Revealed, the cheapest seaside towns in Britain, where average property prices are as little as £133,000 – and the most expensive, where a two-bed flat costs £1.7million!

A daily dose of sea and sand is an alluring pull for many people who dream of peace away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

But beachside living is often considered the preserve of the super wealthy, with their yachts and sail boats.

Not, however, if you know the right places to look.

Of course, the picturesque coastal towns of Devon and Cornwall are well publicised as idyllic places to set up home – or second home – by the sea.

And according to estate agency Knight Frank demand is high, with viewings for waterfront properties overall increasing by 25 per cent in 2024 compared to the five-year average (excluding 2020, the first year of the pandemic). The South West, they said, is the most expensive area to buy these homes.

Hamish Humfrey, of Knight Frank says: ‘Properties nestled along coastlines continue to entice buyers with their unique charm. 

‘Our research confirms this sentiment, showing that waterfront homes in the UK command a significant premium of 48 per cent over their inland counterparts.

‘Notably, the South West and South East regions have seen heightened demand and notable price increases.’

But in the UK – where we’re blessed with 7,723 miles of varied coastline – there are plenty of locations offering coastal living to suit all budgets.

Based on figures from Rightmove, we explore the cheapest places to buy by the sea -and for those with a bumper budget, the most sought-after…

CHEAPEST

1. RHYL, DENBIGHSHIRE, WALES – Average house price £181,118

For those looking for a coastal home that won’t break the bank, Rhyl in North Wales is an affordable option.

Rhyl has four sandy beaches: the main Rhyl Central is the best for swimming and families, with lifeguards on hand in summer, while East Beach is more suited to water sports such as sailing and windsurfing.

While the town doesn’t have a traditional harbour, its Marine Lake man-made reservoir provides water-based activities and scenic views, and it has a redeveloped dock with space for 150 boats.

With a population of around 18,000, Rhyl maintains a close-knit community feel, ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle.

For food lovers, Barratt’s at Tyn Rhyl offers upmarket dining in a 16th-century house, while Rossini is a popular Italian restaurant close to the promenade.

The newly revamped Rhyl Pavilion Theatre offers shows, comedy and music and has a stylish first-floor restaurant, 1810, that overlooks the seafront.

There’s a growing effort to rejuvenate the town, including new parks and cycle paths and improving the seafront. There is also the development of the Rhyl Waterfront, which aims to bring modern homes, leisure facilities and community spaces to the area.

On the market: A three-bed semi-detached home in need of modernisation with plenty of potential and a good-sized garden. Cash buyers wanted with a guide price of £100,000.

2. LOWESTOFT, SUFFOLK – Average house price £231,978

Lowestoft has been called the UK’s sunshine coast thanks to its easterly position – meaning it is the first place in Britain to see the sun rise.

This quaint seaside town on the Suffolk coast is home to 71,330 and is having a boost thanks to the renewable energy sector.

Its roots are in fishing but over the years its geographic location has seen investment from Scottish Power, to the tune of £8million, to create its largest windfarm that will power 1.3million homes.

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra has made Lowestoft one of its main residences in the town and the historic Marina Theatre regularly hosts shows, films, events and community activities.

Lowestoft has two award-winning beaches, one sandy, which is ideal for watersports such as paddleboarding, surfing and jet skiing, and one shingle, which is backed by dunes and ideal for bird-watching and dog walks.

The Harbour bar serves craft ale and cocktails, and East is a well-rated restaurant serviced by full-time catering students.

On the market: Well-presented three-bed terraced home with smart kitchen and sunny garden, for sale for £160,000.

3. WHITEHAVEN, CUMBRIA – Average house price £162,913

A historic port town near the Lake District, Whitehaven is full of history with over 250 listed buildings, many dating back to the Georgian era.

The town has a small sand and pebble beach and from here you can enjoy a coastal walk to St Bees Heads, where the RSPB has a nature reserve full of seabird colonies, including puffins and guillemots which nest on the cliffs.

Just under 24,000 people live in the Whitehaven area and the town centres around its 400-year-old harbour. Locals praise The Habour Master cafe and bar and casual eatery Zest, both of which have lovely views of the marina.

On the market: Extended three-bed semi-detached house with modern kitchen and private, secluded garden for sale for £155,000.

4. WALLASEY, WIRRAL – Average house price £191,677

Wallasey is a solid choice for a coastal home without the hefty price tag of more famous seaside locations.

The town has a population of 60,000 and the buzzy suburb of New Brighton and its Victorian Quarter, developed by Rockpoint Leisure, offers independent restaurants such as Social 114 for brunch and Middle Eastern spot Habibi, as well as vintage shops and street art.

There’s a mile-long stretch of sandy beach and a wide promenade, the UK’s longest, which is perfect for cycling and dog walks, with views across to Liverpool Bay.

On the market: Three-bed terraced home with woodburning stove, freestanding bath and paved garden for sale for £180,000.

5. BRIDLINGTON, EAST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE – Average house price £186,638

This charming Yorkshire seaside town has two award-winning beaches and a quaint land train in the summer.

With a population of 38,400, the area’s North and South beaches are divided by the bustling harbour, which is a key part of the town’s identity.

Still very much a working harbour, trawlers land their seafood catches here daily before the produce is exported to fish markets, hotels and restaurants.

The harbour is home to 100 local businesses with the designated Harbour Commissioners ensuring the smooth running of the harbour for all who use it.

The town boasts the obligatory fish and chip shops, such as Gabby’s, but also has The Lamp, a quaint bistro in a Grade-II listed property in the old town and Supattra, a well-rated Thai restaurant.

On the market: Mid-terrace three-bed home with a master ensuite, family bathroom and well-presented terrace and garden. For sale for £155,000.

6. BLACKPOOL, LANCASHIRE – Average house price £133,717

 Famed for its tower, illuminations and sticks of rock, Blackpool can prove a very affordable option for living by the sea if you have an open mind.

Away from arcade games, there are plenty of museums and art galleries including The Grundy Art Gallery and community arts space The Old Electric – and the Lake District less than a two-hour drive away.

With 141,000 people living here, plus tourists who flock every summer, it’s a busy seaside town. Popular residential areas include Poulton-le-Fylde and Lytham St Anne’s.

There’s seven miles of sandy shoreline to choose from with the North Shore beach providing a quieter option and just down the bay is St Anne’s Beach, which has activities for children, gardens and a boating lake.

Of course, a quintessential British seaside town must have a good fish and chip shop and a great option in Blackpool is Yorkshire Fisheries, which has been serving since 1907.

Huaz offers sushi and the Bank Bar & Grill is a top-rated independent bistro that uses locally sourced produce.

On the market: Newly-renovated three-bed semi-detached home close to Stanely Park for sale for £155,000.

7. MARGATE, KENT – Average house price £313,499

A Victorian seaside favourite, Margate has become an artist hotspot with a growing foodie scene and plethora of art galleries, vintage shops and cafes.

The lovely Harbour Arm is home to delicious small plate restaurant Sargasso, sister to London’s trendy Brawn, as well as microbrewery, The Harbour Arms Bar and Mexican restaurant Dive.

The rejuvenation of vintage-style amusement park Dreamland, which hosts regular live music events, has helped turned around the fortunes of this once faded town, which has a population of around 61,000. The Turner Contemporary Art Gallery has regular free exhibitions.

The Margate Sands beach is perfect for families – a wide sweeping bay close to the promenade. More hidden gems include Botany Bay, just outside the main town and Westbrook Bay.

Although prices are rising in the area, there are still bargains to be had and with a direct train to London in 1h30 it makes for a good option for those who still need to commute into the capital.

On the market: This one-bedroom apartment has sea views and is on the market for £150,000. The vendor is looking for cash buyers for a quick sale.

8. REDCAR, NORTH YORKSHIRE – Average house price £165,457

With an award-winning sandy beach that stretches for eight miles, Redcar is an underrated spot for a new life by the sea.

The area around Redcar Lifeboat Station has been praised for good water quality and a range of seaside activities can be enjoyed including swimming, fishing and sailing. Redcar’s Majuba beach is particularly good for windsurfing.

Home to around 37,000, Redcar has a range of bars, restaurants, six art galleries and Redcar Palace, a community arts space that hosts exhibitions, independent craft sales, a youth group and life drawing classes.

On the market: A two-bed mid terrace home with no onward chain close to the sea front, on the market for £90,000.

9. BLYTH, NORTHUMBERLAND – Average house price £153,315

A welcoming coastal town, Blyth has a rich maritime history, and its port is still working to this day.

Blyth Beach is a sandy stretch of shoreline, lined by coloured huts and has a fish and chip restaurant and a small tearoom at the Blyth Battery, a former coastal defence site turned museum.

The Quayside is home to the Spirit of the Staithes sculpture, created in 2003 by Simon Packard, and faces out to the wind turbines of the Blyth Harbour Wind Farm.

The town, which has a population of 39,000, has regular markets and car boot sales and its historic bandstand hosts live music.

On the market: A three-bed mid terrace house with no onward chain, close to the port, for sale for sale via auction in January with a guide price of £65,000.

10. SEAHAM, DURHAM- Average house price £163,230

A former mining town on the North East coast, Seaham is a harbour town that mixes natural charm with history.

Set along Durham’s Heritage Coast, Seaham’s main beach is a sandy strip, popular with sea-glass hunters, thanks to the town once being home to the largest glass bottle works in Britain in the late 1800s.

The town, which has a population of around 22,000, has been cleaned up over the years and boosted thanks to £10million to develop outdoor activities and create cycleways and footpaths.

It has a couple of well-known monuments including a wooden statue of Lord Byron and his wife Annabella and ‘Tommy’, a steel tribute to WW1 soldiers. Set atop a nearby cliff is Seaham Hall, a luxury hotel and spa.

Seaham is also home to one of England’s oldest churches, St Mary the Virgin Church, which is thought to date back to the 7th Century.

On the market: Refurbished three-bed one bathroom semi-detached home near to Seaham Harbour. For sale for £149,950.

…AND THE MOST EXPENSIVE

1. SANDBANKS, DORSET – Average asking price £1,523,128

Dubbed ‘Millionaire’s Row’ thanks to its sprawling beachside properties, the exclusive Sandbanks Peninsula, with its 800 homes, is the most expensive place to buy a seaside home in the UK.

There are plenty of impressive properties for sale here with one beachfront two-bedroom flat on the market for £1,750,000.

Notable residents include Liam Gallagher, Rick Stein and long-term local Harry Redknapp, who has bought and sold three properties in the area over the last 20 years.

Its pristine sandy beach has been praised for its cleanliness and water quality and has held a Blue Flag Award since 1987.

Stein’s self-titled Sandbanks restaurant has views over Poole Harbour, which is Europe’s largest natural harbour.

On the market: A luxury four bed, five-bathroom open plan home with exclusive use of a private jetty, boat storage, a four-car garage and harbour views. For sale for £3,850,000.

2. CANFORD CLIFFS, DORSET – Average asking price £1,191,054

Nestled along the bay from Sandbanks is Canford Cliffs which, as of November 2024, is the second most expensive place to buy coastal property.

Like Sandbanks, its immaculate sandy beach boasts Blue Flag status and colourful beach huts. It’s a popular spot for locals who want to avoid weekend crowds.

Canford Cliffs, which is a suburb of Poole, has a population of 8,500 people. Its Haven Road high street has a range of boutique shops.

For eating, there is the Oxford Bakery deli, Rockwater, which offers brunch with a sea view and stylish pub, The Cliff.

On the market: This six bed, six-bathroom distinctive detached home is in a prime spot in Canford Cliffs and has an outdoor pool and kitchen and a two-storey guest wing. For sale for £4,495,000.

3. WEST WITTERING, WEST SUSSEX – Average asking price £875,462

Home to 13km of fine white sand, good water quality and colourful beach huts, West Wittering is a highly popular seaside town near Chichester that regularly tops lists of the ‘best places to live’.

And with good reason. Affectionately known by locals as God’s pocket, it has a microclimate which sees the South Downs absorb the worst of the British weather, leaving West Wittering free to enjoy an ‘ungodly’ amount of sunshine.

Its beach has a coveted Blue Flag Award and the village and surrounding areas have a chocolate box feel and a population of around 2,000.

Celebrity residents include Kate Winslet, who has a £4million beachside mansion and Keith Richards who has owned a Grade II listed home there since 1966.

On the market: A detached, six-bed, two-bathroom home with half an acre of land on the edge of the West Strand beach. For sale for £3,000,000.

4. MILFORD ON SEA, LYMINGTON, HAMPSHIRE – Average asking price £738,094

A traditional village in the New Forest area of Hampshire, Milford on Sea mixes the best of quintessential English village life with coastal living.

It has a pebble beach lined by beach huts and views towards the Isle of Wight, as well as Hurst Spit – a kilometre of shingle that leads to Hurst Castle, which is a Tudor keep with incredible views.

With a population of around 4,600, Milford has a pretty high street with a range of independent shops, cafes and country pubs as well as a village green which hosts regular events.

For foodies, there’s the award-winning fish restaurant Verveine Fishmarket with its four, six or eight course tasting menus, that start from £65 per head.

On the market: A detached four-bed period property with two bathrooms, a study and car port. For sale for £985,000.

5. PADSTOW, CORNWALL – Average asking price: £688,027

Picture perfect Padstow, with a small population of just over 2,600, is a highly desirable spot for a new life by the sea thanks to its mix of natural beauty and thriving foodie scene.

For keen fishers, there are plenty of opportunities to pick up a catch of the day, at one of the many beaches or along the Camel estuary.

Its busy harbour is filled mainly with pleasure boats ready to take tourists out on day trips but there are fishing boats which come in to land their fish, crab and lobster.

The beaches are what this part of the world is known for, and if you’re living in Padstow you’re spoiled for choice. White sandy beaches near the town include the small St George’s Cove, the wide Harbour’s Cove, and Hawker’s Cove, with its shallow waters.

Padstow’s foodie scene is synonymous with chef Rick Stein, who has restaurants in the town: his flagship The Seafood Restaurant, St. Petroc’s Bistro, Stein’s Fish & Chips and pub, and The Cornish Arms.

The Michelin-starred Paul Ainsworth at No6 is revered for its four-course set menu with local produce including kelp-cured Cornish cod for £165 a head. Other well-rated spots include The Jetty for lunch.

On the market: A spacious newly built luxury detached home with five beds, five bathrooms and three reception rooms in the Harlyn Bay area of Padstow. For sale with a guide price of £2,950,000.