New analysis from Rightmove has revealed that the average asking price of a home with a sea-view now stands at £298,810, up from £235,635 in 2019 – an increase of 27%, outpacing the national average of 22% over the same period, showing the enduring appeal of coastal living.
The analysis looked at over 200 coastal areas, comparing the average asking price of homes in these areas when a sea-view was available compared with those without a sea view.
While the highest sea-view property prices are still concentrated in southern coastal regions, some of the strongest growth over the past seven years has come from elsewhere.
In the East Midlands, average sea-view asking prices have increased by 55% from £228,083 to £352,789, while Yorkshire & The Humber has seen an increase of 53%, from £160,771 to £245,119.
The South East is Britain’s most expensive region for a home with a sea-view, with an average asking price of £416,375, followed by the South West at £398,764.
In contrast, Scotland is the most affordable region for sea-view homes, with an average asking price of £166,068.
While sea-views can also command a significant premium in many coastal markets, the impact varies by location. In West Mersea, Essex, homes with a sea-view have an average asking price of £655,479, compared with £433,185 for coastal homes overall – a difference of £222,294, or 51%.
Frinton-on-Sea in Essex (£130,699) and Broadstairs in Kent (£128,943) have the next-largest sea-view premiums, while buyers in Littlehampton, West Sussex, pay an average £120,696 extra for a sea-view property.
Rightmove’s property expert Colleen Babcock says: “A sea-view has long been seen as one of the most desirable features a home can offer, and our latest analysis shows buyers are willing to pay a significant premium for one.
“While some of Britain’s most prestigious coastal locations continue to command the highest prices, we’re also seeing notable growth in more affordable seaside areas, suggesting that sea-view homes are becoming increasingly valuable across a wider range of the market. For buyers, it highlights the importance of considering not just the property itself, but the lifestyle and setting that come with it.”
Commenting on the report, Ian Harris, President of NAEA Propertymark (National Association of Estate Agents), said: “The pandemic prompted many people to reassess what they wanted from their home, with lifestyle, wellbeing and access to outdoor spaces becoming increasingly important considerations. Whilst the market has since stabilised, those changing priorities have left a lasting legacy, and many coastal locations continue to attract buyers who value quality of life alongside their property investment.
“Greater workplace flexibility has also widened the appeal of living by the coast, making it a realistic option for more people than it was before 2020. At the same time, many coastal communities have a limited supply of homes, meaning sustained demand can have a noticeable impact on property values, particularly where sought-after features such as sea views are concerned.”
