Sandbanks tops the charts as Britain’s priciest seaside spot – but prices are slipping
26 May 2025
- 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...
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