THEY cost about £27,000 but offer just one room and basic facilities - but what a view!

Property prices are booming across the country with figures showing house prices rising more than six per cent in the year to the end of December.

And along the north Essex coastline, it is the price of beach huts which is soaring.

The average cost of beach huts along Frinton’s prized seafront has hit a record high of £27,000.

And the prices are matched in West Mersea where huts sell for up to £30,000.

Boyden’s estate agency in Frinton said they sold 27 beach huts last year compared to 19 the year before.

Demand is also outstripping supply with about 50 people on the waiting list.

Nicole Stopp, of Boydens estate agency in Frinton, said: “Year on year sales have increased by 28 per cent with an average selling price of £27,000.

“Beach huts on the High Wall in Frinton seem to be the most popular and have achieved sales for £30,000.”

Nicole said the dog friendly beach and nearby toilet block were attractions while Paul Howe added: “In terms of the appeal of the beach hut, we know holidays in the UK are more popular with many British holidaymakers abandoning plans for foreign travel and embarking on staycations.

“There is also the fact that Frinton remains an extremely popular resort where childhood memories of holidays by the sea still hold sway.”

Dianne Argent, director of Game Estate and Letting Agents, in West Mersea, said: “On average our beach huts in the front row sell for £30,000, our huts in the second row sell for around £25,000, and the huts in the third row sell for £18,000.

“Since the recession people seem to have decided to be buying more beach huts each year with us as both a good investment and all the better for leisure.”

What could £27,000 buy?

  • Five Rolex watches
  • A brand new Audi TT
  • 27 Louis Vuitton hand bags
  • Or 54 Tiffany pendant necklaces