Canterbury City Council has significantly reduced the asking price for a row of new beach huts in Herne Bay. This follows criticism from potential buyers and local residents who branded the project “too expensive” and claimed it was in the “wrong location.”
The local authority has now cut the cost of the 16 timber huts at East Cliff. Originally priced at £21,000, they are now available for £17,500. This 16.6% price drop comes after sales for the promenade development stalled. Some locals argued that the project failed to reflect current market conditions or the specific amenities available at the site.
While the huts offer what the council calls “uninterrupted views,” critics pointed out they sit much further from the town’s central attractions than more established spots.
Responding to market feedback
The council decided to take action when the initial launch failed to draw the expected level of interest. By lowering the entry price, officials hope they can jumpstart sales. The move is designed to help the authority recoup the investment it made in the seafront’s regeneration.
A spokesperson for Canterbury City Council confirmed the decision was a pragmatic response to feedback. The council still maintains that the huts are a high-quality addition to the coastline. They feature pressure-treated timber, secure mortice locks, and a dedicated verandah for every unit.
However, many people compared the initial £21,000 price tag unfavourably to private sales in more central areas of Herne Bay. In those locations, older huts often come with established community ties. They also offer much easier access to public facilities.
Concerns over location and value
The site at East Cliff has become a major talking point among residents. The council originally marketed these plots as a “quiet location” with “stunning views,” but regular visitors argue the area feels too remote.
Local feedback during the sales process highlighted several practical issues:
- Amenities: The nearest public toilets and water taps are hundreds of metres away.
- Parking: Unlike more central stretches, there is very little parking nearby for hut owners.
- Accessibility: The steepness of the paths leading from the cliff top to the promenade can make the walk difficult for those with limited mobility.
For many, these factors meant the original asking price did not reflect the reality of using the site day-to-day.
The cost of seaside luxury
Across Kent, the market for beach huts has grown rapidly over the last five years. In nearby Whitstable and Tankerton, some huts have sold for more than £50,000. Herne Bay has traditionally stayed more affordable, making it popular with families.
By dropping the price to £17,500, the council is now targeting the lower end of the regional market. Even at this price, a hut is a major purchase. These timber structures do not have mains water or electricity. On top of the purchase price, owners must also pay an annual site fee. For the 2025/26 period, this ground rent is set at approximately £899.
Specifications and security features
Each of the 16 huts was built to a specific council standard. They are designed to survive the salt and wind of the North Kent coast. The units measure roughly 2.4m by 2.9m and include a small front verandah.
The build quality includes several high-end features:
- Security: Three mortice locks and two shoot bolts are fitted to the double doors.
- Materials: The frame uses pressure-treated softwood, while the roof is made from external-grade plywood.
- Weathering: A Tyvec lining is used behind the cladding to keep the interior dry.
The council hopes these robust features, combined with the new lower price, will finally attract buyers who were previously put off by the cost.
Future of the seafront project
This price cut is part of a broader effort by the council to manage its assets more effectively during a difficult financial period. The authority previously stated it does not want to lose money on regeneration projects. It is under pressure to ensure that new developments break even.
The council is now encouraging anyone who was deterred by the cost to reconsider. Viewings can be arranged through the Foreshore Services department. Officials are hopeful the revised price will see the remaining units occupied before the peak summer season begins.
The success of the East Cliff huts is now seen as a bellwether for future council-led commercial ventures along the Herne Bay coastline. Whether a £3,500 discount is enough to overcome the perceived location issues remains to be seen.
