The 10 Most Expensive Coastal Towns in England 2020

Above is Sandbanks in Poole, the most expensive coastal location in the UK.

Rightmove has released statistics showing the coastal towns which command the highest prices in England.

There is a lot of give with their list and rankings change quite frequently although the top listings are, mostly, permanent features.

A running theme with these locations is that many are out-of-the-way parishes and villages that are popular with wealthy buyers looking for second homes by the sea.

1. Sandbanks, Poole (£1,243,364 Average asking price, May 2020)

Rightmove: Harbour Gate, 122 Panorama Road, Sandbanks, Poole, BH13

Sandbanks is the most expensive coastal location in the UK with the average asking price being just a hair over 1.2 million (although prices can often exceed this). Located in Dorset, property in Sandbanks is (surprise surprise) built on a sandbank looking out over Poole bay. Properties, especially on the Panorama Road, have excellent sea views and are well sheltered from the road. Having said that, privacy is a concern as, although homes are large, they are hemmed together due to the scarcity of land. This makes it a contender for the most expensive location per square foot in the country.

2. Canford Cliffs, Poole (£1,011,466)

Rightmove: Bury Road, Branksome Park, Poole, Dorset, BH13

Travelling down the road from Sandbanks brings you to Canford Cliffs. While second on the list, this location is also home to super expensive houses which, at the time of writing, peak at around £6 million.

3. Salcombe, Devon (£730,213)

PrimeLocation: Sharpitor, Salcombe, Devon TQ8

Salcombe is a seaside town in Devon that is very popular amongst the rich and famous looking for holiday homes. The place is quite isolated; it has no train station and the nearest airport is around 80 miles away.

4. Aldeburgh, Suffolk (£570,831)

Rightmove: Victoria Road, Aldeburgh, Suffolk

Another spot for those looking for a holiday home by the sea. Aldeburgh is a small town filled with charming fisherman’s cottages and period houses although a long drive away from London (over 3 hours). Look to Park Road for the most expensive properties that the town has to offer.

5. Milford On Sea, Hampshire (£565,408)

PrimeLocation: Church Hill, Milford On Sea, Lymington, Hampshire SO41

With Arts & Crafts style homes as well as modern apartments, Milford On Sea has some of the most desirable properties in the UK. Close to the New Forest with a vibrant local community, very popular with those into sailing and water sports.

6. Padstow, Cornwall (£497,051)

Rightmove: Fentonluna Lane, Padstow

The most expensive property sold in Cornwall last year was in Padstow after changing hands with £3.3 million. The beaches and food are a big draw; Rick Stein’s restaurant and other Michelin Star eateries are very popular and attract tourists from afar.

7. Barton On Sea, Hampshire (£494,493)

Rightmove: Barton Common Road, Barton on Sea, Hampshire

Another spot in Hampshire and a short drive away from Milford On Sea, Barton On Sea is full of family homes for the affluent.

8. Hove, East Sussex (£481,860)

Rightmove: Adelaide Crescent, Hove, East Sussex, BN3

Part of Brighton and the most urban location on the list, gentrified Hove has some stunning properties including its Georgian houses along the promenade and in Brunswick Square.

9. Sandgate, Kent (£461,152)

Rightmove: The Esplanade, Sandgate, Folkestone, Kent

A quaint Kent village with an abundance of desirable properties looking out over the channel. Despite its small population of 4200 there is a wide range of luxury properties and buyers can choose from penthouses to large, traditional family homes. It also helps that it is right on top of Folkeston, meaning that a channel crossing is very easy to do.

10. Brighton, East Sussex (£416,635)

Rightmove: Regency Square, Brighton

Brighton comes below Hove at the bottom of the list but the city still has some very valuable properties. To see the best that Brighton has to offer, look to the Western Esplanade right on the coast or to Montpelier Villas further inland.