It’s no surprise that the price of property in prime seaside locations can fetch a pretty penny, due to the allure of the sea and sand. Salcombe in Devon and the Sandbanks in Dorset are amongst the most expensive, in part due to their additional status as the go to locations of the rich and famous. With property in both locations fetching up to three times the national average. Even a beach hut along the Sandbanks beach can set you back as much as £100k!
If you’re looking to invest in a seaside property at an affordable price, eMoov.co.uk have provided some alternatives to consider.
Bude - Cornwall
Cornwall is arguably the second home capital of the UK, as the pace of life and outstanding landscape attracts buyers from all over.
Bude offers a perfect beach location and although the average house price is around the £250k mark, it’s a steal when compared to Padstow, considering it’s just a short trot up the coast. Although relatively unknown at present, it is almost certainly going to experience its own Padstow style effect, so snapping up a holiday home now could be a smart move if you want to see a return on your investment.
Nearby Widemouth Bay also offers property with breath taking views, a dog friendly beach, several cafes, shops and restaurants all on the hill above the bay.
Bude also benefits from its location to the north of Cornwall. Although you still get the authentic Cornwall feel with a peaceful way of life, you save an hour’s drive over destinations down in West Cornwall.
Average House Price: £254,177
Price change in the past 2 years: 7.16%
Weymouth - South
If you have your heart set on living along the south coast, there is hope of doing so without breaking the bank completely. Nestled between two of Dorset’s heritage coastlines is the town of Weymouth.
With an average house price of just £230k, it is more expensive than the national average, but a quarter of the average price of property in the Sandbanks and just an hour’s drive away. What’s more, the rural landscape is far more idyllic than the overly busy Sandbanks Bay and Weymouth’s Georgian style seafront and post card beaches, offer spectacular views of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.
The connected Isle of Portland, which co-hosted the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sailing events with Weymouth, also offer an explorers paradise adding an additional dimension to a seaside trip to the area.
Average House Price: £229,906
Price change in the past 2 years: 6.62%
Westcliffe-on-Sea - East
Due to improvements in transport infrastructure, such as the C2C line, Essex has become a popular destination for those looking for a commutable distance to the capital, but also offers the appeal of living by the sea. Southend was once a seaside hotspot, although today its image isn’t quite as glamorous. Nearby Leigh-on-Sea has become popular but with an average house price nearing £300k, this popularity is reflected.
Westcliffe-on-Sea is situated between the two, within close proximity to the bright lights of Southend’s seafront attractions and a short drive to the quainter seaside community of Leigh. With an average house price of £224k Westcliffe is more expensive than the national average, but a darn site cheaper than buying in London.
Average House Price: £223,796
Price change in the past 2 years: 14.71%
Colwyn Bay - Wales
Colwyn Bay on the north coast of Wales offers everything you could want from a seaside get away. There’s a beautiful beach, gardens within the town and Eirias Park is one of many local areas of outstanding natural beauty. There is also something to keep the kids entertained – from the nearby Welsh Mountain Zoo to the Port Eirias Water Sports Centre, offering a range of activities.
At an average house price of roughly £170k, Colwyn Bay is not only considerably cheaper than a property on the south coast, but also cheaper than the national average. Although prices over the last five years have increased overall, they have dropped by around £7,000 in the last six months. So now could be a good time to snap up a property in the area.
Average House Price: £173,094
Price change in the past 2 years: 9.82%%
Bridlington - North East
It might not be the first place that springs to mind, but the North East coast can offer some extremely good value for money. Granted the weather may not be as inviting as the South, but if this isn’t the deciding factor for you, then it is certainly an area to consider.
Just south of Scarborough is Bridlington. It offers a more relaxed pace of life than Scarborough, even at the height of summer. The town has a real family feel and offers something for young and old. There is a bustling town centre, albeit a small one, picturesque beaches, the obligatory promenade and seaside attractions, a number of historic sites and the real hidden gem – Bridlington Old Town. With an average house price of £130k it is a tad more expensive than other resorts on the North East, like Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, but offers a lot more for the additional cost.
Average House Price: £134,069
Price change in the past 2 years: 8.64%
