The two North Wales coastal sites in demand with house hunters from Manchester and Cheshire

Wales Online

a day ago

Two prime coastal spots in North Wales are drawing in property seekers from across the border, according to an estate agency in Cheshire's 'Golden Triangle". The region's breathtaking coastline beaches are luring wealthy individuals across the border for either a permanent residence or a holiday retreat.
Gascoigne Halman, an estate agency based in Alderley Edge, has noted sustained interest from buyers in Greater Manchester and Cheshire, all enticed by the tranquil coastal lifestyle promised. Known for its affluence and expensive homes, the village of Alderley Edge attracts wealthy residents including Premier League footballers, actors and businesspeople.
Both families and professionals are gravitating towards northwest Wales, drawn by the area's "scenic splendour, quaint villages, cultural richness and accessible transport links", reports the Manchester Evening News.
Specifically, Anglesey is attracting a lot of interest, said Richard Leece, manager at Gascoigne Halman's Alderley Edge branch. So to is an old favourite, the village of Abersoch on the Llŷn Peninsula, Gwynedd.
"Anglesey and Abersoch are not only beautiful, they're aspirational in their own right," said Mr Leece.
"There's a long history of Cheshire residents buying in both areas, drawn to the understated luxury, sweeping views and outdoor lifestyle. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community
"Whether it's paddle boarding before breakfast or watching the sunset with a glass of wine, these aren't just holiday homes, they're sanctuaries that restore balance in busy lives.'
(Image: Getty Images)
More recently, places like Abersoch have also become known for the number of Ar Werth (For Sale) signs on roadsides. According to Rightmove, the number of homes for sale in Gwynedd in June 2025 was 146% higher than in June 2021.
Owners of second homes and holiday cottages have complained of the need to slash prices to attract buyers. Despite signs of a recent bounce, the county's housing market has been falling in the wake of measures designed to constrain holiday homes. Some residential owners have also lamented the impact on their own properties.
Abersoch and its fleet of jet skis has the highest estimated number of chargeable second homes in Wales, according to Welsh Government figures. Being around two hours and 20 minutes from Greater Manchester, and roughly two hours from Cheshire, a community has built up that attracts the like-minded, making it synonymous in Wales with the tensions that exist in the country's housing market.
This cosmopolitan former fishing village revolves around a natural harbour, where rows of boats bob in the marina, reflecting the integral role sailing plays in Abersoch life. Another focus point is it sandy beach and row of price-spiralling beach huts.
As well as being a hotspot for water sports enthusiasts, Abersoch also boasts an array of boutique shops, top-notch eateries and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
According to Rightmove, the average house price in Abersoch over the past year was £585,000. Detached properties made up the majority of sales last year, fetching an average price of £803,750. Terraced houses sold for an average of £311,667, while semi-detached properties commanded £732,500.
(Image: Gascoigne Halman)
Meanwhile, Anglesey is renowned for its picturesque 125-mile long coastline and historic landmarks, including the 13th-century gem that is Beaumaris Castle. The island was recently crowned the UK's best British island by The Telegraph.
It can be reached in around an hour and 50 minutes from Greater Manchester, and an hour and a half from Cheshire. According to agents, the area offers a much slower pace of life and has been previously recognised as one of the "happiest places to live in the UK".
Rightmove figures show that houses in Anglesey sold for an average price of £257,742 over the last year. Most were detached properties, fetching an average price of £344,635. Terraced houses sold for an average of £164,634, whilst semi-detached properties sold for around £215,545.
(Image: Gascoigne Halman)
What you can buy in Abersoch and Anglesey
Gascoigne Halman is currently marketing two developments in these areas. The company said it's had lots of enquiries from a mixed demographic.
Situated on the former site of the Bull Bay Hotel, the new development of Tai Porth Llechog on Anglesey's northern coastline is made up of three detached homes, a dormer bungalow and nine luxury apartments priced from £275,000.
It offers a wide range of "high-spec" accommodation designed to make the most of the area's panoramic views. The detached homes feature an "upside-down'" design with living spaces on the first floor to make the most of the sweeping sea views, as well as boasting large balconies, open-plan layouts and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The development's elevated position ensures uninterrupted sea views and the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) adds to its appeal, says the agency.
Much to the frustration of local people, all properties at Tai Porth Llechog must be sold as secondary residences or holiday homes. When approving the development, Anglesey Council said its hands were tied by historic planning rules.
(Image: Gascoigne Halman)
Meanwhile, Waters Reach in Abersoch is the epitome of a dream coastal home, said Gascoigne Halman. This five-bedroom detached house occupies a prime half-acre plot, boasting 180-degree views over the Cambrian Mountains, St Tudwal's Islands and Warren Beach.
The property offers just under 3,000 sq ft of living space, comprising four generously-sized ground-floor bedrooms, three with sea views, two modern bathrooms and a vast open-plan living area. Upstairs, a delightful bedroom and sitting area with picture windows provide a private retreat with "unparalleled" views of the coastline.
The property is ideally located a stone's throw from the beach, with Abersoch Inner Harbour beach merely a two-minute walk away. The village itself is accessible on foot at low tide. This home is currently listed for £3 million. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
Find properties for sale or let near you