THE property market might be struggling but it appears that beach huts in Suffolk still remain immune to any downturn in prices.

THE property market might be struggling but it appears that beach huts in Suffolk still remain immune to any downturn in prices.

The prices of the most sought-after beach huts in Southwold are soaring close to the £100,000 mark which is a steep price to pay for what is basically a floor space of eight feet by nine with a roof and walls.

There is speculation in the town, where Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his family are set to spend their summer holidays, that the £100,000 price barrier has in fact been breached, although there is no official confirmation of this.

However, a beach hut on sale with offers invited between £70,000 and £80,000 proved a big draw for prospective buyers and sold for above the asking price.

The beach hut Reverie at Gun Hill was sold by estate agents Flick and Son.

Richard Leeming, a director of the estate agents, said: “We had a guide of £70,000 to £80,000 and we did achieve a sale and exceed that figure. I cannot say what the price was.”

Mr Leeming said he had heard the rumour about the £110,000 beach hut - “although there is no evidence to suggest that there is any accuracy in that,” he added.