"For many retirees and silver downsizers, the dream of living by the sea is starting to feel completely out of reach, with traditional homes in coastal counties commanding premiums of more than 30%"
- Tim Simmons - Regency Living
Recent research from Regency Living has highlighted that the surge in property prices along Britain’s coasts isn’t limited to traditional homes. The average price of beach huts has risen by as much as 100% in several sought-after seaside towns.
Coastal home prices keep climbing
England’s coastal areas have long been popular with homebuyers, resulting in local house prices well above the national average. However, Regency Living’s latest figures reveal how sharply these markets have escalated.
In West Sussex, where seaside towns such as West Wittering, Bognor Regis, and Worthing are located, the average house price is currently £373,743. This is 32.7% higher than the UK average of £268,652.
Homebuyers in Hampshire face a similar challenge, with prices rising 2.4% over the past year to reach £365,384 on average, 30.5% above the national figure.
Essex has seen a 4.4% increase in house prices in the last year, now averaging £364,345 — 30.2% higher than the UK average. Large premiums also apply in Kent (25.8%), Dorset (20.5%), and East Sussex (19.6%).
While Suffolk (7.4%) and Norfolk (0.7%) show smaller premiums, both counties experienced strong annual growth at 4% and 3.7% respectively.
Beach huts now cost over £100,000 in some places
Demand for a coastal base extends beyond houses, pushing up beach hut prices dramatically in recent years.
Though living in or staying overnight in a beach hut is prohibited, Regency Living’s analysis shows average prices have increased by up to 100% since 2022 in popular coastal counties.
In West Sussex, the average beach hut price stands at £33,044, marking a rise of 102.1% over three years. However, this figure is modest compared to prices further along the south coast.
In Dorset, the average beach hut costs £102,451, up 66.3% since 2022. Essex follows with an average price of £45,878, then Kent (£43,661), Hampshire (£32,655), and East Sussex (£30,784).
Tim Simmons, sales & marketing director at Regency Living, explained, “For many retirees and silver downsizers, the dream of living by the sea is starting to feel completely out of reach, with traditional homes in coastal counties commanding premiums of more than 30%.”
He added, “With even beach huts now commanding five-figure price tags, it’s no surprise that more buyers are seeking smarter alternatives.”
Simmons noted, “Park homes are becoming the solution of choice for those who want the benefits of coastal living without the burdens of sky-high property prices or a new mortgage.”
