Dreaming of a home by the sea? Before you chase the waves, make sure your coastal escape won’t sink your budget
We’re here to help you know what to check before you buy…
Choosing the right place
Location is everything! So, before you dive into buying a house, think about whether you want to be in a busier, potentially tourist spot or somewhere a bit more secluded and local.
Make sure you scope out the local amenities, especially if you're planning to live there all year round rather than just dropping in for holidays.
It’s important to remember the location isn’t just about what has the best views or where it is near the best beaches. You also have to think about flooding and coastal erosion. Has the area flooded before, and is the coastline being eaten away?
Think about rising and falling house prices
Getting the best deal is not just about finding the cheapest or best price.
Think about how prices are rising or falling in the area, and think about how long you want to live there and whether it may affect your resale value.
For instance, East Devon has seen the greatest rise in price since 2022. Average prices have risen from £237,123 in 2022 to £283,742 by the end of 2025 (a 20% rise)*.
Whereas South Hams has seen the biggest fall in average prices. Their average house price dropped from £575,265 to £411,444 (a 28% drop)*.
With this in mind it is worth pointing out that the average house price has fallen 7% across the South Coast since 2022 (from £237,470 to £220,658)*.
Make sure to talk to your local estate agent about house prices and what changes they expect to see to ensure you can make an informed decision.
Getting the specifics right
One thing to think about is the weather. Coastal homes can take a bit of a battering from salt, wind and rain, so look for places built with tough, corrosion-resistant materials.
Look for properties with uPVC or aluminium window frames, marine-grade stainless steel fixings, and durable render or cladding designed to withstand salty air.
Another thing to think about is which way the property faces. A property may have the best views or sunshine, but it may also be left open to the elements and winds.
Being on top of the bills
General bills may be different to what you are used to away from coastal areas.
For instance, solar panels can be up to 15% more efficient in some areas^ (especially in the sunnier parts of the UK), but they may require more regular maintenance^ due to salt breeze from the sea.
Home insurance is another expensive cost to factor in. Insurance for coastal areas can be more expensive and, in some cases, even require specialist cover. Not to mention, if you think of letting it out, that could also drive up the cost of insurance.
Also, remember that council tax and bills might be steeper in sought-after seaside spots.
We recommend you speak to our local experts about coastal bills, especially if it’s your first time moving to a coastal property.
Coastal areas often have strict building regulations and planning rules, so check before buying if any restrictions might scupper your renovation dreams. Failing to check before you buy can be very costly in the long run.
You should choose a property lawyer who knows the area and knows their stuff, that’s where we can come in.
Living the lifestyle
Try to visit at different times of year if you can, as your picture-perfect summer resort might be a ghost town in February.
While you’re at it, check out the transport links, especially if you'll need to commute. Before you buy, find out how clogged up the roads and transport can get at peak times, like bank holidays. Peak seasons could bring a lot of crowds to coastal locations, which may balance out in the quieter winter months.
Before you commit to anything, think about what you want out of the property and whether you can put up with the town's tourism industry.
Taking time to mull over these points will help you make a smart choice about your seaside property, so you can enjoy the coastal lifestyle without any nasty surprises washing up later!
Find your dream coastal property
Source:
*Hamptons & Land Registry
^https://auswellenergy.com.au/solar-panels-in-coastal-areas-what-you-need-to-know/
MKT/SEQ/UKON/250426