What is the housing situation like in Blakeney?

Blakeney faces a housing crisis where property prices, averaging £714,000 in November 2025, are unaffordable for locals due to significantly lower wages, with many homes being second residences.

How does Blakeney's tourism affect its economy and residents?

Tourism is a vital part of Blakeney's economy, ensuring full occupancy for establishments in summer, but it contributes to a severe housing shortage for permanent residents.

What measures are being taken to address Blakeney's housing issues?

The North Norfolk district council has implemented an extra 100% levy on Council Tax for second home owners to help alleviate the housing affordability problem.

Home / Lifestyle / Coastal Village Swallowed by Tourists, Locals Priced Out

Coastal Village Swallowed by Tourists, Locals Priced Out

2 Feb

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Summary

Blakeney faces severe housing issues due to holiday home influx.
Local wages lag far behind property prices, making homes unaffordable.
Council imposes higher taxes on second homes to address the crisis.

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.