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Whitstable ‘Titanic’ flats on market for second time
16:26, 08 October 2024
updated: 16:54, 08 October 2024
A controversial block of flats likened to the Titanic has gone on the market for a second time, with suggestions again they could be inhabited by visitors rather than locals.
The developers of Thames House in Whitstable said the homes were mistakenly advertised for sale as holiday homes the first time the building appeared on Rightmove in the summer.
When the apartments were listed as potential lets for tourists, it sparked fears among neighbours, who said the developer was previously adament the properties would not be Airbnbs.
But now, the flats have been listed once again for the same £4.5 million price, with the same claim of how much money a buyer could make from letting to visitors.
The advert reads: “Introducing an exceptional unbroken freehold development nestled in a sought-after coastal location.
“This brand-new construction comprises 12 luxuriously appointed apartments, each designed with meticulous attention to detail to offer the epitome of modern coastal living.
“Perfectly positioned to take advantage of the booming holiday rental market, this development boasts a projected 10% holiday rental yield, making it an attractive investment.
“With Whitstable being a buoyant tourist hotspot, the property offers an estimated annual income of £480,000 through holiday lettings.”
A website has also been set up, designed as a booking platform if they eventually become holiday lets.
Trust between the firm and neighbours became frayed when the finished “monolithic" product in October differed radically from official approved plans, and was compared to the Titanic.
The building blunder triggered Canterbury City Council to serve developer Whitstable Nest an enforcement notice, ordering it to tear down the rear extension of the development and the roof.
That work is underway.
Furthermore, CGIs with the Rightmove advert showed the controversial ‘Titanic’ designs rather than new toned-down look, when the listing went up for the first time in May, described as a “dream getaway”.
The following month, Whitstable Nest said the flats were mistakenly advertised as potential holiday homes.
Oliver Youll, from Nest, previously said: “We are sorry for the confusion and worry this has caused residents. We just want to keep relations healthy with neighbours.
“I know we have not done that in the past, but we have spoken to the council and want to keep speaking to all the neighbours.
“We are still keeping options open in terms of sale.
“Financially, our options now are to sell or find an investor to work with us but holiday lets are not something we want to do. They certainly won’t be advertised as holiday lets if we do sell.”
Whitstable Nest has not responded to requests for comment on the latest listing.
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