Homebuyers searching for sunnier surroundings may find the best value on the Isle of Wight, according to new research from over-50s property firm Regency Living.
The company analysed long-term Met Office sunshine records and house price data to determine how much buyers effectively pay for daily sunshine across the UK. Their findings suggest that while many sunny counties come at a premium, the Isle of Wight offers a more affordable route to brighter living.
Sunniest counties ranked by value
The Isle of Wight, located off England’s southern coast, averages 5 hours and 8 minutes of sunshine per day, the highest in the UK. With an average house price of £257,170, buyers are paying roughly £835 for every hour of sunshine.
Although not cheap, this figure compares favourably to the national average. Across the UK, daily sunshine averages 3 hours and 48 minutes. With an average house price of £271,415, that equates to £1,190 per hour of sun.
Other sunshine-rich counties are less cost-effective. Kent, the second sunniest, enjoys 4 hours and 47 minutes of sunshine per day. Its average property price of £351,665 results in a cost of £1,225 per hour of sunlight. In East Sussex, homebuyers pay £1,141 per hour, while in West Sussex, the rate rises to £1,352.
Where hot days cost the most
In addition to sunshine, Regency Living looked at how often the temperature exceeds 25°C and how that aligns with property values.
London leads in warm days, averaging 34 per year. With a current average house price of £552,073, buyers pay the equivalent of £16,237 for each hot day.
Cambridgeshire sees 32 days above 25°C annually. Given its average house price of £343,066, this results in a cost of £10,721 per warm day.
Surrey ranks next with 30 hot days per year and an average home price of £526,318, meaning each hot day costs £17,544. Essex and Hertfordshire each average 29 days above 25°C, with per-day costs of £12,436 and £16,011 respectively.
“In the UK, finding a location that boasts plentiful hot and sunny weather is easier said than done – even in our warmest areas, the weather can be described as changeable at best," explained Tim Simmons, sales and marketing director at Regency Living.
However, he added, "We are not completely starved of hot summers, so for homebuyers who consider good weather a priority, many of whom are silver downsizers who want a warm spot in which to enjoy their retirement, there are a number of options on the table.
“The problem facing sun-seeking buyers, however, is that the best weather is confined very much to the south of the UK, which is also where house prices are, on average, at their highest.
“That’s one of the reasons we’ve seen consistent growth in demand for park homes. They provide quality detached homes in some of the country’s most desirable southern hotspots."
