Dreaming of a house by the sea? Be prepared to splash the cash in Sandbanks, Dorset!
New research from Rightmove has crowned Sandbanks as the UK’s most expensive coastal area, with homes there fetching an eye-watering average of £1,582,331.
Luxury Living Along the Dorset Coast
The study, which crunched the numbers on over 200 coastal locations across Great Britain, found that posh Poole in Dorset dominates the top spots. Coming in a close second is Canford Cliffs, also in Poole, boasting an average asking price of £1,242,181. Milford-on-Sea in Hampshire nabs third place with a respectable £751,442 average.
Bargain Beach Houses in Scotland and the North East
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly seaside escape, pack your bags for Scotland or the North East of England. Saltcoats in Ayrshire, Scotland, takes the title of the UK’s most affordable coastal town, with an average asking price of just £114,365. Hot on its heels are Easington (£122,520) and Peterlee (£124,593), both in County Durham.
Peterlee: A Property Hotspot on the Rise
While still offering incredibly affordable seaside living, Peterlee is also experiencing a property boom! Average asking prices in the area have skyrocketed by an impressive 15% compared to this time last year. Heysham in Lancaster isn’t far behind, with a healthy 7% increase.
Cities Make a Comeback
Remember the pandemic property frenzy that saw everyone fleeing to the coast? Well, it seems the tables are turning! Rightmove’s data reveals that cities are back in vogue. Glasgow, Bristol, and Edinburgh are now more sought-after than Devon, a former coastal favourite. London and Cornwall remain the top two most searched locations.
Expert Insights
Tim Bannister, a property expert at Rightmove, explains: “While the pandemic-driven rush to the seaside has cooled down, coastal areas remain popular. Many people dream of a life by the sea, especially during the summer months.”
Steve Isaacs, a director at a luxury real estate agency in Poole, adds: “The first half of the year has been strong for us. Sandbanks and Canford Cliffs are as popular as ever, especially prime waterfront properties. The allure of seaside living is timeless and shouldn’t be underestimated.”

