Isle of Arran, Ayrshire
The thought of living on a remote island has probably appealed to many of us over the past 12 months, and the rugged beauty of the Isle of Arran is certainly appealing to potential buyers. Arran is the largest island in the Firth of Clyde and has been described as ‘Scotland in Miniature’. Whether you’re pulling on the hiking boots or jumping on a bicycle, there’s so much to see and do in this beautiful part of the UK. The island has a mix of traditional villa-style homes, farmhouses and bungalows, with an average asking price of £266,792.
Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire
If you’re looking for a harbour haven, the one to watch on the Pembrokeshire coast is Saundersfoot, which is undergoing a £4 million harbour redevelopment. This money will go towards improving the marine facilities, but the long-term plan is for the town to become an international destination for tourism. As of August 2021, the average house price in Saundersfoot sits at £280,271, rising 14% over the last 12 months.
Ilfracombe, Devon
Ilfracombe offers freedom. Homes here are a fraction of the price of other areas of Devon. A home in Salcombe could set you back £735,000 as of July of this year, whereas Ilfracombe comes in with an average asking price of 203,620. Its pastel-coloured cottages cascade down to meet a curving claw of a harbour. You’ll find a 14th-century chapel perched on Lantern Hill and Damien Hirst’s famous statue Verity, overlooking the town. If you'd like to learn more about property hotspots for 2021, we've gone into detail here.
Sandbanks, Dorset
The south coast’s answer to Barbados, this haven is frequently included in league tables of the world’s most expensive real estate. Big-spending aside, Sandbanks is stunning. It’s exclusive and it’s secluded. That’s what makes it so desirable. There’s a powder-white beach, boasting some excellent eateries, watersports galore and impossibly beautiful ocean views. Locals refer to Sandbanks as “the village”, and house prices here have reached an eye-watering £1,317,644, up 4.37% compared to last year.
Largs, Ayrshire
Largs is a seaside town on the North Ayrshire coast, just over 30 miles from Glasgow. It’s a postcard-perfect place, where a retro Victorian promenade meets the sparkling water of the Firth of Clyde. If you're looking for a real secret coastal hotspot, this is it. There are also a good range of shops, schools and parks in the area - plus homes here are a fraction of the price of the city. According to Rightmove, homes here had an overall average asking price of £143,073.
Why are seaside towns so popular?
The average price of a property in a British seaside town is now £265,978, a leap of 10% - or over £24,000 - in just 12 months*. Properties in seaside towns often come at a premium because of their desired location. But, like the rest of the housing market, there still seems to be a north-south divide. The coast offers wildly different property prices; some of the most expensive places to live include coastal areas Sandbanks and Salcombe, whilst other coastal havens offer seaside living at a fraction of the price.