Seafront homes attract considerable premium, research reveals

Homes located directly on the seafront draw a 33% price premium, research carried out by estate agent Jackson-Stops has revealed.

By analysing 30 prime seaside locations, ranging from traditional, old-fashioned holiday resorts to super-prime hotspots, Jackson-Stops found that all seafront homes were more costly than comparable homes in the towns examined by an average of 33%.

The highest premiums on seafront homes were commanded in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, while Padstow in Cornwall and Torquay in Devon were in second and third place respectively.

However, it's not merely the above prime hotspots that command premiums, traditional seaside locations do too. In Bournemouth, for example, seafront homes were 67% dearer than other properties in the town.

In two other iconic seaside towns – Southend-on-Sea and Blackpool – the premiums were 36% and 34%.

“Owning a seafront home with uninterrupted waterside views or access to the beach has long been an aspiration for the British buyer,” Nick Leeming, Director at Jackson-Stops, said. “Whether it is someone’s full-time residence or a holiday home to enjoy during the summer months it is clear buyers are willing to go the extra mile to secure their dream home by the sea.”

He added: “The lifestyle benefits associated with living by the seaside means that waterside homes will often generate a strong price premium, regardless of their distance from the beach. Sailing, surfing, swimming, and taking in the fresh sea air, are all favourite British pastimes for families and downsizers alike.”

“Yet, there is something very special about being able to look out of your kitchen window or step outside your front door and be immediately greeted by sandy beaches and the rippling of the tide.”

As well as Aldeburgh, Padstow, Torquay and Bournemouth – which took the top four positions – the rest of the top 10 was completed by Heswall in Cheshire, Southwold in Suffolk, Tenby in Pembrokeshire, Lymington in Hampshire, Sandbanks in Dorset and Bude in Cornwall.