Revealed: Britain’s Most and Least Expensive Coastal Property Locations

New data reveals the most expensive coastal property locations in Britain, alongside the country’s most affordable seaside markets where properties can still be picked up for under £150,000. While average values have dipped slightly over the past year, coastal properties continue to attract second-home buyers and investors seeking long-term rental and resale value in these scenic settings.

The latest data shows that Sandbanks in Dorset retains the title of Britain’s most expensive coastal location, with an average property commanding a £965,708 pricetag. Despite a three per cent annual drop – equal to £33,595 – the exclusive enclave continues to top the charts, buoyed by its luxury homes, golden beaches and promises of a holiday lifestyle.

Also ranking high are South West favourites Salcombe in Devon (£826,159) and Padstow in Cornwall (£715,974), both known for their estuary views, sailing culture and popularity with tourists. Aldeburgh in Suffolk (£619,693) and Lymington in Hampshire (£608,253) complete the top five.

Further down the top ten, the average property price in St Mawes is £552,198, Lyme Regis £531,815 and Dartmouth £495,643 – all three hotspots are located in the South West, which dominates the most expensive rankings.

By contrast, some of the most affordable coastal markets are found in Scotland. Campbeltown leads the list with an average price of just £103,078 – down 11 per cent year-on-year. Island communities like Rothesay (£111,764), Millport (£114,008) and Port Bannatyne (£115,421) also remain well below the national average. In fact, eight of the ten least expensive coastal hotspots are in Scotland, with buyers also able to find coastal properties in towns like Girvan, Greenock and Wick for well under £130,000.

Outside Scotland, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea in Northumberland (£132,863) and Fleetwood in Lancashire (£146,338) offer the most accessible prices in England.

Across Britain, the average price of a seaside property now stands at £295,991 – a modest one per cent decline on last year. However, prices are still up 18 per cent compared to five years ago.

For those eyeing long-term investment potential, St Mawes has seen a 68 per cent increase in value over the past five years – the biggest rise among all coastal locations, adding £222,602 to the typical property. Coastal areas like Anstruther in Scotland (+52%), Newbiggin-by-the-Sea in the North East (+51%), and Burntisland in Fife (+48%) have also posted significant growth since 2019, underlining opportunities beyond traditional hotspots.

In terms of transaction values, Brighton led the way last year, with buyers spending a total of just over £927 million on coastal property. Plymouth followed closely with a £810 million spend, then Poole with £802 million. Plymouth also recorded the highest number of sales (3,258), ahead of Bournemouth (2,195) and Brighton (1,982).

Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages at Lloyds, which published the research, 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. 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.”