The concentration of seasonal property varies from area to area. The 1991 Census shows St Minver Ward in Cornwall as the highest, having over 43% of the properties in the area used as either second homes or holiday homes. The highest in Dorset is Whitechurch Canonicorum Ward with 20%. As expected one sees a higher density of second homes in the coastal strip of Dorset.

Until the results of the 2001 Census are available, it will be difficult to predict any increase in second/holiday homes in Dorset.

It is very difficult to establish the impact of second homes on communities in the County. Second/holiday homes all contribute to to the local tourist industry - an industry which accounts for an estimated 10% of the GDP in the South-West.

Second Homes                                                                                                            

• in 1973 there were about 10,500 second homes in the SW region: by 1991 this number has increased to 24,700
• the South-West has about 18% of the national total of second homes - Wales having the highest
• in 1991 Dorset had the second largest share of the region's second homes at 22%
• in 1991 1.9% of the Dorset dwelling stock were second homes

Holiday Homes

• The number of holiday homes in Dorset rose by 7% between 1981 and 1991
• in 1991 there were 4,144 holiday homes in Dorset - 1.4% of the county dwelling stock
• Dorset has slightly more holiday homes than second homes
• Dorset has 16% of the holiday homes in the South-West region

Number of Second Homes in the South West, 1991

Source: 1991 Census

Number of Holiday Homes in the South West, 1991

Source: 1991 Census

• Holiday homes data table 1991

  Below is a table showing holiday homes by ward.

• Seasonal properties data table 1991

  This page shows seasonal properties (holiday homes and second homes) by ward.

• Second Homes Data Table 1991