular vacation destination. Local residents, like Tore, who returned to Blakeney a decade ago, face housing challenges due to soaring property prices driven by second-home ownership.
Tore, who is not an inherited property owner, was able to secure affordable housing through the Blakeney Neighbourhood Housing Society, a local initiative aimed at providing homes for the community amid rising real estate costs. With the average property price in Blakeney reaching £714,000 in 2025, well above the UK average, concerns about housing affordability persist.
To address the widening gap between wages and housing costs, the district council implemented a 100% levy on Council Tax for second-home owners in North Norfolk. While tourism remains a vital part of the village’s economy, the prevalence of second homes has raised significant affordability issues for local residents. The Parish Council chairman emphasized the need to strike a balance between tourism revenue and ensuring housing accessibility for the community.