Dreaming of a coastal home? While some seaside towns come with million-pound price tags, others offer stunning waterfront living for less than £150,000.
Property portal Rightmove has revealed the UK’s most and least expensive coastal locations for homebuyers in 2025—and the results highlight a stark north-south divide.
🇬🇧 The UK’s Priciest Seaside Towns
🥇 1. Sandbanks, Dorset – £1.28M
The most expensive seaside location in Britain, Sandbanks is a celebrity hotspot (think Harry Redknapp and Rick Stein) with golden beaches and luxury yachts.
Average price: £1.28M (3x UK average)
What you get: A 3-bed apartment (not even a house!)
Price trend: -3% YoY
🥈 2. Canford Cliffs, Dorset – £974,635
Just a 35-minute walk from Sandbanks but £300K cheaper, this area boasts Blue Flag beaches and spacious 4-bed homes.
Price trend: -9% YoY
🥉 3. Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire – £728,460
Famous for its colourful beach huts, this picturesque village offers a quieter (but still pricey) coastal lifestyle.
🏡 Rest of the Top 10:
Lymington, Hampshire – £639,316
Budleigh Salterton, Devon – £535,761
St. Ives, Cornwall – £507,139
Dartmouth, Devon – £500,006
Sidmouth, Devon – £494,811
Whitstable, Kent – £469,586
Hythe, Kent – £466,898
🔍 Key Trend:
Despite falling prices in some elite areas (-1% across the top 50), demand rose 8%—proving coastal living remains highly desirable.
(For more luxury property insights, check Savills Coastal Hotspots Report)*
💰 The UK’s Most Affordable Seaside Towns
🥇 1. Saltcoats, Scotland – £122,208
The cheapest seaside town in the UK, just 50 mins from Glasgow, with bowling, cafes, and a cinema.
Price growth: +13% YoY (biggest rise on the list!)
🥈 2. Peterlee, County Durham – £122,246
Only £38 more expensive than Saltcoats, with 6% annual growth.
🥉 3. Ashington, Northumberland – £135,050
A quiet coastal town with easy access to stunning Northumberland beaches.
🏡 Rest of the Top 10 Cheapest:
Bootle, Merseyside – £135,208
Grimsby, Lincolnshire – £142,072
Blackpool, Lancashire – £142,804
Fleetwood, Lancashire – £148,101
Birkenhead, Merseyside – £149,527
Blyth, Northumberland – £153,487
Workington, Cumbria – £158,956
🔍 Key Trend:
All 10 cheapest seaside towns are northern, with prices under £160K—perfect for budget buyers.
(For affordable coastal living tips, visit MoneySavingExpert’s Property Guide)*
