Britain’s most expensive seaside towns and cheaper ‘hidden gems’ revealed – London Wallet

Sandbanks, in Dorset, has retained its crown as Britain’s costliest coastal location.

Fresh research from Lloyds reveals this Dorset location remains at the top of the UK’s coastal property charts.

Despite a 3% drop from last year, the average home in this popular area is priced at £965,708.

Amanda Bryden, head of mortgages, Lloyds, said: “Coastal living continues to hold a special appeal – whether it’s the lure of sea views, sandy beaches, or a slower pace of life. Our latest research shows the most exclusive seaside spots – like Sandbanks – still command premium prices.”

South west locations continue to dominate the list of the priciest coastal areas.

Salcombe in Devon follows closely behind Sandbanks with an average house price of £826,159, Padstow in Cornwall sees average home prices of £715,974, while homes in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, average £619,693.

Across Britain, the average price of a home by the sea now stands at £295,991 – down 1% year-on-year.

Despite this recent, small dip, prices in coastal towns are up by 18% over the past five years. In premium locations, it’s an increase of 37% – adding £168,408 to the cost of a typical high-end coastal home. St Mawes in the South West saw the biggest increase over this period, adding £222,602 (+68%) to the price of the typical property.

Brighton saw the highest combined value of coastal home purchases over the last year, with deals totalling just over £927m. This was following by Plymouth (£810m) and Poole (£802m). Overall, the housing market for coastal locations in Great Britain was worth around £21bn last year.

Plymouth also saw the biggest number of transactions (3,258), followed by Bournemouth (2,195) and Brighton (1,982).

Bryden continued: ““In some of the UK’s most desirable coastal towns, average prices have dipped slightly over the past year. But, over the longer term, values remain significantly higher – especially in the South West, where demand from lifestyle movers continues to shape the market.”

Where is it more affordable to live by the coast?

Scotland dominates the list of most affordable coastal towns, with all 10 of the cheapest spots located north of the border.

Top of the list is Campbeltown, on the scenic Kintyre Peninsula, where the average home costs just £103,078 – down 11% in the past year. Once dubbed the whisky capital of the world, Campbeltown offers dramatic coastal views and access to the islands of Islay, Jura and Arran.

It’s followed by Rothesay (£111,764), Millport (£114,008) and Port Bannatyne (£115,421) – all island communities on Scotland’s west coast, nestled within the sheltered waters of the Firth of Clyde.

Outside of Scotland, the least expensive location in England is Newbiggin-By-The-Sea in the North East, while in Wales it is Prestatyn.

Most and least expensive coastal towns in each region

Source: Land Registry house price data 12 months to January 2025, Registers of Scotland full year 2024

Bryden added: “At the other end of the scale, there are still pockets of real affordability – particularly in Scotland, where buyers can find coastal homes for a fraction of the price. For those willing to look beyond the traditional hotspots, there are some hidden gems offering great value and a strong sense of community.

“It’s also important to recognise that not all coastal areas share the same fortunes. Some seaside towns face significant challenges, from seasonal economies to a lack of affordable housing for local people.”

Britain’s most expensive coastal locations 

Source: Land Registry house price data 12 months to January 2025, Registers of Scotland full year 2024

Britain’s least expensive coastal locations 

Source: Land Registry house price data 12 months to January 2025, Registers of Scotland full year 2024

England and Wales’ least expensive coastal locations 

Source: Land Registry house price data 12 months to January 2025

Biggest price increases in coastal locations 2023 vs 2024 

Source: Land Registry house price data 12 months to January 2024 and January 2025, Registers of Scotland full year 2023 and 2024

Biggest price increases in coastal locations 2019 vs 2024  

Source: Land Registry house price data 12 months to January 2020 and January 2025, Registers of Scotland full year 2019 and 2024

Responding to the latest Lloyds report, Nigel Bishop of Recoco Property Search, said: “Sandbanks has always been a sought-after holiday home destination but the government’s numerous tax changes such as enhanced stamp duty, inheritance tax and higher council tax have made it less feasible to maintain a second home. Another reason for the current price adjustment is the aftermath of the pandemic when people rushed to buy a home outside major cities.

“As this trend has run its course, property prices are rebalancing. With some coastal areas now seeing an increase in the number of properties being put up for sale, supply and demand levels are also more balanced, which is putting buyers in a stronger position during price negotiations.”

Toby Leek, NAEA Propertymark President, added: “Seaside locations are desirable for many people of all demographics due to the stunning scenery nearby offering an idyllic haven, especially for those looking to retire.

“However, with popularity comes heightened house prices, which can price many locals out of the housing market. Considering that the average house price has dipped slightly year on year, the current economic turbulence doesn’t seem to have overly affected the market or dented the confidence of buyers of coastal locations.”