Where are the cheapest places to live by the sea in the UK?
There are a lot of affordable UK coastal towns worth considering. We reveal the top most affordable places to live by the sea based on research by Rightmove.
Ever dreamed of living by the sea but been put off by the potentially expensive price tag?
You may not be aware, but there are a lot of affordable UK coastal towns that are worth considering.
We’ll reveal the top ten most affordable places to live by the sea based on research by Rightmove.
The current national average house price sits at £270,000.
Towns in Scotland, the North East, and the North West of England dominate the list.
Saltcoats in Ayrshire tops the list, where the average asking price is just £122,208.
A qualified mortgage broker can help you find the most competitive mortgage based on your unique circumstances.
Rightmove has compiled a list of the cheapest places to live by the sea in the UK, which is based on the average asking price for properties in these coastal locations.
While the national average house price is around £270,000, the locations on this list offer a chance to live by the coast for a fraction of the cost, with some properties available for less than half the national average.
This significant reduction in cost means it’s much more affordable to get on the property ladder in these coastal locations.
We’ll now run through the most affordable coastal towns, which are ranked by their average property asking price.
The top ten cheapest coastal locations in the UK
The most affordable seaside locations are spread across the UK, with towns in Scotland, the North East, and the North West of England dominating the list.
| Area | Average asking price |
|---|---|
| Saltcoats, Ayrshire | £122,208 |
| Peterlee, County Durham | £122,246 |
| Ashington, Northumberland | £135,050 |
| Bootle, Merseyside | £135,208 |
| Grimsby, Lincolnshire | £142,072 |
| Blackpool, Lancashire | £142,804 |
| Fleetwood, Lancashire | £148,101 |
| Birkenhead, Merseyside | £149,527 |
| Blyth, Northumberland | £149,527 |
| Workington, Cumbria | £158,956 |
1. Saltcoats, Ayrshire
Topping the list as the cheapest place to live by the sea is Saltcoats, where the average asking price is just £122,208.
This Scottish coastal town offers sandy beaches, stunning sunsets over the Firth of Clyde, and excellent transport links to Glasgow, making it both beautiful and practical.
2. Peterlee, County Durham
A close second is Peterlee, with an average asking price of £122,246.
Located on the Durham Heritage Coast, the area is known for its dramatic cliffs and scenic walks. The town is also home to Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve, a beautiful ancient woodland.
3. Ashington, Northumberland
In third place is Ashington, with an average asking price of £135,050.
This historic town is just a short drive from the stunning Northumberland coastline and is near the popular Queen Elizabeth II Country Park, which offers lakes, walks, and a woodland setting.
4. Bootle, Merseyside
Bootle has an average asking price of £135,208.
Situated near Liverpool, Bootle offers easy access to the city while being close to the coast. It is just a stone's throw from Crosby Beach, famous for Antony Gormley's "Another Place" art installation.
5. Grimsby, Lincolnshire
Next on the list of affordable seaside towns is Grimsby, with an average asking price of £142,072.
As a town with a rich fishing heritage, Grimsby has a unique character. It's also located very close to the traditional seaside resort of Cleethorpes, with its sandy beaches and pier.
6. Blackpool, Lancashire
A famous name on the list, Blackpool has an average asking price of £142,804.
The iconic seaside resort is famous for its Pleasure Beach, the Blackpool Tower, and the annual Illuminations. With countless attractions, there is always something to do for the whole family.
7. Fleetwood, Lancashire
Just up the coast from Blackpool is Fleetwood, with an average asking price of £148,101.
This Victorian seaside resort has benefitted from recent investment and features a beautiful marina, a classic promenade, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
8. Birkenhead, Merseyside
Across the River Mersey from Liverpool, Birkenhead has an average asking price of £149,527.
The town is home to the historic Birkenhead Park, which inspired New York's Central Park, and offers fantastic transport links to Liverpool and the Wirral coastline.
9. Blyth, Northumberland
Blyth appears again as an affordable coastal town, with an average asking price of £153,487.
Known for its iconic brightly coloured beach huts and historic port, Blyth offers a charming seaside experience with a working lighthouse, a lovely beach, and beautiful parks.
10. Workington, Cumbria
Rounding out the top ten is Workington, with an average asking price of £158,956.
This Cumbrian coastal town is situated at the mouth of the River Derwent and provides an excellent base for exploring the stunning Western Lake District, which is only a short drive away.
Ready to buy a property in one of the UK's most affordable coastal towns?
Finding your perfect home is an exciting step, and this guide to the best affordable coastal towns in the UK shows that your dream of a seaside life is well within reach.
Whether you've already picked out a property, or you're still weighing your options, the next crucial step is securing the right mortgage.
Unbiased can quickly connect you to a qualified mortgage broker who can find the most competitive mortgage based on your unique circumstances.
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