Dreaming of a coastal home? While some seaside towns come with million-pound price tags, others offer stunning waterfront living for less than £150,000.
Property portal Rightmove has revealed the UK’s most and least expensive coastal locations for homebuyers in 2025—and the results highlight a stark north-south divide.
🇬🇧 The UK’s Priciest Seaside Towns
🥇 1. Sandbanks, Dorset – £1.28M
The most expensive seaside location in Britain, Sandbanks is a celebrity hotspot (think Harry Redknapp and Rick Stein) with golden beaches and luxury yachts.
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Average price: £1.28M (3x UK average)
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What you get: A 3-bed apartment (not even a house!)
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Price trend: -3% YoY
🥈 2. Canford Cliffs, Dorset – £974,635
Just a 35-minute walk from Sandbanks but £300K cheaper, this area boasts Blue Flag beaches and spacious 4-bed homes.
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Price trend: -9% YoY
🥉 3. Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire – £728,460
Famous for its colourful beach huts, this picturesque village offers a quieter (but still pricey) coastal lifestyle.
🏡 Rest of the Top 10:
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Lymington, Hampshire – £639,316
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Budleigh Salterton, Devon – £535,761
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St. Ives, Cornwall – £507,139
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Dartmouth, Devon – £500,006
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Sidmouth, Devon – £494,811
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Whitstable, Kent – £469,586
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Hythe, Kent – £466,898
🔍 Key Trend:
Despite falling prices in some elite areas (-1% across the top 50), demand rose 8%—proving coastal living remains highly desirable.
(For more luxury property insights, check Savills Coastal Hotspots Report)*
💰 The UK’s Most Affordable Seaside Towns
🥇 1. Saltcoats, Scotland – £122,208
The cheapest seaside town in the UK, just 50 mins from Glasgow, with bowling, cafes, and a cinema.
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Price growth: +13% YoY (biggest rise on the list!)
🥈 2. Peterlee, County Durham – £122,246
Only £38 more expensive than Saltcoats, with 6% annual growth.
🥉 3. Ashington, Northumberland – £135,050
A quiet coastal town with easy access to stunning Northumberland beaches.
🏡 Rest of the Top 10 Cheapest:
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Bootle, Merseyside – £135,208
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Grimsby, Lincolnshire – £142,072
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Blackpool, Lancashire – £142,804
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Fleetwood, Lancashire – £148,101
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Birkenhead, Merseyside – £149,527
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Blyth, Northumberland – £153,487
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Workington, Cumbria – £158,956
🔍 Key Trend:
All 10 cheapest seaside towns are northern, with prices under £160K—perfect for budget buyers.
(For affordable coastal living tips, visit MoneySavingExpert’s Property Guide)*
🌊 Why Are Seaside Homes So Popular?
Mary Lou Press of Propertymark explains:
“The pandemic shifted buyer priorities—more people want scenic, peaceful locations over city living. Even with economic uncertainty, coastal demand remains strong.”
Post-lockdown trends:
✔ Remote work made coastal moves viable
✔ Staycations boosted seaside appeal
✔ Downsizers & retirees drive luxury market
📉 Will Prices Keep Falling in Elite Areas?
Some south coast hotspots saw slight price dips, but demand is still growing. Experts suggest:
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Sandbanks & Canford Cliffs may rebound as luxury buyers return
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Northern coastal towns could see faster growth due to affordability
🏠 Final Verdict: Where Should You Buy?
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For luxury: Sandbanks, Canford Cliffs, St. Ives
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For value: Saltcoats, Peterlee, Blackpool
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For investment: Northern towns with rising demand
🔗 More Property Market Insights:
