The UK's most expensive seaside town slammed as the country's 'worst'
The UK's most expensive place to live in the country has been slammed as "soulless and empty" as locals are being pushed out by tourists.
The "most expensive" place to live in the country has also been named the "worst" as overtourism has driven the seaside town to become "soulless," according to locals.
Salcombe, Devon, is known for its outstanding coastal views and rolling surrounding countryside.
The small seaside town has a population of just 2,000 people but at any given time during high season, there are often around 25,000 visitors.
Devonian Madeleine Ross, writing for the Telegraph, described Salcombe as "dreadful".
She said: "Salcombe is soulless and empty. Just a beautiful facade and some very expensive ice cream shops, not to mention that knee-killer hill.
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"No amount of crystal clear water can give a hollow place a sense of community. The South West is riddled with places that have lost their locals and Salcombe might be the worst of them all."
Salcombe has been named the most expensive place to own a coastal home in the country, with an average house price of more than £970,000, according to analysis of Land Registry data by Lloyds.
However, data by Halifax conducted in 2022, puts the houses even higher at an average of £1.2million. Because of tourism, council tax has also significantly increased for locals over recent years.
Many of the locals have been "pushed out" because of the amount of holiday homes and high cost of living, it has been reported.
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In 2018, the Salcombe neighbourhood planning steering group calculated that roughly 57 percent of homes in the town were second homes.
But not everyone agrees as many tourists have taken to Tripadvisor to praise the town.
One person wrote: "Another lovely break, this is a perfect spot for enjoying coastal walks and the town of Salcombe."
Another said: "Amazing views with many boats to see on a glorious sunny morning. Coffee in that sunshine and great for people watching."
