Ogmore-by-Sea Named Top UK Spot for Remote Working Homebuyers

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The coastal village of Ogmore-by-Sea in South Wales has emerged as the country’s leading destination for homebuyers seeking to work remotely. It combines natural beauty, connectivity, and quality of life in one appealing package.

Once a quiet seaside community along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, Ogmore-by-Sea is now drawing a steady stream of professionals, many of whom have left London behind in favour of sea views, more space, and a slower pace. A recent study assessing broadband speed, housing affordability, and proximity to green spaces has crowned the village the best location in the United Kingdom for working from home.

Locals say the village’s newfound popularity comes as no surprise. With the rise in flexible working, many have returned to their roots or sought out calmer surroundings. The shift is visible in the rising number of new residents and the village’s buzzing cafes and public spaces.

Among those enjoying the benefits of remote life is Lee Davis, who works in steel sales and moved to nearby Wick five years ago after time in London and Manchester. Now, he values a more peaceful setting. “I often work from home so I can have interludes like taking my friend’s dog, Fudge, for a walk,” Lee shared with The Mirror. “You can switch off completely, it chills me out. I can’t stand the place; the Tube, the people, the stress. I wanted to come back somewhere tranquil.”

The rise of home workers has brought increased footfall to local businesses. Ffion Hughes has noticed the shift since the pandemic at The Welsh Coffee Company, run by her uncle. “We usually do get a lot of people working from here, mostly in the morning,” she explained. “As soon as Covid hit, so many people came here, it was crazy.”

The hospitality industry is embracing the trend. Nico Gibbs of Hilary and Iain’s Kitchen, located near the beach, said the remote work crowd has been good for business. “People are here for hours and hours, which is nice. They get to look at the beach, and most of them order breakfast, then they will have a coffee. We are happy to let them stay as long as they want,” he said. However, the added demand has occasionally tested their Wi-Fi. “We do give out the WiFi password, but sometimes it gets too busy to give it out.”

For some, like biotech executive John Sinden, relocating in 2018 was a decision rooted in both lifestyle and practicality. “People are friendly here and everything works, like the public transport. It is a lovely location, close to the sea and with coastal paths in walking distance,” he said.

Artist Deb Clarke also returned five years ago and now balances working from home with caring for her Cavapoo dog, Melyn. “It is so close to the coast and close enough to Swansea and Cardiff,” she shared.

According to census figures, the village has witnessed considerable growth, with new housing developments contributing to a population increase from 878 in 2011 to 1,354 in 2021. John Davis, who moved back six years ago, said: “A lot of people came during Covid. People wanted to leave towns and cities.”

Ogmore-by-Sea’s popularity is likely to continue, as its mix of ultrafast broadband, rail links to London, and proximity to Cardiff offer a rare combination of connectivity and countryside. With an average house price of £517,000, it may not be cheap, but for many, the trade-off is well worth it.

The village has also been praised for its year-round sense of community, quality retail options, and local charm, which appear more in demand than ever in the post-pandemic era.