"England benefits from having beaches north to south and east to west, but when talking about house price premiums, it's the southern beach counties that command the biggest values"
- Tim Simmons - Regency Living
New research from over-50s property specialists Regency Living has revealed the counties with the most beaches in England—and where buyers pay the biggest premium for a coastal lifestyle.
Cornwall and Devon: Beach-rich counties
Out of England’s 832 identified beaches, Cornwall and Devon top the list with 142 and 131 beaches, respectively. Dorset follows with 69, then Kent (56), Northumberland (43), Isle of Wight (41), and Norfolk (40).
Where beach living costs the most
West Sussex commands the highest price premium for seaside homes. With 27 beaches, the average property costs £382,755—31.2% above the national average of £291,640.
Hampshire’s 19 beaches come with an average price tag of £363,589, a 24.7% premium. Essex (23.2%), Kent (21%), Dorset (15.4%), and East Sussex (10.9%) also rank high in coastal property premiums.
Where coastal homes are a bargain
In contrast, several beach-rich counties offer serious value. Durham, with 16 beaches, has an average house price of just £136,182—53.3% below the England average. Tyne & Wear (-41.8%), Lancashire (-36.4%), Merseyside (-33.9%), Cumbria (-31.5%), Northumberland (-30.3%), Lincolnshire (-24.7%) and East Riding of Yorkshire (-23.9%) also offer beach access at well below-average prices.
“England benefits from having beaches north to south and east to west, but when talking about house price premiums, it's the southern beach counties that command the biggest values while property in the likes of Durham, Tyne & Wear, and Lancashire remain well below the national average," explained Regency Living sales & marketing director, Tim Simmons.
He added, "So if you’re looking for warm weather to accompany your close proximity to beaches, you’re more than likely going to need to absorb a premium with your house purchase. And do bear in mind that premiums will be even steeper for properties that are particularly close to the beach, especially when looking at the most sought-after coastal spots in Cornwall, Dorset, and Devon."
