New Study Suggests High Number of Second Homes in Whitby

A new estimation suggests that as much as 44.5% of existing residences in Whitby could be non-primary homes.

The startling figure has emerged as part of the ongoing development of  a new neighbourhood plan by Whitby Town Council, being led by Whitby Community Network.

The study by consultants working on the Whitby Neighbourhood Plan highlights a potentially significant increase from previous estimations. 

The Housing Needs Assessment states:

"Whitby contained 6,097 households and 7,572 dwellings in 2011, implying that there were 1,475 dwellings (or ‘household spaces’)
with no usual resident household. 19.5% of dwellings therefore had no usual residents.

Looking to 2021, at this time the NA contained 6,224 households and 7,951 dwellings, implying 1,727 dwellings (or ‘household spaces’) with no usual resident, accounting for 21.7% of all housing. This shows a trend towards an increasing number of dwellings with no usual resident household.

Research was undertaken on the number of properties registered for business rates, specifically self-catering holiday units. As of October 2024, this gave an estimated figure of 3,275 commercial holiday lets. This is an extremely large number of holiday lets relative to the number of residential dwellings. It also suggests that many buildings are in exclusive commercial use and are not being captured by Census data as residential dwellings.

Assuming that none of the commercial holiday lets are being captured in the Census as residential dwellings, it is possible that as much as an estimated 44.5% of existing residences are non-primary."

Local Councillor Neil Swannick noted that previously, the figure discussed was around 20%, stating, "that number is just over 44%. I think previously we've been talking about 20%. 44% has doubled. It's just not stopping". He expressed deep concern about the implications, stating, "We're losing residential properties that people in Whitby can afford to buy or or rent"

Councillor Swannick raised his concerns and questioned Alison Hume MP on the progress being made with the new housing minister regarding the registration of short-term lets and changes to use classes. He sought to understand what steps were being taken to address this urgent issue.

In response, MP Alison Hume acknowledged the significant concern, 

Alsion Hume indicated her support for allowing restrictions on short-term lets on a local area basis and within specific zones in areas like Whitby. She explained that the matter is being examined in detail and involves two ministers: Matthew Pennycook and Chris Bryant, the minister for tourism, as well as the Treasury.

The findings of the study align with a broader understanding that Whitby faces considerable affordability issues and development constraints. The study in the Whitby Neighbourhood Plan notes a trend of increasing dwellings with no usual resident, rising from 19.5% in 2011 to 21.7% in 2021. This rate is significantly higher than the average across North Yorkshire (8.3% in 2021) and England (6.0% in 2021). The report suggests that due to Whitby's coastal and desirable location, it is assumed that the majority of dwellings without usual residents are second homes or holiday lets.

Further research estimated approximately 3,275 commercial holiday lets in the area as of October 2024, a figure considered extremely large relative to the number of residential dwellings. The study posits that if these commercial holiday lets are not counted as residential dwellings in Census data, the estimated proportion of non-primary residences could reach 44.5%. 

The Neighbourhood Plan study concludes that in a context of limited new housing development, the growth of second homes and holiday lets will likely reduce housing availability for those wishing to live in the area, leading to increased prices and rents .

The full report is available on the Whitby Neighbourhood Plan webpage