RESIDENTS in a seaside town say theirs is one of the best in the UK – and house prices are considerably cheaper than in London.
Londoners are flocking to the coastal Essex town of Clacton which is in easy travelling distance of the capital but where the average property is around £400,000 cheaper.
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One estate agent in the town said Londoners were moving to Clacton for “the chilled out non-crazy lifestyle” on offer.
However, he added that there was a longstanding tradition of former East Londoners moving out into Essex.
He told MyLondon: “The East Enders were always coming this way and they probably holidayed here so they know Clacton well, such as the caravan parks.”
He added that because the town is ‘”cheaper, they can release money because of mortgages“.
With cheaper house prices that gives first time buyers an opportunity to get on the property ladder.
Disabled Sue Carter, 68, moved to Clacton last year from Canning Town, leaving London after she learnt that her home would “gentrified within seven years”.
By that time, her condition would have worsened and she “wouldn’t have been able to cope with a move”.
She’s now built a new life in the town saying she’s made loads of friends and there are lots of activities for older people and when there’s warmer weather there’s the beach.
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Sue said Clacton was “without a doubt” nicer than London.
She added: “Everyone is so friendly here, everyone says ‘good morning’ to each other.
“[In London] I purposely put myself out to make sure my neighbours knew I was there and try and help them where I could, but here people help me, it’s wonderful.”
Sue said Clacton “definitely” feels safer than London and can go out for a night at the bingo and return home on her own “and feel quite sate”.
When she lived in London though she said she would never go out after 6pm “as there were so many stabbings”.
However, she said that the traditional residents of the town were sceptical about the influx of people from London in recent years.
She thought some people were “miffed” as they thought Londoners were “taking over” their little town.
Sue also encouraged any Londoners who were concerned about making such a big move to just get on and do it.
She said the town had everything you could possibly need – and a lovely beach with the amusement arcade and pier both open all year round.
Tips for first-time buyers
Buying a home is a huge undertaking and not to be taken lightly as it is probably the largest thing you’ll ever purchase.
Unless you’re fabulously wealthy you’ll need to take out a mortgage which will normally take someone 25 years to pay off.
There’s a lot to consider when getting your first home – the different mortgages available, the key things to consider and if there’s any help you might be able to get.
Help is also available if you find that you’re struggling to pay your mortgage or if you need to remortgage.
First off, you’ll need to put a deposit down which is usually 5 per cent of the cost of the home you want to buy.
Saving more than 5 per cent will give you access to a wider range of cheaper mortgages available on the market and a lower interest rate.
There are a range of schemes available to help first-time buyers get on the housing ladder, especially if you only have a small deposit.
The key thing though to bear in mind is can you afford the monthly payments.
Before looking for a property, work out a budget and find out just how much you can afford to pay every month.
Remember that you will still need to pay everyday costs such as gas and electric and as a homeowner you will also be responsible for replacing anything that breaks down or needs fixing.
There are also a number of extra costs involved when buying a house, such as paying for the surveys to be carried out, solicitor and conveyancer fees, as well as the mortgage arrangement and valuation fees.
You might also get hit for stamp duty, although this depends on the value of the property.
Any homeowner will also need to have buildings insurance.
Anyone moving home might need to hire a removal firm too.
First time buyers also need to be aware that some lenders don’t like certain types of properties – these include ex-council flats in high-rise buildings and properties with short leaseholds.
When looking at a property bear in mind it might not be quite as good as it seems which could lead to sizeable repair bills. Check for things like damp and faulty electrics.
The owner of the 9 Flags Multi Cuisine Café & Bistro, Anil Shetty, 51, said the reason why he’s seen more people from London move to the area in the last two years is that “economically, it’s much more comfortable here”.
He added that life was quieter there and the “areas around here are better and it’s not as congested as in London”.
Anil recommended Clacton to anyone who “loves the quiet,” adding it was a beautiful place and you were closer to the sea.
Worthing in West Sussex might give Clacton a run for its money though as it has been crowned as one of the best places to live thanks to its laidback – and less expensive – lifestyle.
Another seaside town, Tynemouth in the North East, could provide a perfect family holiday this year.
As well as being home to stunning beaches it also hosts a music festival on an historic site overlooking a bay from where dolphins can be spotted.
However, residents in another once much-loved seaside town now say it is one of the “saddest places to live”.
Rising holiday costs mean more and more Brits are searching for staycations instead of going abroad – and there are plenty of great places in the UK to spend a day or two at the beach.
However, Sandown on the Isle of Wight is no longer one of them, according to local resident Sheelah Stephens, who has complained about its run down town centre, with empty shops and hotels.
Elsewhere, Blackpool has been named the UK’s best budget staycation destination.
A poll of 2,000 holidaymakers ranked the home of the world-famous illuminations as the best value staycation spot across four categories, including accommodation, transport, activities and eating out.
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