Coastal Village Swallowed by Tourists, Locals Priced Out

Blakeney, a picturesque village in North Norfolk, is experiencing a dramatic seasonal shift. While summers see an influx of tourists drawn to its stone dwellings, best hotel, and seal colonies, winters reveal a quieter, emptier settlement. The village, once a bustling fishing community, has transformed into a holiday hotspot where summer demand leads to full occupancy in local establishments.

This transformation has created significant housing challenges. Property prices in Blakeney have reached an average of £714,000 as of November 2025, far exceeding the median weekly wage of £571 in North Norfolk. Consequently, many Blakeney-born residents struggle to afford local housing, with a substantial number of properties serving as second homes or holiday lets.

The Blakeney Neighbourhood Housing Society, founded in 1946, works to provide affordable housing for locals, currently owning 39 houses. Despite these efforts, the scarcity of affordable homes persists, forcing some locals to relocate to cheaper areas.

In response, the district council introduced a 100% additional levy on Council Tax for second home owners earlier in 2026. This measure aims to mitigate the impact of the high volume of second homes, which reportedly make up around half of the properties, while tourism remains vital to the village economy.