Figures from Hodge Bank show that sales of holiday homes near the coast have grown considerably over the past six months with holiday let mortgages for properties in Wales almost doubling since September 2020.

The most popular destination for holiday let buyers is the South West at 39%, followed by Wales at 19% and the North West at 12%.

Welsh purchases have almost doubled since September 2020, increasing from 10% to 19%, with the coastlines around the North, including Pwllheli, Holyhead and Llandudno proving hugely popular for holiday homes.

The data also shows that the average age of a holiday let mortgage customer is 51. And Hodge customers are willing to spend on average £403,143 on a holiday home – nearly two thirds higher than the average house price in the UK of £252,000.

Of those purchasing a holiday home, 35% re-mortgage their existing home to finance their holiday home while 65% take out a new holiday let specific mortgage.

Newquay, St Ives and Penzance in Cornwall are the most popular beach resorts.

Over the past six months, Wales has risen in popularity, especially around the north West in Pwllheli, Holyhead and Rhosneigr. Devon also holds a lot of appeal, with the likes of Bideford, Ilfracombe and Barnstaple proving popular.

The least popular regions with only 1% of purchases are Greater London and the East Midlands, with West Midlands and the South East at 2% for those buying holiday lets.

Emma Graham, business development director at Hodge, said: “Many people have not been able to holiday abroad for more than a year now and staycations have therefore become hugely popular. We think this has almost certainly led to people re-evaluating their finances, as well as holiday plans and the holiday let market is looking very healthy.

“Given the appetite for a holiday by the sea, it’s no surprise that homes near the beach or coast are the most popular for holiday homes. In 2019, Hodge launched a mortgage designed for those wanting to own a holiday let property in the UK after seeing an increase in enquiries. We saw a gap in the holiday let mortgage market for a customer-friendly product that allows owners to stay at the property for a longer period, as well as the ability to use letting sites.”