Scotland's most expensive coastal town for buying a home revealed
The average home in St Andrews now costs £458,381 , a rise of 8% in the past year, according to Bank of Scotland statistics for 2024.
St Andrews has been crowned as Scotland's priciest seaside town for property purchases, according to recent research. Bank of Scotland data for 2024 reveals that the average house price in the historic Fife town now stands at £458,381.
This is a rise of 8% over the past year. Elsewhere, North Berwick in East Lothian clinched the second spot, with homes averaging at £419,723. Dunbar, also in East Lothian, secured third place.
Its cliffs and coastal trails make it an attractive prospect for potential homeowners, with an average house price of £292,073. Gourock, Inverclyde, saw the most significant surge in price over 2024, with average prices rocketing by 24% to £175,660.
Over the last five years, the bank reports a 25% increase in prices in Scottish coastal towns, compared to the UK's overall average rise of 18%.
Anstruther, Fife, witnessed a staggering increase of £91,294, or 52%, over a five-year period, the largest in Scotland over the same timeframe.
Inverness recorded the highest total value of coastal home sales in Scotland over the last year, with transactions amounting to nearly £195 million.
This was followed by Ayr (£179 million) and Musselburgh (£93 million). Overall, Scotland's coastal housing market was valued at approximately £1.9 billion last year, marking a 4% increase from the previous year.
Ayr recorded the highest number of transactions (963), followed by Inverness (915) and Greenock (626). Scotland's coastal towns tend to be more affordable than their inland counterparts, with the top 10 most budget-friendly spots located along the coast.
Campbeltown in Argyll and Bute takes the title of Scotland's most affordable coastal town, boasting an average housing price of £103,078, an 11% decrease compared to 2023.
Hot behind are both Rothesay (£111,764), Millport (£114,008), and Port Bannatyne (£115,421).
Isla Benzie, head of Bank of Scotland mortgages, commented: "Scotland's coastline offers something for everyone – from the historic streets of St Andrews to the island charm of Rothesay and Millport.
"While some of the most sought-after locations continue to command premium prices, there are still plenty of affordable options for buyers willing to look beyond the traditional hotspots.
"Coastal property prices in Scotland have risen over the past year, reflecting strong demand and the enduring appeal of seaside living.
"However, it's also crucial to acknowledge the diversity of these communities - while some are thriving, others face significant challenges related to housing affordability, seasonal economies, and access to services."
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