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Sandbanks tops the charts as Britain's priciest seaside spot – but prices are slipping

The Lloyds Coastal Homes Review tracks house price movements in 197 coastal locations in Great Britain. The review is based on house price data from the Land Registry and Registers of Scotland.

Lloyds
Published on: 26 May 2025
4 min read
  • Sandbanks is Britain’s most expensive coastal location, with an average property price of £965,708
  • Nationally, the average price of a home by the water is now £295,991, down 1% on previous year
  • Campbeltown in Scotland has the least expensive coastal properties, valued at £103,078
  • Housing market in coastal locations worth around £21 billion last year

 

Sandbanks has once again claimed the crown as Britain’s most expensive coastal location.

New research from Lloyds reveals the average home in the exclusive Dorset enclave now costs £965,708, a drop of 3% (£33,595) compared to last year – though it still puts Sandbanks firmly at the top of the coastal property league, which is dominated by locations in the South West.

Where else makes the list?

2. Salcombe, Devon – £826,159

Salcombe combines estuary views with a lively town centre full of galleries and boutiques.

3. Padstow, Cornwall – £715,974

This foodie hotspot is famed for its harbour charm and seafood scene, with daily catches served up in award-winning restaurants.

4. Aldeburgh, Suffolk – £619,693

Known for its artsy vibe and distinctive architecture, Aldeburgh offers a quieter, cultured coastal escape.

What makes Sandbanks so desirable?

  • Golden beaches: Sandbanks boasts some of the finest sandy beaches in the UK, with crystal-clear waters and excellent facilities for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
  • Luxury living: It’s renowned for its high-end properties, featuring some of the most expensive homes in the country, attracting celebrities, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth buyers.
  • Dining and leisure: The peninsula is home to a variety of upscale restaurants, cafes and bars, providing a vibrant dining and nightlife scene.

Coastal prices dip slightly, but long-term gains remain strong 

Across Britain, the average price of a home by the sea now stands at £295,991 – down 1% year-on-year. 

Despite this recent, small dip, prices in coastal towns are up by 18% over the past five years. In premium locations, it’s an increase of 37% – adding £168,408 to the cost of a typical high-end coastal home. St Mawes in the South West saw the biggest increase over this period, adding £222,602 (+68%) to the price of the typical property.

Brighton saw the highest combined value of coastal home purchases over the last year, with deals totalling just over £927 million. This was following by Plymouth (£810 million) and Poole (£802 million). Overall, the housing market for coastal locations in Great Britain was worth around £21 billion last year.

Plymouth also saw the biggest number of transactions (3,258), followed by Bournemouth (2,195) and Brighton (1,982).

Where is it more affordable to live by the coast?

Scotland dominates the list of most affordable coastal towns, with all 10 of the cheapest spots located north of the border.

Top of the list is Campbeltown, on the scenic Kintyre Peninsula, where the average home costs just £103,078 – down 11% in the past year. Once dubbed the whisky capital of the world, Campbeltown offers dramatic coastal views and access to the islands of Islay, Jura and Arran.

It’s followed by Rothesay (£111,764), Millport (£114,008) and Port Bannatyne (£115,421) – all island communities on Scotland’s west coast, nestled within the sheltered waters of the Firth of Clyde.

Outside of Scotland, the least expensive location in England is Newbiggin-By-The-Sea in the North East, while in Wales it is Prestatyn.

Epensive coastal towns

Coastal

Average house price 2024

Coastal

East Midlands: 

Chapel St Leonards

Average house price 2024

 

£214,802

Coastal

Skegness

Average house price 2024

£202,559

Coastal

East of England: 

Aldeburgh

Average house price 2024

 

£619,693

Coastal

Lowestoft

Average house price 2024

£238,372

Coastal

North East: 

Whitley Bay

Average house price 2024

 

£310,918

Coastal

Newbiggin-By-The-Sea

Average house price 2024

£132,863

Coastal

North West: 

Grange-Over-Sands

Average house price 2024

 

£308,419

Coastal

Fleetwood

Average house price 2024

£146,338

Coastal

Scotland: 

St Andrews

Average house price 2024

 

£458,381

Coastal

Campbeltown

Average house price 2024

£103,078

Coastal

South East: 

Lymington

Average house price 2024

 

£608,253

Coastal

East Cowes

Average house price 2024

£239,605

Coastal

South West: 

Sandbanks

Average house price 2024

 

£965,708

Coastal

Plymouth

Average house price 2024

£248,668

Coastal

Wales: 

The Mumbles

Average house price 2024

 

£417,043

Coastal

Prestatyn

Average house price 2024

£192,331

Coastal

Yorkshire and The Humber: 

Whitby/Robin Hood’s Bay

Average house price 2024

 

£299,161

Coastal

Withernsea

Average house price 2024

£148,402

Source: Land Registry house price data 12 months to January 2025, Registers of Scotland full year 2024

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.

Amanda Bryden Head of Mortgages, Lloyds

 

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