Sea Views Come at a Price: Homebuyers Paying 32% More for Coastal Properties.

Download IPFS

Prospective homebuyers in the United Kingdom looking to secure a coastal retreat with scenic views of the sea are facing a notable financial premium. According to recent research from Rightmove, the country’s largest online property platform, homes with a sea view command an average 32% price premium over properties without such a view.

The data, based on listings across more than 200 coastal locations, reveals that the average asking price for a home with a sea view stands at £363,181, compared to £275,074 for properties in similar areas lacking that visual advantage. This equates to a typical increase of £88,106 for the privilege of a coastal panorama.

Regionally, the disparity is even more pronounced. The East Midlands tops the chart with a 68% premium, with the average sea-view home in the region priced at £428,330. Following closely are the South West and Scotland, with premiums of 44% and 43% respectively, underlining a strong appetite for lifestyle properties away from urban sprawl.

Among specific coastal hotspots, Torbay in Devon leads the way in terms of volume, offering the highest number of sea-view homes currently listed. Other popular areas include Bournemouth, Cornwall, the Isle of Wight, and Hastings, each drawing interest from buyers keen on combining coastal living with investment potential.

Colleen Babcock, a property expert at Rightmove, notes: “Sea views have always been a highly sought-after feature for homebuyers, and our latest research highlights just how much more people are willing to pay for one.” She added that while regions such as the East Midlands show sharp premiums, others like the South East present more accessible opportunities with comparatively modest mark-ups, such as a 22% premium.

The findings underscore a broader trend: post-pandemic lifestyle shifts, combined with increased remote work flexibility and a desire for tranquillity, continue to fuel demand for homes outside metropolitan areas. For those with the means, the draw of a daily ocean view appears more than worth the added cost.