Beautiful seaside town named one of UK's cheapest coastal gems with £194k homes
Moving to the coast doesn't have to cost a fortune, especially in this charming seaside town. Demand for coastal properties has spiked by a staggering 115 per cent compared to pre-pandemic levels, with swathes of Brits ready to ditch the city for a more laid-back life filled with golden sands and fish and chips. However, the sudden demand combined with limited availability has led to house prices skyrocketing in certain areas.
Take Sandbanks, for example - a stunning neighbourhood in Poole, Dorset with crystal-clear waters, golden beaches, that's become somewhat of an A-list magnet in recent years. Here, average house properties cost a whopping £965,708 - more than triple the national average.
If the near-million price tag is slightly out of budget, don't worry - as the Co-Operative Bank has analysed recent data to find the most affordable UK coastal towns for both buying and renting. In England, Morecambe came out top, with average house prices at just £194,295.
"This Lancashire gem captures the essence of the English seaside, offering panoramic views over the seafront – as well as some of the most affordable house prices in the country," the bank said. "The average house price here is actually lower than in Oban at £194,295, working out as 7.44 times the average annual income.
"However, rent prices in Morecambe are slightly higher, at an average of £821 per month. That's 37.7 per cent of the average monthly income."
Top 20 seaside locations in UK - full list
Oban
Morecambe
Blackpool
Troon
Filey
Scarborough
Whitby
Southport
Sunbar
Swansea
Portsmouth
Torquay
Eastbourne
Weymouth
Hastings
Ramsgate
Deal
Aberystwyth
Margate
Newquay
Boasting five miles of soft golden sand and an award-winning seafront promenade that looks out onto the stunning Lakeland Fells, Morecambe was once branded one of the worst seaside towns in the country. Now, it hopes to take on the hyped-up coastal resorts of Cornwall and bring its glory days back.
"Morecambe offers you the chance to enjoy the many pleasures of the seaside, whether it's flying kites, building sandcastles or enjoying the views across the bay," Hails Visit Lancashire. "Stroll along Morecambe's promenade with an ice cream or have fun seeing it on two wheels, before grabbing a picnic and heading on down to the beach for a spot of sandcastle making or kite flying."
Must-see attractions include the TERN project, which features a series of sculptures situated along Morecambe's seafront - from steel cormorants, gannets and razorbills to the statue of Eric Morecambe, which was unveiled by the late Queen in 1999. The Art Deco Midland Hotel has also undergone restoration in recent years - making it one of the town's most impressive structures.
Featuring four modern 30s-inspired rooms, six rooftop suites, a top-notch restaurant and ultra-stylish bar, Midland is a great base for exploring Morecambe, or for splurging out on a fancy afternoon tea while soaking in the views. Prices start from £145 per night.
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