Britain’s seaside property market is outperforming much of the wider housing sector, with several coastal towns posting strong price growth despite a cooling national market, according to latest data from Rightmove.
The portal’s latest analysis shows average asking prices across Great Britain are currently 0.3% lower than a year ago. However, a number of coastal hotspots are continuing to record significant increases as buyers remain drawn to seaside living.
Bootle in Merseyside has emerged as Britain’s fastest-growing coastal market, with average asking prices rising 11% year-on-year to £141,680. Crosby in Liverpool and Penarth in South Glamorgan both recorded annual growth of 9%, while Llantwit Major and Llanelli also posted strong gains.
The figures underline the growing divide within the housing market, with more affordable regional locations continuing to outperform parts of southern England where affordability pressures remain acute.
LIFESTYLE-DRIVEN DEMAND
Several of the strongest-performing seaside locations are in Wales and the North West, regions that continue to benefit from comparatively low property prices, lifestyle-driven demand and improved remote and hybrid working patterns established since the pandemic.
Rightmove’s research also highlights that coastal living remains accessible for many buyers despite rising demand. Nine of the ten fastest-growing seaside locations still sit below the national average asking price of £378,304, while more than 80% of the 100-plus coastal locations analysed remain below the national average.
At the opposite end of the market, Sandbanks in Poole retained its position as Britain’s most expensive seaside location, with an average asking price of £1.12m, followed by neighbouring Canford Cliffs at £1.04m.
Meanwhile, Peterlee in County Durham remains Britain’s cheapest seaside market, with average asking prices of £120,657.
RESILIENT DEMAND
The latest data comes as agents continue to report resilient demand for lifestyle-led moves, particularly among downsizers, retirees and hybrid workers seeking more space and better value outside major cities.
Colleen Babcock (main picture, inset), property expert at Rightmove, says: “The fastest-growing seaside markets this year show that demand for coastal homes remains resilient, even as overall price growth across the UK stays more modest.
“While some locations are seeing strong price increases, there are still many areas where living by the sea is more affordable, giving buyers a wider range of options depending on their budget.
“We’re also seeing that homes priced realistically continue to attract interest, particularly in locations where price growth is being supported by buyer demand.”
LIFESTYLE, SPACE AND VALUE
Mary-Lou Press, President of NAEA Propertymark (National Association of Estate Agents), says: “Coastal living continues to attract buyers, particularly as many seaside locations still offer better value for money than larger cities and commuter hotspots.
“What stands out in this data is that many of the fastest-growing seaside markets remain relatively affordable, especially in parts of the North West and Wales. For many buyers, these areas can offer a balance of lifestyle, space and value.
“We’re continuing to see demand driven by flexible working and buyers reassessing where they want to live, but consumers should look beyond headline price growth and also consider factors such as transport links, local jobs, flood risk and ongoing housing costs.
“For sellers, realistic pricing remains key. Even in popular coastal markets, buyers are still price-sensitive, and homes that are marketed accurately are more likely to secure interest.”
