Situated in Essex, Southend on Sea, often referred to simply as Southend, rests along the coastline where the River Thames converges with the North Sea.
Positioned approximately 40 miles from London, this town was bestowed with city status in 2021, a tribute to its former MP, Sir David Amess, who ardently advocated for the city designation.
This elevated status can enhance Southend-on-Sea’s prominence, potentially contributing to economic growth and influencing a positive trajectory in the local buy-to-let market.
Seaside Tourism and Other Commercial Ventures
Southend is a coastal resort that heavily relies on its tourism sector for economic sustenance. However, it is also important as a hub for commercial activities and light industries.
The town features numerous business parks crucial in generating local employment opportunities, with the recently established Airport Business Park standing out. Notable enterprises headquartered in Southend are HMRC, RBS Group, Olympus UK, Hi-Tec Europe, and Honeywell/MK Electric.
Southend attracts approximately 6 million annual tourists, drawing a substantial portion from London. Many people come to see the Southend Pier, stretching an impressive 1.33 miles and holding the title of the world’s longest pleasure pier.
Beyond this landmark, Southend boasts an array of attractions, such as seven miles of inviting beaches, seafront arcades, the exhilarating Adventure Island, and the Sealife Adventure aquarium. Additionally, Southend has carved a niche for its vibrant nightlife, with its bars and clubs enticing revellers from across the region.
Transport Links
Southend boasts excellent transportation connections to London and major Essex hubs like Rayleigh, Basildon, and Chelmsford. The proximity to London is a key advantage, as the city can be accessed by train in approximately 45 minutes.
This accessibility makes Southend appealing for London-based commuters seeking value-driven properties or a coastal lifestyle.
The A127, A13, and A130 are the primary roads connecting Southend to London and Essex.
Southend hosts its own airport, London Southend Airport, offering connections to European cities while also bolstering the local aviation sector.
Furthermore, the forthcoming Lower Thames Crossing, expected to be operational by 2028, will establish a vital link between Essex and Kent.
Regeneration Plans
The Southend-on-Sea Borough Council has outlined ambitious strategies for revitalising the emerging city to enhance its residential and professional hub appeal.
The notable £500 million initiative, known as the Better Queensway project, entails the demolition of several obsolete tower blocks and creating approximately 1,700 new residences. The addition of shops, cafes, an urban park, and public areas near the town centre will complement these living spaces.
Student Accomodation Market
Southend also features a student accommodation market that caters to the University of Essex Southend Campus. This campus boasts approximately 1,500 students.
This student accommodation market provides opportunities for buy-to-let investors targeting this dynamic. However, somewhere like Liverpool or Manchester would be better suited to this type of strategy as they have a much larger student population.
