Dorset's Sandbanks, renowned for its golden beaches and luxurious lifestyle, retains its crown as Britain's most expensive seaside location. Despite a slight dip in average house prices, prospective buyers can still expect to pay close to £1 million for a property in this exclusive coastal enclave.
Lloyds Bank's latest figures reveal that the average house price in Sandbanks now stands at £965,708. This represents a 3% decrease, or £33,595, compared to 2023. However, Sandbanks continues to lead the bank's coastal property league, which is largely comprised of locations in the South West of England. This sustained high value underscores the enduring appeal of Sandbanks as a prime coastal destination.
Sandbanks is known as a popular location for celebrities, with it array of upscale restaurants and glitzy nightlife.
Salcombe in Devon, with its galleries and boutiques, is second on the Lloyds list, with an average house price of £826,159 in 2024.
Foodie hotspot Padstow in Cornwall is third, with buyers paying £715,974 on average to live there and enjoy the charm of its harbour and seafood scene on a daily basis.
Aldeburgh, Suffolk, known for its arts scene and architecture, is fourth with an average house price of £619,693.
Across Britain, the average price of a home by the sea was £295,991 last year – down 1% compared with 2023 – Lloyds said.
The Lloyds Coastal Homes Review tracked house price movements in 197 coastal locations.
Despite the small dip, prices in coastal towns increased nearly a fifth (18%) over the five years from 2019, the bank said.
Purchasers could buy around nine homes in the most affordable seaside location on the Lloyds list, based on average house prices, for the cost of one property in Sandbanks.
For buyers looking for a home by the sea at a more affordable price, Campbeltown on the scenic Kintyre Peninsula in Argyll and Bute has an average house price of £103,078. Home movers to the region can raise a toast to their new property with a dram of locally-produced whisky.
Other coastal areas at the less expensive end of the house price spectrum include the Rothesay on the Isle of Bute (with an average house price of £111,764), Millport on Great Cumbrae (£114,008), and Port Bannatyne also on Bute (£115,421).
Amanda Bryden, head of mortgages at Lloyds, said: “Coastal living continues to hold a special appeal – whether it’s the lure of sea views, sandy beaches, or a slower pace of life.
“Our latest research shows the most exclusive seaside spots – like Sandbanks – still command premium prices.
“In some of the UK’s most desirable coastal towns, average prices have dipped slightly over the past year. But, over the longer term, values remain significantly higher – especially in the South West, where demand from lifestyle movers continues to shape the market.
“At the other end of the scale, there are still pockets of real affordability – particularly in Scotland, where buyers can find coastal homes for a fraction of the price. For those willing to look beyond the traditional hotspots, there are some hidden gems offering great value and a strong sense of community.
“It’s also important to recognise that not all coastal areas share the same fortunes. Some seaside towns face significant challenges, from seasonal economies to a lack of affordable housing for local people.”
Lloyds used data from the Land Registry and the Registers of Scotland for its research.
Here are Britain’s most expensive seaside locations, with the average house price in 2024, according to Lloyds:
1. Sandbanks, South West, £965,708
2. Salcombe, South West, £826,159
3. Padstow, South West, £715,974
4. Aldeburgh, East of England, £619,693
5. Lymington, South East, £608,253
6. St Mawes, South West, £552,198
7. Lyme Regis, South West, £531,815
8. Budleigh Salterton, South West, £496,998
9. Dartmouth, South West, £495,643
10. Kingsbridge, South West, £484,986
Here are Britain’s least expensive coastal locations, according to Lloyds, with the average house price in 2024:
1. Campbeltown, Argyll and Bute, Scotland, £103,078
2. Rothesay, Argyll and Bute, Scotland, £111,764
3. Millport, North Ayrshire, Scotland, £114,008
4. Port Bannatyne, Argyll and Bute, Scotland, £115,421
5. Girvan, South Ayrshire, Scotland, £116,211
6. Greenock, Inverclyde, Scotland, £117,751
7. Ardrossan, North Ayrshire Scotland, £124,532
8. Wick, Highlands, Scotland, £126,708
9. Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, £128,888
10. Saltcoats, North Ayrshire, Scotland, £129,194
Here are England and Wales’s least expensive coastal locations, according to Lloyds, with average house prices in 2024:
1. Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, North East, £132,863
2. Fleetwood, North West, £146,338
3. Blackpool, North West, £146,764
4. Withernsea, Yorkshire and the Humber, £148,402
5. Maryport, North West, £153,243
6. Seaham, North East, £157,100
7. Blyth, North East, £158,265
8. Hartlepool, North East, £158,271
9. Cleethorpes, Yorkshire and the Humber, £166,909
10. Whitehaven, North West, £170,673
Here are the most, followed by the least, expensive coastal locations in each region or nation, according to Lloyds, with average house prices in 2024:
East Midlands
Chapel St Leonards, £214,802
Skegness, £202,559
East of England
Aldeburgh, £619,693
Lowestoft, £238,372
North East
Whitley Bay, £310,918
Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, £132,863
North West
Grange-over-Sands, £308,419
Fleetwood, £146,338
Scotland
St Andrews, Fife, £458,381
Campbeltown, Argyll and Bute, £103,078
South East
Lymington, £608,253
East Cowes, £239,605
South West
Sandbanks, £965,708
Plymouth, £248,668
Wales
The Mumbles, £417,043
Prestatyn, £192,331
Yorkshire and the Humber
Whitby/Robin Hood’s Bay, £299,161
Withernsea, £148,402
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