The Daily Mail says that the surging popularity of surfing is driving rising house prices in 6 areas –

1. Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset
2. North Cornwall
3. Gower Peninsula
4. North Yorkshire
5. North Devon
6. Thurso, Caithness

Surfing’s Boost to the Property Market

• Surfing’s Growing Popularity:
  Surfing is now the UK’s biggest action sport, with 189,000 Britons hitting the waves in 2021. This has a significant economic impact, contributing more than £1 billion to the national economy. This is not only from the sale of surfing-related products but also includes spending on accommodation, travel, and even bars and cafes frequented by surfers.
• Impact on Property Market:
  The rise in surfing’s popularity is influencing the property market, particularly in prime surf locations. For example, there are properties like The Beachside at Croyde Bay in North Devon, transformed into apartments specifically for surfers, now on sale for £17.5 million. If you’re looking to invest in a property for surfers, large storage space and good washing and drying spaces are crucial.
• Six Prime Surfing Locations to Consider:
  Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset: UNESCO-listed, family-friendly area with average house prices of £310,000 to £441,500.
  North Cornwall: Famous beaches with various house prices, ranging from £387,000 in Newquay to over £1 million in Polzeath.
  Gower Peninsula: Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, average house prices of £366,000. The best locations could cost three times that.
  North Yorkshire: Growing surf popularity, with typical home costs ranging from £202,000 in Scarborough to £240,000 in Saltburn.
  North Devon: Recently awarded World Surfing Reserve status. Waterfront properties may reach seven figures, but average prices in other areas like Braunton and Bideford are below £275,000.
  Thurso, Caithness: Remote location, but affordable, with a three-bed semi costing under £160,000.

Summary:

For property investors or homebuyers interested in surf culture, these areas present unique opportunities. They offer a range of prices and features, but the key takeaway is that surfing’s rising popularity is making coastal locations an attractive investment, both from the lifestyle and potential profit perspectives.

Investors should pay attention to the needs of the surfing community, such as storage for equipment and spaces for drying clothes. If you want to catch the wave of surfing’s rising influence on the property market, now could be a good time to explore these opportunities. Whether you’re looking to invest in luxurious apartments like The Beachside or a cosy cottage near the beach, there’s a wide spectrum of options to consider in these prime locations.