An estate agent has been accusing of “mis-selling” homes on a stretch of the UK coast that is among the fastest-eroding in northern Europe. Norwich-based firm Minors & Brady defended advertising new properties in Hemsby, Norfolk, as in “a prime, elevated position with sea views” and failing to mention that over 20 homes have been lost to the ocean over the last 15 years. The estate agent insisted that the listings, for homes priced at upwards of £30,000, were “factually correct” and that buyers were fully aware of the risks involved in a purchase.
While one bungalow was said to have “stunning sea views” and “a relaxed, coastal lifestyle”, missing was any reference to coastal erosion, except a disclaimer advising those interested to conduct their own surveys “in regards to environmental changes in the area”. The clifftop village, which has long been a popular holiday home spot, is estimated to have lost 300 metres of its coastline since the 1970s and five houses were demolished in December 2023 amid a risk of being washed away by large waves.
“It is awful for the people that are buying them,” Natasha Hayes, executive director for places at Great Yarmouth Borough Council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service. “We do not advise people to purchase these properties. Local estate agents should have a moral duty.”
Ian Brennan, a member of the Save Hemsby Campaign, added: “Estate agents are mis-selling properties. They are not talking about the reality of the situation. Some of these homes may have to get knocked down. It is wrong.”
Ryan Martin, head of operations at Minors and Brady, argued back that a condition of sale was that buyers had to visit the property before making an offer, making them aware of the geographical location of the spot.
“We’re aware of the coastal erosion, it’s very well-documented and for us we have to take necessary steps to protect both the buyer and the seller,” he told ITV.
“We ensure that everyone has to view the property; that’s a mandatory condition. They actually have to go and visit, understand where it’s situated in relation to the sea and the current defences that are up.”
“It was only a month ago that we had a buyer who said: ‘Life’s too short, I want to commit, I respect I’m paying a price for a home that might be here for a limited period of time, but as a holiday home that works perfectly for us and with seaside views, what more could I want?'” he added.
“While there are potentially shorter time frames they could be in the property, potentially there could also be a much longer period they could be in that property, so for the right person and the right buyer, they’re more than happy to proceed with the transaction.”