The benefits of owning a holiday home

The idea of owning a holiday home is a dream for many, but according to the results of a new survey, it’s also beneficial for mental wellbeing – and can even help boost your sex life.

The 2011 Census reports that nearly 200,000 Brits own a UK holiday home (0.3 per cent of the population).

But beyond the obvious attraction of having an easily accessible escape, what drives people to invest in a staycation bolthole?

If the results of a new survey published by UK luxury holiday park operator Park Leisure (in conjunction with OnePoll) are anything to go by, the benefits of owning a holiday home are actually more far reaching.

While a desire to own a place close to home is a motivating factor for many (on average, holiday home owners live no further than three hours away from their home), other drives include familiarity, nostalgia and an opportunity to enjoy quality time with family.

Nearly 72 per cent of those surveyed revealed they had spent more time with family since buying their home. In fact, many said relationships in general had improved with nearly half (46 per cent) saying they felt less stressed and 47 per cent revealing they were having more sex.

Corinne Sweet, a psychologist, psychotherapist and author, says: “Buying a little bit of heaven on Earth is how many discerning home owners view their precious holiday home purchases, as they can provide an essential and welcome break from the pressures of the daily grind.

“What’s more, being able to get away relatively easy and quickly to a familiar, and safe, place can bring a very deep and basic human benefit.

“Regular de-stressing breaks mean increased productivity through better relationships and health, more fun, and even a more fulfilling sex life.”

So, even though the majority of people with holiday homes might only visit them once a month (37 per cent), the benefits can easily shape their daily lives.

“Using money wisely to increase your emotional and physical health has to make sense in our frantic 24/7 hyper-connected world, so it’s not surprising people are using their hard-earned funds to buy a bit of tranquillity and regrouping time away from home,” says Corinne Sweet.

“As we live longer, and are more active and healthy into our 80s and 90s, wanting to enjoy regular and accessible breaks in nature and stay connected with ourselves and others will become increasingly important, necessary and popular.”

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