WITH the housing market struggling to gain momentum and average property prices on the wane, one type of real estate remains resolutely robust.

The beach hut is still a sought-after asset in Southwold, where one is currently on the market for �50,000 and prices have in the past reached in excess of �100,000.

In fact, asking prices for huts are even going up on some stretches of the beach, where more and more local people are choosing to invest in a seaside haven.

Southwold estate agents Durrants has seen a marked increase in the number of local residents snapping up beach huts – and some have started using them all year round.

Manager Roseanne Green said: “A beach hut sold very recently for �45,000 on the north beach, where prices have actually gone up quite considerably.

“They were on the market for �25,000 about 18 months ago.

“There is still very much a market for them and our last three sales have been to local residents.

“We recently agreed a house sale in Reydon (near Southwold) on the condition that a beach hut was included.

“Not only are people looking for somewhere they can take their family and friends, but the beach huts also let out very well during the summer months. Even in the winter there are some who sit out with a gas stove and brave the cold.”

Durrants currently has a sale of a beach hut going through despite it only standing on the beach for six months, and being kept in a car park between October and April to protect it from storm damage. A hut just south of the pier sold privately last year for �80,000 and huts at Gun Hill have been known to sell instantly in excess of �100,000.

The tiny properties cost more per square foot than an average family home, with the added expense of insurance, annual fees and tax. There are about 300 huts in Southwold, with seven new plots opened earlier in this year.

In high season the weekly rent for one can be up to �200. Anyone looking to take on a new asset could also consider a new waterfront flat or a three-bed former council house, both in Ipswich and currently on the market for �100,000.