Latest news with #coastalhomes
BBC News
12 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Seaton Hole: Major cliff protection work brought forward
A massive cliff protection scheme is likely to go ahead this year after a council agreed to bring forward Hole on the south coast has suffered repeated major landslips that have left beach users and coastal homes in Devon District Council said 7,000 tonnes of rock must be delivered by sea to Seaton by September to be able to press ahead with the project before prices go council's cabinet recommended an upfront investment of £673,500 this year to enable the £2.2m scheme to go ahead with a final decision due to be made by full council on 18 June. The council said the decision was "critical to help reduce delays and cost increases".Geoff Jung, cabinet member for environment at East Devon District Council, said: "Approval from council will allow us to push ahead and order the new rock to ensure best value for money now, as delays may result in higher costs being incurred next year."The project included increasing the volume of existing rock armour at the base of the cliffs, upgrading the steel baskets used to hold rocks in place and maintaining the current total cost is expected to be £2.2m and has already been approved by the Environment council said it was confident planning permission would be granted, as no major issues were raised during the pre-application report said there was a "small risk" of not getting planning permission but "in the worst-case scenario" that would result in the council having rock armour for future schemes.
BBC News
26-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Sandbanks revealed as Britain's most expensive seaside town
Britain's most expensive seaside location has been revealed in an extensive review of coastal in Dorset topped the list in the survey by Lloyds bank, which tracked house price movements in 197 coastal found the average house price in the area sat at £965,708 last year, which was actually down by more than £33,500 compared with bank used data from the Land Registry and the Registers of Scotland for its research. 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."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." The south coast dominated the list with homes at Lymington in Hampshire averaging £608,253 and those in Dorset's Lyme Regis, costing an average of £531,815. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
St Andrews well above par for a home by the seaside
It is known as the Home of Golf, famed for its top university and boasting the stunning West Sands Beach which featured in the 1981 Oscar-winning drama Chariots of Fire. So it is perhaps not that surprising a new research names St Andrews as Scotland's most expensive coastal location for buying a home. The average property in the historic Fife town will set you back by £458,381 - up 8 per cent in the past year, according to Bank of Scotland statistics for 2024. North Berwick, in East Lothian, came in second place, with the average price for homes coming in at £419,723. In third place was Dunbar, just 11 miles south, with its cliffs and coastal trails making it a desirable place for budding home-owners at an average of £292,073. Homes in Gourock, Renfrewshire, experienced the biggest spike in price over 2024, with average prices soaring by 24 percent to £175,660. In the last five years, the bank says prices in Scottish coastal towns increased by 25 per cent, compared with the UK's overall average rise of 18 per cent. Anstruther, in Fife, increased by £91,294, or 52 per cent, over a five-year period - the largest in Scotland over the same time period. Inverness recorded the highest combined value of coastal home purchases in Scotland over the last year, with deals totalling almost £195million. This was followed by Ayr with £179million and Musselburgh with £93million. Overall, the housing market for coastal locations in Scotland was worth around £1.9billion in 2024, up around 4 per cent from the previous year. Ayr saw the biggest number of transactions with 963, followed by Inverness which recorded 915, and Greenock, by the Clyde estuary, with 626. Coastal towns in Scotland are generally cheaper that their land-locked counterparts, with the 10 cheapest spots located along the shore line. Campbeltown, in Argyll, was the cheapest north of the Border, with the average housing price at £103,078, down 11 per cent when compared with 2023. Rothesay, on Bute, was the second least expensive with £111,764, followed by Millport, in Cumbrae, where the average cost was £114,008 and the Bute village of Port Bannatyne close behind with £115,421. Isla Benzie, head of Bank of Scotland mortgages, said: '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. 'But it's also important to recognise the diversity of these communities - while some are thriving, others face real challenges linked to housing affordability, seasonal economies and access to services.'
Daily Mail
25-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Want a seaside property bargain? Swap Sandbanks and Salcombe for one of THESE lesser-known gems
Those who dream of living by the sea might be put off by prices in well-known coastal enclaves like Sandbanks and Salcombe. Both are notoriously expensive, and out of reach for many. New findings by Lloyds Banking Group show average property prices in Sandbanks, Dorset, stand at £965,708 - and that is down 3 per cent on a year ago. In Salcombe, Devon, average property prices have climbed to more than £820,000. But buyers seeking a home by the beach need not give up hope. Across Britain, the average price of a property on or near the coast is a much more affordable £295,001. There are many lesser-known and cheaper areas you can move to, some of which are a just a stone's throw away from far more pricey spots. Here are some of the location swaps buyers can make to potentially save themselves hundreds of thousands. 1. Swap Sandbanks for Plymouth Across the south west of England, Sandbanks has retained its crown as the most expensive location to buy a coastal home. In fact, Sandbanks is the most expensive area to buy a home by the sea in Britain. However, in Plymouth, also in the south west, average property prices are considerably lower, at £248,668. Plymouth saw the second-highest combined value of coastal home purchases over the past year, having reached £810million, Lloyds said. Brimming with reasonably priced properties, Plymouth also saw the largest number of coastal area property transactions in the last 12 months, reaching 3,258. Heather Porter, who runs her own private estate agency business in Plymouth, told This is Money: 'Plymouth is a real gem for buyers, and I'm seeing strong interest across all price brackets. 'The unique combination of stunning waterfront living with genuine affordability compared to other coastal locations puts Plymouth firmly on the map.' Andrew Hampton, a property consultant at Iad UK, told This is Money: 'Plymouth has something really special about it. 'There's the pull of the water whether that's a swim at the Lido, one of the many beaches, sea swimming, or just sitting on the Hoe with a bite to eat in one of the many incredible bars or restaurants, soaking in the views.' 2. Swap Aldeburgh for Lowestoft There's no denying that Aldeburgh in Suffolk is charming and beautiful. It is a popular destination for holidaymakers and average property prices in the area are on the high side, at £619,693. However, elsewhere in Suffolk, significantly cheaper coastal areas are available. Enter Lowestoft, which is about an hour's drive from Aldeburgh. According to Lloyds' latest research, the average cost of a home in Lowestoft is £238,372, which is even lower than the average cost of a coastal home across Britain. Famous for being the most easterly town and the first place to see the sunrise in Britain, Lowestoft is also the birthplace of composer Benjamin Britten. 3. Swap Lymington for East Cowes Lymington is a glorious town in the New Forest district of Hampshire. Situated on the west bank of the Lymington River, on the edge of the Solent, it is a major yachting centre with three marinas. With so much to offer residents, property in Lymington is in demand and average property prices are high, at £608,253. A cheaper alternative is East Cowes on the Isle of Wight, where average property prices are £239,605. East Cowes beach is a lovely quiet shingle and sand beach with fantastic views across West Cowes and its marina. 4. Swap St Andrews for Campbeltown St Andrews in Scotland is known for its golf courses, a historic university, medieval streests and traditional buildings. It's a real showstopper and average property prices in the area are £458,381, according to Lloyds. For buyers looking for a cheaper option in Scotland with costal views, Campbeltown could be the answer. In Lloyds' research, Campbeltown, on the scenic Kintyre Peninsula, was found to be the most affordable coastal location across Britain to buy a home, with an average property price of £103,078. Property prices in Campbeltown have fallen by 11 per cent in the last year, Lloyds said. 'Once dubbed the whisky capital of the world, Campbeltown offers dramatic coastal views and access to the islands of Islay, Jura and Arran', Lloyds added. All the top 10 cheapest coastal locations in Britain were found in Scotland, Lloyds said in its report. 5. Swap The Mumbles for Prestatyn Mumbles, known also as 'The Mumbles', is the gateway to the Gower Peninsula, home to the singer Bonnie Tyler when she's back in her beloved Wales, as well as Catherine Zeta Jones and her family. Packed with quaint shops and a promenade, average property prices in The Mumbles are £417,043. However, cheaper alternatives like Prestatyn are available. In Prestatyn, average property prices are just £192,331. The promenade joining Prestatyn's three beaches offers pleasant walking around the sandy bays and and forms part of the North Wales Coast Path. 6. Swap Whitley Bay for Newbiggin-By-The-Sea Across the north east, average property prices in Whitley Bay stand at around £310,918. Whitley Bay has arcades, a skate park, mini golf, as well as award-winning ice cream and fish and chip shops. For buyers looking to snap up a home in the north-east of England, Newbiggin-By-The-Sea offers a more affordable options. Average property prices in Newbiggin-By-The-Sea are around £132,863, well below the national average for coastal areas, Lloyds said. Outside of Scotland, Northumberland's Newbiggin-By-The-Sea was crowned as the most affordable coastal location in England. 7. Swap Grange-over-Sands for Fleetwood For buyers looking for a home by the coast in the north west of England, Grange-Over-Sands is often a popular bet. Located in Cumbria, Grange-over-Sands is an elegant town, with strong reminders of its heyday as a fashionable seaside resort in the nineteenth century. Compared to the likes of Sandbanks and Salcombe, Grange-over-Sands offers reasonably priced properties, with prices at around £308,419. Buyers looking for a cheaper alternative to Grange-over-Sands in the north west should consider Fleetwood, where average property prices are typically more than £160,000 less, at £146,338. 8. Swap Whitby for Withernsea Whitby has become a go-to destination for tourists and property prices in the area have risen sharply in recent years. To buy a home in Whitby, buyers will need an average of £299,161, Lloyds said. Buyers in Yorkshire and The Humber looking to make their money stretch further should consider Withernsea, a traditional seaside town where average property prices are considerably lower, at £148,402. Withernsea Beach is a designated Blue Flag bathing beach. Beyond the beach and Pier Towers, Withernsea offers several attractions to explore, including the Withernsea Lighthouse Museum. 9. Swap Chapel St Leonards for Skegness Compared to many coastal towns, Chapel St Leonards offers reasonably priced homes, with average property prices coming in £214,802. However, even cheaper alternatives within the vicinity are available, namely, Skegness. Across Skegness, the average cost of a home is just £202,559. Zak Lawrence, a property specialist at SmoothSale, told This is Money: 'Skegness is becoming an increasingly attractive option for buyers thanks to its unbeatable combination of affordability and location. 'With property prices significantly lower than the national average, buyers and investors can get more for their money.' Buy a bargain in Plymouth or Skegness 1. Three-bed house, Plymouth, £220,000 This three-bedroom semi-detached house in Plymouth is on sale via Iad UK for £220,000. The house has seen decades of joyful family life and is ready for a new owner. Iad UK, said: 'This extended three-bedroom semi isn't perfect, but that's exactly what makes it beautiful. It's real. Honest. The kind of home where Sunday roasts were cooked in a kitchen built for more, not less. 'Where the garden saw paddling pools in summer and late-night talks under the covered patio, rain tapping on the roof like a metronome for memories.' Space to relax: The property in Plymouth comes with a generous sized garden 2. Four-bed house, Skegness, £190,000 This semi-detached house in Skegness is on sale via SmoothSale for £190,000 and has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. This well-proportioned freehold property is ideal for growing families or buyers looking for generous indoor and outdoor space near the sea. The property has a good-sized back garden and the front garden is complemented by a concrete driveway offering multiple off-street parking spaces, secured by double gates. How to find a new mortgage Borrowers who need a mortgage because their current fixed rate deal is ending, or they are buying a home, should explore their options as soon as possible. Buy-to-let landlords should also act as soon as they can. Quick mortgage finder links with This is Money's partner L&C > Mortgage rates calculator > Find the right mortgage for you What if I need to remortgage? Borrowers should compare rates, speak to a mortgage broker and be prepared to act. Homeowners can lock in to a new deal six to nine months in advance, often with no obligation to take it. Most mortgage deals allow fees to be added to the loan and only be charged when it is taken out. This means borrowers can secure a rate without paying expensive arrangement fees. Keep in mind that by doing this and not clearing the fee on completion, interest will be paid on the fee amount over the entire term of the loan, so this may not be the best option for everyone. What if I am buying a home? Those with home purchases agreed should also aim to secure rates as soon as possible, so they know exactly what their monthly payments will be. Buyers should avoid overstretching and be aware that house prices may fall, as higher mortgage rates limit people's borrowing ability and buying power. What about buy-to-let landlords Buy-to-let landlords with interest-only mortgages will see a greater jump in monthly costs than homeowners on residential mortgages. This makes remortgaging in plenty of time essential and our partner L&C can help with buy-to-let mortgages too. How to compare mortgage costs The best way to compare mortgage costs and find the right deal for you is to speak to a broker. This is Money has a long-standing partnership with fee-free broker L&C, to provide you with fee-free expert mortgage advice. Interested in seeing today's best mortgage rates? Use This is Money and L&Cs best mortgage rates calculator to show deals matching your home value, mortgage size, term and fixed rate needs. If you're ready to find your next mortgage, why not use L&C's online Mortgage Finder. It will search 1,000's of deals from more than 90 different lenders to discover the best deal for you. > Find your best mortgage deal with This is Money and L&C Be aware that rates can change quickly, however, and so if you need a mortgage or want to compare rates, speak to L&C as soon as possible, so they can help you find the right mortgage for you.
