Question 1

How do I become a member and join the Association?

Accepted Answer

If you are a Hut Owner in the Southend Area go to the 'Association and Join' page and download a Membership Form.  Full details appear on the form. The cost is £30 for a three year period.

Question 2

I am thinking of selling my hut, do you have a list of potential buyers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please see our Huts for Sale page.  Huts are also often on the books of local estate agents.

Question 3

I wish to purchase a hut, how do I get my name on the prospective buyers register?

Accepted Answer

We suggest you walk along the huts to decide if you want a hut on the beach, stilts, the prom by Uncle Toms Cabin or East Beach. Note the number range of the huts you would be interested in purchasing and drop us a message.
Someone from SBHOA will contact you and advise if there are sellers on the register that meet your criteria, if not your details will be added to the register and we'll keep you updated, if we become aware of a hut coming on the market.

Question 4

If I buy a beach hut will I own the whole property?

Accepted Answer

You'll own the structure and contents, but the ground it stands on belongs to the Southend-on-Sea City Council and is held on a leasehold basis by the hut owner in return for an annual ground rent.

Question 5

How long does the lease last on the ground my hut sits on?

Accepted Answer

The leases on the plots of land on which the beach huts sit at Thorpe Bay and Shoebury Common are all in the process of being renewed by the Landlord, (Southend on Sea City Council), with an effective date of 1st January 2026. They will run for a period of exactly seven years which means that they do not have to be registered with HM Land Registry; if they exceeded 7 years, they would have to be registered. The leases contain a Renewal Clause which, on expiry of the lease, will give leaseholders the right of an option to request a one further 7-year term. What happens beyond that will be decided by the Council at that time.

Question 6

How much will the annual ground rent be for my hut?

Accepted Answer

This varies depending on the size of the hut and whereabouts it is. There are 4 charge bands, the most expensive being from the Yacht club to St Augustines Avenue. Next is from St Augustines Avenue to Lynton Road and from the Yacht club to Maplin Way. 
The huts on the promenade at Shoebury Common up to the Ness Road slipway are third, and the cheapest ones are those round the corner without a sea view. The prices range from around £250 to £650 per annum and these prices may well rise with the new leases. Ground rent is due annually from 1st January, and you can opt to pay by direct debit in 4 quarterly instalments.

Question 7

Will I have to pay any other charges besides ground rent?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Beach huts are subject to National Non Domestic Rates (NNDR). They run from April to March annually and you can opt to pay in two 6-monthly instalments. Each hut is individually rated so the amount depends on the size & location like the rent does. 
Because the rate is non domestic, you can claim Small Business Rate Relief as long as you're not doing so on another property. The saving is currently 100% so it's worthwhile and all you need do is submit an application to the Southend-on-Sea City Council on a very simple form.

Question 8

Is there any Land Registry involvement in selling/buying a hut?

Accepted Answer

Since the term of the leases does not exceed seven years, they do not have to be registered with HM Land Registry (HMLR). There is therefore no obligatory involvement of HMLR, although it is possible to register if there are particular circumstances where this is desirable. This is done using HMLR form TR1 and instructions can be found on the HMLR website.
When beach huts in Thorpe Bay and Shoebury Common change hands the prior, formal Consent of the Council must be obtained. If approved the Transfer is effected by means of a ‘Deed of Assignment’, which is a legally binding document signed by all parties involved, with signatures properly witnessed. Such Transfers may incur a charge of 10% of the market value of the beach hut unless it is one of a small number of exemptions as stated in the leases, for example, transfer to an immediate family relative.

Question 9

Can I buy a car park season ticket?

Accepted Answer

Yes. you can buy a season ticket from the Southend-on-Sea City Council that currently allows you to park in a named car park or those in a certain zone.  The 'Southend Pass' is also available which allows 3 hours daily parking in each zone for a regular payment.
You can find out more information on both options on the Council Website.

Question 10

Can I insure my beach hut?

Accepted Answer

There aren't many insurance companies who offer cover for Beach huts but, there are some which our members can find in the Members area.

Question 11

What are the Association rules?

Accepted Answer

Members can find a copy of the full rules of the association in the Members Area.

FAQ's

Frequently asked questions