Dreaming of waking up to ocean vistas? Be prepared to pay a £88,106 premium for the privilege. According to a new study by Rightmove, properties with sea views in Great Britain fetch an average asking price of £363,181—a 32% markup compared to similar coastal homes without the scenic perk.
Regional Breakdown: Where Sea Views Cost the Most
The premium varies dramatically across the UK, with some regions demanding far higher premiums than others:
East Midlands leads with a 68% premium (£428,330 avg.)
South West follows at 44%
Scotland ranks third at 43%
At the other end of the spectrum, the South East has the lowest premium at just 22%, likely due to higher overall property prices reducing the relative value of a sea view.
Top 10 Coastal Areas for Sea View Homes in 2025
Rightmove’s data reveals where buyers have the best chance of securing a sea-view property, based on current listings:
Torbay, Devon (Highest availability)
Bournemouth, Dorset
Cornwall
Isle of Wight
Hastings, East Sussex
Folkestone, Kent
Brighton, East Sussex
Thanet, Kent
Tendring, Essex
North Yorkshire
Why Are Sea Views So Valuable?
Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property expert, explains:
*”Sea views have always been a highly sought-after feature, but our research shows just how much extra buyers will pay. The East Midlands’ 68% premium reflects the scarcity of such properties there, while in the South East, sea views are less of a differentiator in an already expensive market.”*
Additional Factors Driving the Premium
Exclusivity – Limited supply of sea-view properties in certain regions
Wellbeing benefits – Studies, including those from The Guardian, link coastal living to reduced stress levels
Investment potential – Seaside homes historically hold value well, as noted by Savills
Is a Sea View Worth the Extra Cost?
For those debating the investment, consider:
✔ Higher resale value
✔ Strong rental demand (especially in tourist hotspots)
✔ Quality-of-life benefits
However, buyers should also factor in:
✖ Potential erosion risks (as highlighted by BBC News)
✖ Higher insurance costs in flood-risk zones