Homebuyers willing to swap city lights for sea air could save hundreds of thousands of pounds – even after factoring in a daily commute – according to new research by estate agency Yopa.
The study examined house prices in five major UK cities and compared them with the most affordable coastal locations within commuting range.
It then calculated potential savings per minute of travel, offering a fresh perspective on the cost-benefit of relocating to the coast.
London: Folkestone
With average house prices in the capital now at £552,073, moving to Folkestone – where homes average £309,985 – could yield a saving of £242,088. For a 56-minute commute, that’s equivalent to £4,323 saved per minute. Even commuting three days a week would still leave buyers comfortably ahead, with a season ticket from Folkestone costing £7,136 – less than 3% of the property price difference.
Manchester: Blackpool
Buyers priced out of Manchester (average price £246,630) might consider Blackpool, where the average home costs £136,917. The 67-minute train ride offers a saving of £109,713 – or £1,638 per minute – while a part-time annual rail pass costs just £4,336.
Bristol: Weston-super-Mare
A 29-minute train from Weston-super-Mare saves Bristol commuters £53,464 on property costs, with homes averaging £313,487. That equates to £1,844 saved for every minute spent travelling.
Leeds: Bridlington
Despite the longer two-hour commute, Bridlington offers a £21,553 saving on Leeds’ average house price – or £180 per minute.
Newcastle: Tynemouth
Tynemouth offers a more modest saving of £14,396 versus Newcastle, but its 37-minute Metro journey and £985 season ticket may appeal to buyers seeking lifestyle over extreme economy.
Steve Anderson, National Franchise Director at Yopa, says: “City centres and coastal towns are both known for their premium property markets, but by looking slightly beyond the city limits, buyers can enjoy the best of both worlds. These coastal commutes offer not just a financial saving, but a lifestyle upgrade – without compromising on access to city salaries.”
