Seaside towns in Dorset, including Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole, have witnessed a remarkable 20% surge in house listings. This trend is reflecting a broader movement across the UK, where more rural and coastal properties are being put up for sale, according to the latest data from property website Zoopla.
Zoopla’s figures highlight a significant increase in the number of houses for sale in the seaside regions of Dorset. Specifically, towns such as Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole are leading this trend with a boost in property availability. Estate agents in the southwest now manage about 2.5 times more listings than they did in the spring of 2022. This spike in supply appears to be correlated with rising property prices over the past five years, possibly encouraging homeowners to sell.
Price Trends and Market Dynamics
While the supply of homes has increased, so have the prices in these desirable locations. In Cornwall, property prices have soared by more than a quarter on average, with Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch not far behind at a 20% increase. Despite these rising prices, recent government data indicates a slight dip, with the average house price in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole falling by over 5% from February 2023 to 2024.
A Wider Trend
The increase in property listings is not confined to Dorset. Areas in Wales like Caerphilly and the Vale of Glamorgan, which offer commuting options to Cardiff, have also seen significant increases in available properties. Similarly, the East Midlands has experienced growth in listings, particularly in rural areas such as southern Lincolnshire and parts of Derbyshire, including the Peak District.
Pandemic Impact and Current Realities
The pandemic ignited a “race for space,” as people sought homes in more rural and coastal areas, away from crowded urban centers. However, with the return to office work or adoption of hybrid models, the motivation for moving might be shifting. Zoopla suggests that while the demand for lifestyle-driven relocations has softened, sellers must remain realistic about pricing to attract buyers.
Selling Takes Longer
An increase in available properties tends to lengthen the time it takes to sell a home. According to Zoopla, in Cornwall, it now takes approximately 20 days longer to sell a property than it did in spring 2022. In the east Dorset area, the delay is even more pronounced at 23 days longer on average.