5 most in-demand seaside hotspots

This week well and truly marked the arrival of the summer weather we’ve been waiting for, with many parts of the UK finding themselves in an official heatwave. So, when the mercury rises, our attention always turns to what it might be like to live close to the sea, where a cool-off paddle is merely a pebble’s-throw away.

Take a look at the top 5 most in-demand* places to live by the sea, as well as how local house prices have changed since 2019.

1. Bournemouth, Dorset

Bournemouth is the most in-demand coastal location with buyers at the moment. Along with seven miles of glorious sandy beaches, this south-coast holiday hotspot has 2,000 acres of green space, and the Jurassic Coast on the doorstep.

Average asking price 2024: £360,298
Average asking price increase (2019 vs 2024): +22%

Take a look at homes for sale in Bournemouth

2. Brighton, East Sussex

Mixing an urban buzz with the nautical vibes of its world-famous beach, Brighton is the second most in-demand seaside location. Around Kemptown, you can find lovely white, stucco houses, many of which have been converted into flats, while The Lanes area has sweet little cottages on its narrow streets.

Average asking price: £473,391
Average asking price increase (2019 vs 2024): +11%

Take a look at homes for sale in Brighton

3. Poole, Dorset

Poole is home to the world’s second-largest natural harbour, and the ideal spot for buyers who love being on the water. Its “millionaires’ row” is Sandbanks – a narrow, sandy estuary with blingy Californian-style mansions.

Average asking price: £463,367
Average asking price increase (2019 vs 2024): +21%

Take a look at homes for sale in Poole

4. Blackpool, Lancashire

The sparkly jewel of the north west, Blackpool is famous for its fabulous six-mile stretch of lights and illuminations, which have been attracting visitors since 1879, as well as its exhilarating Pleasure Beach theme park. You’ll find streets of period houses in Blackpool, as well as large, modern homes.

Average asking price: £147,331
Average asking price increase (2019 vs 2024): +24%

Take a look at homes for sale in Blackpool

5. Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset

Weston-Super-Mare has a sandy beach overlooking the Bristol Channel, a postcard-worthy seafront, and some exceptional quality Victorian houses built from creamy Bath stone. Find yourself in nearby Bristol within 20 minutes if travelling by train.

Average asking price: £281,170
Average asking price increase (2019 vs 2024): +27%

Take a look at homes for sale in Weston-Super-Mare

*We measure home-buyer demand for a location as the number of people contacting estate agents on Rightmove.

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