Comparing the UK’s Most Expensive and Least Expensive Coastal Locations

The recent Rightmove report reveals stark contrasts in property prices between Britain’s priciest and most affordable seaside towns. While Sandbanks, located in Poole, Dorset, continues to reign as the most luxurious coastal area, some towns in Scotland and the North offer homes at a fraction of the price.

Among the 200+ coastal areas analysed, Sandbanks leads the pack with average house prices hitting nearly £1.6 million, making it the most expensive seaside location in the UK. This area is renowned for its upscale, waterfront properties, attracting affluent buyers seeking exclusive coastal living.

At the opposite end of the spectrum is Saltcoats in Ayrshire, Scotland, where homes are available for an average of just £114,365, almost 14 times less than Sandbanks. Other relatively affordable seaside locations include Easington and Peterlee in County Durham, with average property prices of £122,520 and £124,593, respectively.

The pandemic-induced property surge may have cooled, but the demand for seaside living remains strong. According to Tim Bannister from Rightmove, many people are still drawn to coastal homes, seeking a peaceful lifestyle by the sea.

Yet, the rising property values in premium areas have raised concerns about the affordability gap. Propertymark’s CEO, Nathan Emerson, highlighted that local residents in popular seaside towns may find themselves priced out as homes become more expensive and harder to attain.

Here’s a snapshot of the most and least expensive seaside areas in Britain:

Most Expensive Seaside Locations (Average Asking Prices):
Sandbanks, Dorset – £1,582,331
Canford Cliffs, Dorset – £1,242,181
Milford on Sea, Hampshire – £751,442
Padstow, Cornwall – £678,058
Lymington, Hampshire – £603,312
Least Expensive Seaside Locations (Average Asking Prices):
Saltcoats, Ayrshire – £114,365
Easington, County Durham – £122,520
Peterlee, County Durham – £124,593
Ashington, Northumberland – £132,660
Bootle, Merseyside – £133,197
In conclusion, while seaside homes are a desirable option for many, the vast price differences across regions show how location dramatically impacts the cost of coastal living. As prime seaside areas grow more expensive, homebuyers in search of a more affordable alternative may need to look further north or to more remote regions.