Latest news with #Sandbanks
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
World's ‘most expensive bungalow' is being DEMOLISHED in UK seaside beauty spot after two-year battle
AN ENTREPRENEUR who spent £13.5 million on the "worlds most expensive" bungalow has been given the greenlight to demolish it. Tom Glanfield, 46, bought the property on Dorset's exclusive Sandbanks Resort, described as a millionaire's row, in March 2023. 7 7 He had planned to knock down the cottage and replace it with a modern family home. Planners had other ideas however and recommended his application be refused. They claimed that it would "result in the total loss of the non-designated heritage asset." Planners also believed that it would cause "significant harm" to the Sandbanks Conservation Area. Mr Glanfield, who lives in Poole, Dorset, said that the current house was no longer "fit for purpose." He claims he designed a family home that was "sympathetic to the beautiful surroundings of the conservation area." During a meeting with planners today, July 18, Mr Glanfield had a breakthrough after insisting he was "not a property developer" and was not " flipping the bungalow for profit." He said: "I'm not a property developer looking to put in a big block of flats here. I'm not flipping this for profit. "I am very much a family man who is trying to make a family home. I will probably die in that home. "I care deeply about the environment. I have a renewable energy recruitment firm that I built from scratch. "This property is currently energy rated F. It would become energy rated A. "The house's current state also isn't good. I don't allow my kids down to the harbour wall because it is dangerous. "Instead, I am creating a living sea wall at great expense. I won't even see that from the property - it's all for public benefit. "So the proposal would improve the environment. 7 7 7 "Currently, the property looks out of place. On either side of it you have flat-roof modern houses. "And in my opinion the property isn't of any heritage significance - it was the servant quarters to the main house which has since been demolished. "It's been altered significantly over the years with permitted developments and extensions. "It's time for it to be developed. You actually all have an opportunity with me, without sounding arrogant, in that I've got the time, energy, and money to make this something you can all be proud of. "So I really hope you grant it." Planners took his words on board and granted him the permission he had sought for two long years. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCPC) officers granted Mr Glanfields proposal by seven to one. Many said they did not consider the current property as a "heritage asset" - adding that, if it was, it was of "very limited value." Others said the loss of the heritage asset would be justified as the "benefits outweigh." One councillor listed the benefits of Mr Glanfield's proposal as: "Energy efficiency, ecological benefits provided by the living sea wall, bringing the property back into local use, and a design that is more sympathetic to the environment than what is currently there." Mr Glanfield now hopes to transform the bungalow, dubbed the "world's most expensive" into a sustainable two-storey family home. He said that the property currently suffered with a leaking roof, mould and mildew. The new-build, the entrepreneur says, will be complete with renewable power and a desalination facility - and will see the sea wall, which is currently "unsafe", "unsightly", and crumbling, enhanced and restructured. 7 7 He previously said: "My dream is to build a family home that will not only retain the modest beauty of the plot but will also stand the test of time." Mr Glanfield received significant backing for his proposal from the local community - with 38 letters of support submitted to the council. Among those was one from neighbour Ros Smart, who labelled the plans as an "outstandingly innovative design for an iconic site." She continued: "The modern sleek appearance is entirely in keeping with houses in the surrounding area and is totally suitable for the conservation area." Others agreed that the design was "sympathetic" to the location - describing the "modern sleek appearance" as "entirely in keeping with houses in the surrounding area". Planners however argued that the proposal should be refused on "conservation grounds" and said alternative options "involving the retention of the cottage" could have been explored. Planning officer Babatunde Aregbesola told the meeting that the existing building was considered very important to the Sandbanks Conservation Area (CA) given its age, which he described as "very early Edwardian, one of the oldest in the area." He said: "The proposal by reason of the demolition of the existing cottage would result in the total loss of the non-designated heritage asset causing significant harm and failing to preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Sandbanks Conservation Area." He also argued that the benefits proposed by Mr Glanfield do not outweigh the harm. He said: "The applicant, via legal representation, identifies the following public benefits: visual and environmental enhancements from a proposed sea wall and landscaping; design choices including use of local materials and a sedum roof; and improved energy efficiency (F to A rated). "But while the scheme would deliver a more energy efficient home and some economic activity, it would replace an existing, habitable dwelling and would not increase housing supply. "The reduced flood risk benefits are private in nature. These benefits are modest and do not outweigh the identified heritage harm "The proposal would harm the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and its significance. "The proposal would also cause harm to non-designated heritage assets which adds further substantial weight against the development. "In conclusion, the development conflicts with the relevant policies and lacks sufficient public benefit to justify the harm. "The application should therefore be refused." Following Mr Glanfield's speech however, one councillor told the meeting: "The house itself as it stands is not particularly special, charming or dynamic. It's just an ordinary house. "But what is being proposed is a special, ecologically designed property that is going to enhance the area and make a huge difference to what the Conservation Area looks like. "I can't support the officer's recommendation [to refuse the application]." Another said: "I'm struggling to see how this is a heritage asset. Let these people build the home they want and have a positive impact on the surrounding area." He will now be able to push ahead with his new family home. The Sun has contacted BCPC and planners for comment. Do I need planning permission to convert my shed? CONVERTING an existing shed or outbuilding into a self-contained living space will usually require you apply for planning permission. However, there is a "loophole" Brits can use to convert outbuildings into a tiny home without permission. Planning expert Martin Gaine from Just Planning warned the conversion process is far easier than you may think. Speaking to The Sun, the Chartered Town Planner of 14 years' experience explained: " An outbuilding can be built using 'permitted development rights ', meaning it does not need planning permission. "As long as you comply with the various restrictions and conditions." One of these is that the outbuilding can only be used for something 'ancillary' to your main living accommodation - examples include storage, a gym or a pool room. If the outbuilding is existing, converting it then into primary living accommodation IS allowed. Martin explained: "This is because internal changes to an existing building are not considered to be development at all under the Town and Country Planning Act. But like anything, there is one catch. The new living accommodation must still have some connection with your use of the main house. For instance, if your gran is living out there, she must still come into the house to eat.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Entrepreneur who splashed £13.5m on 'world's most expensive bungalow' in Sandbanks can demolish and rebuild it as modern eco-home
An entrepreneur who spent £13.5 million on a home dubbed 'the world's most expensive' bungalow has finally been given the green light to demolish and rebuild it - after a two-year battle with planners. Tom Glanfield, 46, bought a rundown property on the exclusive Sandbanks resort - described as Dorset's millionaire's row - back in March 2023. He had plans to knock down the Edwardian cottage and replace it with a modern family eco-home. But planners recommended his application be refused on the basis that it would 'result in the total loss of the non-designated heritage asset'. This, they said, would cause 'significant harm' to the Sandbanks Conservation Area. Mr Glanfield however, who lives in Poole, Dorset, insisted that the current house was 'no longer fit for purpose' - and said he had designed a new family home that was 'sympathetic to the beautiful surroundings of the conservation area.' And during a meeting with planners today (July 17), the self-made millionaire and dad insisted he was 'not a property developer' and was not 'flipping [the bungalow] for profit'. He said: 'I'm not a property developer looking to put in a big block of flats here. I'm not flipping this for profit. 'I am very much a family man who is trying to make a family home. I will probably die in that home. 'I care deeply about the environment. I have a renewable energy recruitment firm that I built from scratch. 'This property is currently energy rated F. It would become energy rated A. 'The house's current state also isn't good. I don't allow my kids down to the harbour wall because it is dangerous. 'Instead, I am creating a living sea wall at great expense. I won't even see that from the property - it's all for public benefit. 'So the proposal would improve the environment. 'Currently, the property looks out of place. On either side of it you have flat-roof modern houses. 'And in my opinion the property isn't of any heritage significance - it was the servant quarters to the main house which has since been demolished. 'It's been altered significantly over the years with permitted developments and extensions. 'It's time for it to be developed. You actually all have an opportunity with me, without sounding arrogant, in that I've got the time, energy, and money to make this something you can all be proud of. 'So I really hope you grant it.' Ultimately, his words proved persuasive since after two long years, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP Council) finally gave him the green light for his plans. Officers voted to greenlight the proposal by seven to one. Many said they did not consider the current property as a 'heritage asset' - adding that, if it was, it was of 'very limited value'. Others said the loss of the heritage asset would be justified as the 'benefits outweigh'. One councillor listed the benefits as: 'Energy efficiency, ecological benefits provided by the living sea wall, bringing the property back into local use, and a design that is more sympathetic to the environment than what is currently there.' Mr Glanfield plans to transform the rundown bungalow - which he says has a leaking roof, mould, and mildew - into a sustainable two-storey family eco home. The new-build, the entrepreneur says, will be complete with renewable power and a desalination facility - and will see the sea wall, which is currently 'unsafe', 'unsightly', and crumbling, enhanced and restructured. He previously said: 'My dream is to build a family home that will not only retain the modest beauty of the plot but will also stand the test of time.' Mr Glanfield received significant backing for his proposal from the local community - with 38 letters of support submitted to the council. Among those was one from neighbour Ros Smart, who labelled the plans as an 'outstandingly innovative design for an iconic site'. She continued: 'The modern sleek appearance is entirely in keeping with houses in the surrounding area and is totally suitable for the conservation area.' Others agreed that the design was 'sympathetic' to the location - describing the 'modern sleek appearance' as 'entirely in keeping with houses in the surrounding area'. Planners however argued that the proposal should be refused on 'conservation grounds' - and said alternative options 'involving the retention of the cottage' could have been explored. Planning officer Babatunde Aregbesola told the meeting that the existing building was considered very important to the Sandbanks Conservation Area (CA) given its age, which he described as 'very early Edwardian, one of the oldest in the area'. He said: 'The proposal by reason of the demolition of the existing cottage would result in the total loss of the non-designated heritage asset causing significant harm and failing to preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Sandbanks Conservation Area.' He also argued that the benefits proposed by Mr Glanfield do not outweigh the harm. He said: 'The applicant, via legal representation, identifies the following public benefits: visual and environmental enhancements from a proposed sea wall and landscaping; design choices including use of local materials and a sedum roof; and improved energy efficiency (F to A rated). 'But while the scheme would deliver a more energy efficient home and some economic activity, it would replace an existing, habitable dwelling and would not increase housing supply. 'The reduced flood risk benefits are private in nature. These benefits are modest and do not outweigh the identified heritage harm 'The proposal would harm the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and its significance. The proposal would also cause harm to non-designated heritage assets which adds further substantial weight against the development. 'In conclusion, the development conflicts with the relevant policies and lacks sufficient public benefit to justify the harm. 'The application should therefore be refused.' But Mr Glanfield managed to convey his side of the story to BCP Council. Following Mr Glanfield's speech, one councillor told the meeting: 'The house itself as it stands is not particularly special, charming or dynamic. It's just an ordinary house. 'But what is being proposed is a special, ecologically designed property that is going to enhance the area and make a huge difference to what the Conservation Area looks like. 'I can't support the officer's recommendation [to refuse the application].' Another said: 'I'm struggling to see how this is a heritage asset. Let these people build the home they want and have a positive impact on the surrounding area.' Mr Glanfield is working on the development with local architect firms Marlow and Arc and award-winning landscape designer Andy Sturgeon. He will now be able to push ahead with his new eco-home.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Harry Redknapp left stunned after 50ft boat crashes into garden of his Sandbanks mansion
HARRY Redknapp was left stunned after a 50ft trimaran slammed into the garden of his brand new Sandbanks mansion. The £25,000 tripled hulled racing boat was swept into the north shore of Millionaire's Row in strong winds. 3 3 The four crew members were able to safely step off but the boat - Three Cheers - got wedged under the pontoon. Poole lifeboat and coastguard were called out to assist but the crew ended up calling a local recovery company to remove the boat after the prang on Monday. A spokesperson for Poole Lifeboat said: "A 50ft trimaran was passing through Poole Harbour on passage. "With no engine at the time, it got into difficulty and ended up aground and wedged under a jetty near North Haven Point. "The lifeboat volunteers were swiftly on scene and found that the casualties were all ashore, safe and well and did not require assistance." Harry and Sandra Redknapp 's new Italianate villa has been built on the Sandbanks waterfront. The couple paid £7m for a 60-year-old house that stood on the plot before demolishing it and building the dream home in its place. Luxury properties on the edges of the peninsula have gardens running down to the water and private jetties with direct access to Poole Harbour. Harry Redknapp rings me on the M40 after every game whether we win or lose - he's the best uncle ever 3
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
We live in UK's poshest seaside town but it's like Magaluf mayhem this weekend – boozy louts bonk in the sea
SUNBURNT music lovers high on drugs stagger out of the beachfront venue gnawing on bars of soap nicked from loos en route to the snaking taxi queue, which usually descends into a mass brawl. Meanwhile inebriated men and women brazenly relieve themselves in the doorways of multi-million pound homes. 25 25 25 25 This is SandFest, held in the ultra exclusive beach resort of Sandbanks in Dorset, home to the likes of Harry and Jamie Redknapp, where the streets are lined with mega mansions worth up to £30million. Gated driveways boast gleaming Porches, Range Rovers and Bentleys, while superyachts bob on the glistening blue sea. It is famously one of the most expensive and prestigious places to live in Britain, but this weekend frustrated residents say their genteel neighbourhood resembles Magaluf, the notorious Spanish party resort known for its cheap package holidays and shocking drunken chaos. More than 10,000 people are due to descend for a series of rowdy events - first a polo party called SandPolo, followed by SandFest, a music concert described as a "boutique beach festival" where headline acts have included Idris Elba, Rudimental and Tinie Tempah. This Sunday house DJ Sonny Fodera tops the bill, alongside Katy B, Danny Howard and Saffron Stone, along with DJ sets from Elderbrook and Alex Mills. Jennifer Krzyzanowska, 25, runs Shacks By The Shore, a popular snack bar doing a brisk trade on the edge of the sandy beach, but her team are already preparing for the worst. 'It's always horrendous,' she told The Sun when we visited this week. 'People are so out of it, I've seen guys coming out of there eating bars of blue soap. 'Every year when the venue empties, big fights break out because the taxi queue is so long, and people dive into the sea to cool off. 'There's all kinds going on in the water - they're having sex in there and using it as a toilet. 'The whole thing is a health hazard, but no-one is thinking about their health when they've been drinking in the baking hot sun all day. We live in UK's 'Monte Carlo', it used to be millionaire's playground but now it's ruined by 80mph boy racers 'Another problem on a warm weekend is the beach will be absolutely rammed because the site takes up so much space. "I know some local businesses have to bring in extra security.' Jennifer's colleague Sophia Harwood, 20, added: 'It's basically just a massive all-day drinking session, it gets ugly. A lot of people don't like it.' The tiny town is often referred to as Britain's answer to Monte Carlo - with property prices soaring three times higher than the national average. But many locals feel shut out of the events, where VIP tickets go for £1,200. Charlyn Dean, 41, has a stunning four bedroom property in a prime location which rents out at £10,000 a week during the peak summer months. But leading us through to her immaculate back garden, she points to her blighted view. 'As you can see, our garden is right behind the main stage and it gets unbelievably loud," she said. 'The whole place is packed out, heavily intoxicated people are falling into hedges, and it can take over an hour to get out of the house. 'It's frustrating to say the least.' 'It doesn't feel safe' 25 25 25 25 Equally frustrated by the chaos are retired couple Margaret and Bill Sharp, both 80. They are the proud owners of a charming beachfront apartment with sweeping views of Poole Harbour and the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast, but have resorted to extreme measures to protect their home this year. They have invested in their own bright yellow police cones to cordon off their driveway. Margaret explained: 'If we don't put the cones out people use our driveway for a party - they hang around drinking and dancing on their way out of the festival. 'They double park and it doesn't feel safe for us - there is no way an ambulance or fire engine could get down here if there was an emergency. It's dangerous.' When we visited Sandbanks a vast swathe of the beach was cordoned off by high metal fences in preparation for the three days of festivities, squashing frustrated holiday makers closer together in the remaining space. Meanwhile the rows of highly-prized beach huts on the idyllic peninsula have their coveted sea views obliterated for two weeks by enormous marquees and rows of portaloos, which locals say can cause quite the stench. Another issue is traffic. With only one narrow road leading on to the luxury peninsula from nearby Poole, the festivals create tailbacks for miles, and the only car park is rammed by 8am. With traffic at a standstill, ticket holders have been known to simply abandon their cars across residents' driveways and even in the middle of the roundabout. Kite surfer Chris Weedon, who lives with his wife Angela in a towering four storey house overlooking the beach, said of the event: 'It's so depressing. 'When the festival is on we're just resigned to not going out, because if we do we can't get home again. 'Late at night when the road is clear they roar down here on motorbikes, doing wheelies at 60mph. Someone is going to die.' He added: 'The litter is just dire, people dump their bottles and cans and I usually spend an hour in the morning filling three sacks of rubbish from outside my house." 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 Local resident Dave Watts, 55, told us: "The parking is total chaos. "There's only one car park here but it's completely full by seven or eight in the morning when there's an event on, which means locals can't just come and enjoy the beach on one of the nicest weekends of the year.' He said anti-social behaviour is also rife, adding: "I've caught women squatting in my doorway - it's not just the men who feel they can urinate wherever they please." In previous years it was reported that some horrified parents felt forced to leave the beach after a DJ unleashed a torrent of foul language. Families were bombarded with swear words from the rowdy festival as they tried to enjoy a peaceful afternoon on the sand. Mum-of-two Katie Fowler, 39, told us: 'It gets rowdy. We certainly won't be coming down here with the kids. 'Because the event takes up a big chunk of the beach, everyone else gets squeezed together.' 'It's like Magaluf' 25 25 25 Peter and Nina Martin, both 72, spend £3,000 a year renting a picture-perfect blue and white beach hut at Sandbanks, and usually visit every day throughout the summer. But Peter sighed: 'We won't come near the place when these events are happening, we can't. 'These kids behave like they're in Magaluf or somewhere like that. 'There's too much fighting going on, and they pitch tents to sleep on the beach after the festival, even though camping is not allowed, and just dump their tents in the morning. 'It's annoying. This is a beautiful sandy beach and some days it can feel like the Caribbean here, but right now it looks like an ugly industrial estate. 'We've paid a lot of money for a sea view but all you can see from here is fences, tents and toilets.' Christine Jeandren, 62, is also furious that her sea view is entirely obliterated for two whole weeks while organisers prepare for and dismantle the events. She explained: 'The whole thing is ridiculous and locals don't want it, it's hell. 'All I can see is portaloos and there is no getting away from the smell of those toilets in this heat. 'There are masses of youngsters everywhere and their behaviour is awful. I've caught teenagers smoking weed in the bushes, that stinks too. 'If I want to go in the sea we have to walk all the way around the fenced-off area, and you can hear the music blaring half an hour away. 'Sandbanks is just not set up for events this big. I don't understand why they don't move it further away to Bournemouth. 'We've been trying to get rid of it for 18 years. 'It usually takes us 15 minutes to get here on the bus from Poole but when this event is on it can take a couple of hours, the whole thing is gridlocked. 'Basically it's carnage.' 25 25 25 25 25
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Starmer's Sandbanks exodus: Experts warn properties Britain's most sought-after postcode are becoming unsellable - as Labour's tax bombs drive buyers abroad to Dubai and the Mediterranean
The great Sandbanks gold rush might be over - with properties failing to sell and developers shutting up shop after local authorities were given the power to double council tax on second homes. Known as a bubble for the ultra-rich for its luxurious houses on idyllic beaches, the Dorset enclave has drawn in the likes of Harry Redknapp, Karl Pilkington, John Lennon and Liam Gallagher over the years. It sits alongside the ever-desirable hubs of Monte Carlo, Basel and Palm Beach as the fourth most expensive place in the world to buy a house, and Britain's most expensive postcode. But the scramble to live in the UK's most exclusive second-home neighbourhood looks to be finished - as estate agents and developers have revealed a staggering drop in demand. The Sandbanks bubble, it seems, has burst - and the blame has been laid squarely at Keir Starmer 's door. Lola May Massingham, CEO and Founder of Prime Coastal Property said a semi-detached home on the waterfront can go for up to £8million, but the government's war on the rich means there are fewer people willing to spend. She told MailOnline: 'There's been a big difference in how the market has changed in the last 12 months. You'd expect this time of year to be really busy because that's when everyone comes down, but it has been quieter. 'There's a lot of properties on the market and not enough buyers. That's the honest truth. 'Labour's double rates are really not helping. Buyers are more nervous now because there doesn't seem to be any good announcements from the government and there is a lot of uncertainty in the world, so a lot of people have said they're holding off.' Keir Starmer's government has been blamed for a drop-off in the second homes market The great Sandbanks gold rush might be over as properties in the UK's highly sought after and most expensive postcode are struggling to sell She added: 'With the cost of living, now is not a good time to buy. There hasn't been any incentives to help people buy homes and so they are looking abroad where there are governments who do. 'It comes down to the current state of the economy, tax is a big reason and so places like Dubai are soaring and Portugal is doing really well too.' Prices in Sandbanks, Dorset, the priciest coastal peninsula of all, are down three per cent from two years ago, according to a recent report by Lloyds. Town halls were given the power to double council tax on second homes on April 1. The policy was introduced in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act by Rishi Sunak's Conservative government in 2023 - but its adoption was then continued by the incoming Starmer government. The Liberal Democrat-run Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, which covers Sandbanks, among the more than 200 authorities who elected to impose the hike. Figures from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) show there are 4,991 properties classed as second homes in BCP - of which 158 are Band H, the category reserved for the most lucrative retreats. Second homes make up just over three per cent of the total housing stock in the area, above the national average of around one per cent, and BCP has more Band H second homes than average too. The council could collect millions of pounds of additional revenue from these properties each year - unless some are flipped into holiday lets for at least a fifth of the year, which would exempt them from council tax. BCP declined to provide a comment for this article when approached by MailOnline. But experts also blame Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who hiked the additional stamp duty paid on second homes from three per cent to five per cent in her stinging budget last October. The waterfront homes on Poole Harbour are some of the most sought-after properties in the world For a property worth more than £1.5million - Sandbanks territory - the total stamp duty applied to a second home is 17 per cent. Overseas buyers and non-UK residents pay an additional two per cent. Ms Massingham added that the pandemic saw a major surge in buyers rushing to the seaside town, but now that life has settled people are less intrigued - yet agents are still overvaluing the homes. She said: 'Prices massively escalated during Covid and went up more than £200,000. It was a time when people made decisions about buying second homes or moving, but now the market has levelled out. 'It is quite flat and a house won't sell now for what it did four years ago. There are some properties that have been on and off the market for years fluctuating in price and struggling to sell.' However she insisted: 'Although the market is not as strong I am positive that things will pick up.' One four bedroom property, which is only a two-minute walk from Sandbanks beach and Canford Cliffs Village was listed at £1,750,000, following a £100,000 price reduction last November. Sandbanks property developer Richard Carr made a record-breaking sale just nine months ago - but has gone bust due to financial struggles. He set a record sale price last November for a single piece of land in Poole when his business sold a plot for just under £16m. But he has confirmed his company Fortitudo has ceased trading and blamed the government for the state of the luxury housing market. He said: 'Residential property is very, very difficult to sell, particularly high-end property, and so we have decided to shut the businesses as it was. 'We closed it because we just can't sell anything, can't make any money. 'If you talk to estate agents - we had nine properties on ranging from £1.4m to £2.8m - and there are just no buyers. The only way you could sell them was by heavily discounting them. 'Labour have brought in double rates on second homes. A lot of homes in Sandbanks are second homes so all of a sudden that second home market has all but evaporated. 'The economy is absolutely shot, and my personal view is things are going to get worse. 'We all know there's tax rises coming again in November and there's a real lack of confidence in the market. 'I see no light at the end of the tunnel whatsoever of the market improving and its very sad, but it's the unfortunate byproduct of the current administration. 'Everything is very difficult since this government have been in power. It was bad enough with the Conservatives - now it's ridiculous.' Sandbanks (pictured) was a largely deserted headland in the Victoria era until a hotel was built in the 1880s and then 40 plots of land were put up for sale at public auction in 1896 The craze to get your hands on a second home in the dream-like town has waned (pictured: a bungalow that sold for £13.5million in 2023 Parkstone Yacht Club (pictured) is sited next to a row of lucrative harbour-view homes Property expert Jonathan Rolande also told MailOnline the end of the pandemic has played a part in Sandbanks losing its appeal. 'During Covid we couldn't imagine getting on a plane, but the rush is over now and we're back to reality. Why spend millions to chance bad weather in England when you can buy somewhere abroad for much less.' He added that the craze to get your hands on a second home in the dream-like town has waned as buyers battle a dire economy and are being wiser about where to invest. 'The market is pretty flat. Super luxury properties used to be immune from this but now they're not. The council tax on second homes doesn't help and there's super high stamp duties. 'For a normal buyer that stamp could be around £300,000 which is quite the chop. 'It's going to become quite common now where house prices are being reduced. This should be prime time for sales but it hasn't happened so a lot of owners think it's now or never and will cut the price. 'If it's not doing well now it's only going to get worse in winter. Property surprises everyone all the time but it's going to be a tough autumn and winter unless we see the interest rates drop. 'The economy affects people directly and with interest rates being so high, people can't afford a home like they may have been able to a few years ago.' He added: 'It's absolutely vital the economy does well because you can never have a good property market in a bad economy.' 'The light at the end of the tunnel will be interest rates going down. There are clouds on the horizon, though it's not raining yet.' An MHCLG spokesperson said: 'We know that there is a desperate need for homes, and having too many second homes in an area can exacerbate the housing crisis by driving up housing costs for local people and damaging public services. 'As well as delivering our stretching target of 1.5 million homes so we can restore the dream of homeownership, councils can also choose to add up to 100% extra on the council tax bills of second homes to help local leaders protect their communities.'
