Coastal living analysis shows investors do like to be beside the seaside
The seaside investment hotspots where prices are rising the fastest have been revealed, with Bootle in Merseyside seeing the biggest increase in average asking prices up 11% year-on-year, followed by Crosby in Liverpool (up 9%) and Penarth in South Glamorgan (up 9%).
Llantwit Major in South Glamorgan (up 8%) and Llanelli in Carmarthenshire (up 7%) are also witnessing strong price increases, according to the analysis from Rightmove.
Despite the added attraction of living by the coast, the research also showed that seaside investments are relatively affordable, with more than 80% of the 100 coastal locations analysed having an average asking price below the national average (£378,304).
The cheapest seaside investment hotspot is in Peterlee in Country Durham, with an average asking price of £120,657. That contrasts with Sandbanks in Poole, which, with an average asking price of £1,119,945, is the most expensive.
A wider range of options
Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property expert, said the research showed that demand for coastal homes remains resilient, even as overall price growth across the UK remains 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,” she said.
Mary-Lou Press, president of NAEA Propertymark (National Association of Estate Agents), said such locations 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.
However, she warned investors to consider all factors. “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.”
Fastest-growing seaside hotspots for price
| Coastal Town | Gov Region | Average Price | Average Price YOY |
| Bootle, Merseyside | North West | £141,680 | 11% |
| Crosby, Liverpool, Merseyside | North West | £330,900 | 9% |
| Penarth, South Glamorgan, Vale Of Glamorgan | Wales | £433,081 | 8% |
| Llantwit Major, South Glamorgan, Vale Of Glamorgan, The | Wales | £340,033 | 8% |
| Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, Mid Wales | Wales | £201,570 | 7% |
| Wallasey, Merseyside | North West | £200,753 | 7% |
| Bangor, Gwynedd | Wales | £220,622 | 7% |
| Porthcawl, South Glamorgan, Bridgend (County of) | Wales | £359,412 | 6% |
| Barrow-In-Furness, Cumbria | North West | £185,169 | 6% |
| Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire | Scotland | £247,953 | 6% |