Several British seaside locations have recorded double-digit price growth over the past year, contrasting with a national decline in asking prices, according to data from Rightmove.
Bootle in Merseyside leads the rankings with average asking prices rising 11% year-on-year. Crosby in Liverpool and Penarth in South Glamorgan both recorded 9% annual growth.
Regional performance
Welsh coastal areas feature prominently in the data, with Llantwit Major in South Glamorgan up 8% and Llanelli in Carmarthenshire recording 7% growth. The figures stand in contrast to the national average, which saw asking prices fall 0.3% over the same period.
The average price of property coming to market in May 2026 stood at £378,304, according to Rightmove’s data.
Mary-Lou Press, President of NAEA Propertymark, noted that many of the fastest-growing seaside markets remain relatively affordable, particularly in the North West and Wales. “Coastal living continues to attract buyers, particularly as many seaside locations still offer better value for money than larger cities and commuter hotspots,” Press stated.
She added that buyers should consider factors beyond price growth, including transport links, local employment, flood risk and ongoing housing costs.
Market dynamics
Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property expert, said demand for coastal homes remains resilient despite modest overall price growth across UK housing markets. “There are still many areas where living by the sea is more affordable, giving buyers a wider range of options depending on their budget,” Babcock stated.
The data suggests flexible working arrangements continue to influence buyer decisions, with some purchasers reassessing location priorities. Properties priced realistically continue to attract interest in locations where growth is supported by buyer demand, according to the analysis.
The coastal market performance occurs as broader changes reshape the UK property sector, with varying regional dynamics across different market segments.