Dream of a holiday home? Here are the cheapest and most expensive UK beach towns to buy in

Campbeltown, in Scotland's Argyll and Bute, had average property prices of £103,078 in 2024, according to analysis of Land Registry and the Registers of Scotland data.

In fact, Scottish towns filled the entire top 10 cheapest seaside destinations with three in the Argyll and Bute alone.

But outside Scotland, there are also bargains to be had in Northumberland, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cumbria, County Durham and Lincolnshire.

All the top 10 cheapest in Scotland and the top 10 cheapest in England and Wales are a fraction of the average cost of a property in the UK which is currently £269,000.

But for those with big budgets, there are plenty of posh seaside spots to pick from, especially in the south west.

But the most expensive destination is Sandbanks in Dorset, with the average house price sitting at £965,708 last year.

Famed for its A-list residents, luxury restaurants and swanky nightlife, the cost of one home in Sandbanks is the equivalent of nine in Bute, according to Lloyds which carried out the research.

But that probably isn't much of an issue for the likes of Harry and Jamie Redknapp who are known to have lived there.

Salcombe in Devon came second on the list, with an average house price of £826,159 in 2024.

Nestled in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Salcombe, with its stunning blue estuary views, has attracted holidaying celebrities including Rod Stewart, Gordon Ramsay, Jesy Nelson, Vernon Kay and Tess Daly.

Third on the list is Padstow in Cornwall, with foodie buyers forking out £715,974 on average to live there and enjoy the seafood scene (propelled by chef Rich Stein who has six eateries in the tiny town).

Away from the south west, the arty Aldeburgh in Suffolk is fourth on the list, with an average house price of £619,693.

UK's most expensive seaside towns to buy a home

Despite the eyewatering listing prices, many of the top spots have actually fallen in value over the last year, with Sandbanks properties losing or £33,595 (3%) in value.

Across the UK's 197 coastal locations analysed by Lloyds, the average price of a home by the sea fell 1% in 2024 compared to 2023 - down to £295,991 last year.

Despite the small dip, prices in coastal towns increased nearly a fifth (18%) over the five years from 2019, the bank said.

Amanda Bryden, head of mortgages at Lloyds, said: "Coastal living continues to hold a special appeal - whether it's the lure of sea views, sandy beaches, or a slower pace of life.

"Our latest research shows the most exclusive seaside spots - like Sandbanks - still command premium prices.

"In some of the UK's most desirable coastal towns, average prices have dipped slightly over the past year. But, over the longer term, values remain significantly higher - especially in the South West, where demand from lifestyle movers continues to shape the market.

"At the other end of the scale, there are still pockets of real affordability - particularly in Scotland, where buyers can find coastal homes for a fraction of the price. For those willing to look beyond the traditional hotspots, there are some hidden gems offering great value and a strong sense of community.

"It's also important to recognise that not all coastal areas share the same fortunes. Some seaside towns face significant challenges, from seasonal economies to a lack of affordable housing for local people."

UK's cheapest seaside towns to buy a home

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