Despite signs that the broader UK housing market is cooling, pockets of coastal Britain are seeing fresh demand and rising asking prices. New analysis of dozens of seaside towns finds some locations outperforming the national trend, drawing buyers to affordable waterfront living and stronger local markets.
How the data was gathered and the national backdrop
The findings come from a Rightmove review of roughly 100 coastal areas. Each location had to have at least 20 properties listed to be included. Across the country, the average asking price slipped by 0.3% in the year to May, leaving the national average at about £378,304.
Which regions are driving seaside price growth
Merseyside and parts of Wales dominate the list of fastest-growing coastal markets. These areas combine lower entry prices with rising local demand.
- Bootle, on Liverpool’s outskirts, recorded the strongest jump in asking prices. Growth outpaced most other spots.
- Crosby and Wallasey, also in Merseyside, showed solid gains while remaining more affordable than many southern coastal towns.
- Several Welsh towns — including Penarth, Llantwit Major, Llanelli, Bangor and Porthcawl — posted consistent rises, signalling renewed interest in South and North Wales coastlines.
Top 10 fastest-growing seaside towns by asking price
- Bootle, Merseyside – up 11% · average asking price £141,680
- Crosby, Merseyside – up 9% · average asking price £330,900
- Penarth, South Glamorgan (Wales) – up 8% · average asking price £433,081
- Llantwit Major, South Glamorgan (Wales) – up 8% · average asking price £340,033
- Llanelli, Carmarthenshire (Wales) – up 7% · average asking price £201,570
- Wallasey, Merseyside – up 7% · average asking price £200,753
- Bangor, Gwynedd (Wales) – up 7% · average asking price £220,622
- Porthcawl, South Glamorgan (Wales) – up 6% · average asking price £359,412
- Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria – up 6% · average asking price £185,169
- Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire (Scotland) – up 6% · average asking price £247,953
Affordability contrast: bargains and priciest addresses
About 80% of the coastal locations analysed had asking prices below the national average. That keeps many seaside options within reach for buyers seeking value.
At the other extreme, Sandbanks in Dorset remains Britain’s most expensive coastal postcode, with typical asking prices close to £1.12 million.
What’s behind the coastal appeal now
Rightmove’s market expert says demand for seaside homes is holding up better than many expected. Buyers appear drawn to lifestyle benefits and stronger perceived value in certain towns.
Factors helping these markets include reasonable price points, commuter links, regeneration projects and a growing appetite for coastal living.
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