The popularity of the staycation continues to increase. With Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset topping the list of desirable holiday destinations. Buying a holiday home in the West Country means you’ll reap the benefits from this holidaymaker’s paradise with year-round appeal.
With the right investment, buying a holiday home in the West Country can provide excellent yields and a steady income. Here we bring you our insight into the opportunities awaiting current and prospective holiday home owners in the West Country.
Top tips on buying a holiday home in the West Country
Use the quick links below to navigate to a specific topic or continue reading for our in depth look on buying a holiday home in the West Country.
Top reasons to buy a holiday let in the West Country
The West Country is one of the UK’s busiest tourist regions. The Sykes Staycation index confirms that the top ten fastest growing regions include Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.
Here in the West Country, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to stunning coastlines, vibrant seaside towns and quaint villages. The region is synonymous as one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK. What better location for a sound property investment?
Here are some top reasons why holiday lets are a good investment:
Rise in UK domestic tourism
The UK domestic tourism sector continues to go from strength to strength. Bookings for our UK holiday lets in 2022 are currently up 35%* compared to pre-pandemic levels. With staycations here to stay, people are already booking their annual holidays across the UK, and many are also considering buying a holiday home in the West Country.
The West Country is one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations
The biggest factor when thinking about where to buy a holiday home is likely to be the popularity of the area. Our research has found that the top three most sought-after holiday hotspots are those:
- close to the beach
- set in the countryside
- with convenient and accessible amenities
The West Country has all of those in abundance, which helps with its year-round appeal!
A holiday let is an investment opportunity
Investing in a holiday property in the West Country means that not only will you have your own holiday bolthole, but you can earn revenue too. The average income for a holiday let owner in 2021 was £28,000 (up from £21,000 in 2019), meaning you’re likely to make a lucrative return on your investment.
Running a holiday let as a business means you could be entitled to various income tax relief options and benefits. Read our blog on holiday homes, tax and all things in between to see whether you would qualify.
Your own holiday destination in the West Country
Not to forget, that having an investment property in the most beautiful part of the world means you can give yourself and your loved ones a fantastic holiday to create special memories. You’ll be able to adapt your holiday letting around when you want to use the property yourself.
Where to invest in a property in the West Country
The biggest factor when considering where to buy a holiday home ought to be the location and popularity of the area. If you’re thinking of getting involved in the holiday let industry, you’ll want to receive the maximum number of bookings to ensure your venture is a success.
Because it’s so large and varied, getting to grips with where to invest in the West Country can be difficult. Here is a bit more information on the various locations that make up the West Country for your consideration.
Somerset is a county of beautiful rolling countryside with the Mendip Hills, Quantock Hills and Exmoor National Park as well as the vast flatlands of the Somerset Levels. Best known for its famous attractions which include Cheddar Gorge and Glastonbury Tor, not to forget the legendary Glastonbury Festival.
This county also boasts an expansive coastline to the north making it an ideal holiday location.
One place to keep your eye on, is the ancient town of Bruton in south Somerset. Bruton has become very cosmopolitan, with the town in easy reach of London. There is good road access via the A303 and frequent trains from London to Castle Cary (5.3 miles away).
The town sits on the river Brue and hosts many charming shops and restaurants. It is home to the well-known Hauser & Wirth – a world-class gallery and art centre with impressive, landscaped gardens.
Bruton is only a short drive from the cathedral city of Wells which puts it firmly on the map of great places to stay. For more information on setting up a holiday let business in this beautiful corner of the West Country read our blog .
East Devon is a popular holiday spot and hosts the first section of the Jurassic Coast. The Jurassic Coast is a world heritage site which begins in Exmouth and runs for a total of 95 miles through East Devon and into Dorset, ending at Old Harry Rocks near Swanage.
Along the coast are the popular seaside towns of Exmouth, Sidmouth, Seaton and Budleigh Salterton. All with lovely beaches, cafes and shops. You will get more for your money if you come inland towards the market town of Honiton. The landscape becomes more rural, but it is still within easy access to the coast and has good road networks to Exeter and the rest of Devon.
Surrounding Honiton are idyllic places like the Farway Valley. A lovely example of beautiful rolling hills, with farms nestled into the landscape.
There are many small towns such as Ottery St Mary. Most known for celebrating Guy Fawkes night with burning tar barrels which are carried aloft through the crowds, all things which help to attract guests to this region.
The glorious county of Devon, especially North Devon, is renowned for its dramatic coastline and sandy beaches including Woolacombe, Saunton and Westward Ho!
North Devon is not only home to golden sandy beaches, perfect for rock-pooling, swimming and surfing, but it also has vast open countryside and wonderful rural walks through villages like Hartland. Amazing attractions, great local food and drink as well as a wealth of cultural experience awaits guests that visit North Devon.
Neighbouring Exmoor National Park and farming communities such as South Molton, it’s easy to see why North Devon is a popular choice.
From long walks along the coast to cosy nights by the fire, there is great year-round booking potential in this idyllic part of the West Country.
Holiday homes in rural locations are becoming increasingly popular for both exclusive romantic getaways and those seeking escapism.
The rugged countryside offers walking and cycling holidays where guests can explore the charms of Dartmoor. A holiday home provides a great base to enjoy the great outdoors.
A holiday let in a remote location may require a few extra touches. Including a well-stocked welcome basket, details of the local pubs, farm shops and local attractions.
Holidays in Dorset have something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a coastal escape or a walking holiday in the countryside.
Choose from locations positioned in quaint, traditional villages, within miles of the Jurassic Coast, or near the coast in several lovely seaside towns. Dorset boasts 10 Blue Flag beaches, a wealth of historical sites, unspoilt coastline and the South West Coast Path, stretching from Lyme Regis to Poole.
Investing in a holiday cottage in Dorset gives guests the opportunity to experience the ultimate British seaside getaway.
Buying a holiday home to let
Now is the perfect time to invest in a UK holiday let, but to reach your property’s booking potential, you need to choose the right location.
It’s important to make the right decisions from the start to get the most of your investment and to enjoy the benefits of your own holiday home bolthole. Getting the practicalities of a holiday letting business right may seem daunting. But with sound advice, proper research, and an understanding of the market, you’ll be on your way to letting success.
Visit our article on buying a holiday home to let where we explore the various topics which highlight the opportunities, key considerations and steps required to make the most out of your holiday let investment.
Find your perfect investment properties in the West Country with Stags
If you’re considering buying a holiday let in the West Country, Stags have an expert understanding of the market. Offering a highly bespoke service to guide you through every step of the process.
From holiday homes and homes with businesses attached to campsites and caravan parks, they’ve got the West Country covered.
Finding the right holiday letting agency in the West Country
Whether you are buying a holiday home in the West Country or starting your holiday letting journey, it is always wise to get expert help right from the very beginning.
Helpful Holidays have 40 years’ experience in letting properties in Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. Our specialist team organise all aspects of property management, from bookings and finances to holiday let cleaning and maintenance.
Call us today on 01647 401799 (select option 2) or email us help@helpfulholidays.co.uk to discuss how we can help you achieve your dream.
If you are considering letting your cottage with us, please visit Let Your Cottage page. We make holiday letting hassle-free for our property home owners.
Holiday home owner advice
For more top tips and advice on buying a holiday home in the West Country or starting your own holiday let business, read our owner blogs:
*Statistics from Sykes Cottages Owner research 2022 and Staycation index 2021
