Dreaming of waking up to ocean vistas? Be prepared to pay a £88,106 premium for the privilege. According to a new study by Rightmove, properties with sea views in Great Britain fetch an average asking price of £363,181—a 32% markup compared to similar coastal homes without the scenic perk.
Regional Breakdown: Where Sea Views Cost the Most
The premium varies dramatically across the UK, with some regions demanding far higher premiums than others:
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East Midlands leads with a 68% premium (£428,330 avg.)
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South West follows at 44%
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Scotland ranks third at 43%
At the other end of the spectrum, the South East has the lowest premium at just 22%, likely due to higher overall property prices reducing the relative value of a sea view.
Top 10 Coastal Areas for Sea View Homes in 2025
Rightmove’s data reveals where buyers have the best chance of securing a sea-view property, based on current listings:
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Torbay, Devon (Highest availability)
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Bournemouth, Dorset
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Cornwall
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Isle of Wight
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Hastings, East Sussex
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Folkestone, Kent
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Brighton, East Sussex
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Thanet, Kent
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Tendring, Essex
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North Yorkshire
Why Are Sea Views So Valuable?
Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property expert, explains:
*”Sea views have always been a highly sought-after feature, but our research shows just how much extra buyers will pay. The East Midlands’ 68% premium reflects the scarcity of such properties there, while in the South East, sea views are less of a differentiator in an already expensive market.”*
Additional Factors Driving the Premium
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Exclusivity – Limited supply of sea-view properties in certain regions
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Wellbeing benefits – Studies, including those from The Guardian, link coastal living to reduced stress levels
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Investment potential – Seaside homes historically hold value well, as noted by Savills
Is a Sea View Worth the Extra Cost?
For those debating the investment, consider:
✔ Higher resale value
✔ Strong rental demand (especially in tourist hotspots)
✔ Quality-of-life benefits
However, buyers should also factor in:
✖ Potential erosion risks (as highlighted by BBC News)
✖ Higher insurance costs in flood-risk zones
