What it's really like as a local in Hackney-on-Sea

AS DEAL'S POPULARITY HAS GROWN, HOUSING AFFORDABILITY AND THE RISE IN SECOND-HOME OWNERSHIP HAVE BECOME PRESSING ISSUES FOR RESIDENTS

- By JENNIFER PINTO

TRENDY boutiques, a buzzing local art scene, and hipster cafes seem an unlikely fit for the quintessential British seaside, yet one location along our Kent coast has soared in popularity thanks to its ideal combination of both elements.

Deal, the picturesque seaside town, has been affectionately nicknamed “Hackney-on-Sea”, and the reasons are obvious.

Indeed, its pebble-covered beaches and classic pier echo typical coastal features, but a stroll through its streets gives off more of an east London vibe than that of traditional Kent.

Despite its recent surge in ‘trendiness, it must be said the town retains its distinctive local flavour and rich history. However, as Deal's popularity has grown, housing affordability and the rise in second-home ownership have become pressing issues for residents.

In the past five years, average property prices in Deal have rocketed by £77,736 - a staggering 25.26 per cent increase, with the last year alone seeing a leap of £15,572 or 4.21 per cent, as data from Property Solvers indicates.

Although these shifts have sparked worries over affordability, the local community remains welcoming to the tourists who help keep the town vibrant and businesses flourishing, reports the Express.

More than 800 holiday lets are now available in Deal, according to Home to Go.

Daisie Martin, 26, restaurant manager at The Lane and a Deal resident for nearly eight years, said: “We definitely get a lot more people down from London, especially over the summer.

“We don’t really get a lot of regulars in anymore; we do just get an influx of holiday makers. I think Deal's a place to be for holiday makers.

“I think there’s a lot of holiday homes more in Deal, more along the seafront, and people from London buy property down here. I feel like the majority of Deal is probably holiday homes.