BESIDE THE SEA IS THE PLACE TO BE

It seems we really do like to be beside the seaside – well, to be more precise, Hythe.

According to research by Rightmove, the town is among six hotspots for home-sellers in Britain, with factors such as good commuter links and schools, well-priced houses and lots of open space all taken into consideration.

The report says the pandemic has inspired more people to head to the coast and Hythe – a “classic English seaside town, with a Victorian promenade overlooking the English Channel” – is a top choice.

Although modern penthouses overlooking the sea exchange hands for seven-figure sums, a street or two inland, there are Thirties detached homes, modern townhouses, and period terraces and cottages. More than eight out of every 10 homes for sale in Hythe on Rightmove are already sold subject to contract and just 18 per cent of homes are available for sale.

In what is the strongest sellers’ market for the past decade across Britain, the average asking price in Hythe is £424,000.

Rightmove extols the virtues of the area, mentioning a country walk along the Royal Military Canal or the Kent Downs, and the fact that the nearest station (Folkestone) is just four miles away.

You can read the full report here.