The potential of fractional ownership of second homes in the UK

The UK is an endlessly appealing and absorbing place to take a holiday - that's the verdict of those who know it best - those that live here. Research from Barclays Bank¹ shows continuing growth on an undiminished scale with people citing recent positive experiences of UK holidays that increasingly crosses generations.

 

The growing staycation trend can only help develop fractional ownership in the UK which has experienced some increase in popularity over the last few years as new schemes have come to the market in traditional holiday destinations such as Devon, Cornwall, the Lake District and Scotland. 

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Some doubts have been expressed in the past as to whether the fractional concept can develop in the UK, mainly due to the unpredictable weather. Overseas holidays will always offer distinctive cultural experiences but increasingly, the UK is competing on experience and a clear opportunity exists for developers, owners and agents to tap into the popularity of family holiday experiences.  

 

The concept has the potential to significantly open up the opportunity of second home ownership to a huge group of people who aspire to an enhanced lifestyle but who have previously seen it as beyond their financial means.

 

The growing staycation trend is evidenced by the significant demand for holiday cottages and lodges, not just in the summer months and school holidays, but, for certain locations, all year. This is particularly the case with popular coastal and estuary locations in the South West and also in the Lake District, East Anglia and Scotland. Some of these are based on particular leisure experiences such as golf and country pursuits such as shooting, fishing, riding and walking; but many have been successful simply because of the desire to spend time by the sea with family and friends, whatever the season. And that, can only help the growth of fractional ownership.

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¹  The Great British Staycation - The growing attraction of the UK for domestic holidaymakers (2019)