Home » TRAVEL NEWS » United Kingdom Seaside Real Estate Boom Pushes Sandbanks to the Top as Britain’s Most Expensive and Prestigious Coastal Town with Million Pound Homes and High Buyer Demand
Sunday, July 6, 2025
Sandbanks has once again secured its title as the United Kingdom’s most exclusive and expensive seaside town, with average property prices now surpassing £1.28 million—more than three times the national average. This elite enclave on the Dorset coast continues to draw affluent buyers thanks to its rare combination of luxurious waterfront homes, golden beaches, and close proximity to London. Despite a slight dip in prices amid broader market trends, demand for coastal properties remains strong, driven by a growing desire for premium seaside living. With soaring buyer interest and limited availability, Sandbanks exemplifies the UK’s booming high-end coastal real estate market.
Sandbanks Retains Crown as UK’s Priciest Seaside Town with Homes Averaging Over £1.28 Million
As summer temperatures soar, the dream of a breezy coastal escape remains strong—but for those eyeing Britain’s beaches, some destinations are far more exclusive than others. Topping the list of the UK’s most expensive seaside towns once again is Sandbanks, the glamorous Dorset enclave where luxury real estate continues to command sky-high prices.
According to newly released data from property portal Rightmove, Sandbanks boasts an average asking price of £1,282,565—making it the only coastal town in the country where average home values exceed the £1 million mark. That figure places Sandbanks more than three times above the national average of £378,240, cementing its reputation as Britain’s most elite coastal location.
A Resilient Market Despite Falling Prices
While Sandbanks remains at the summit of the coastal property market, the broader economic climate hasn’t left it untouched. Average asking prices in the area have dipped by 3% compared to 2024, a modest drop considering the nationwide trend. Yet despite this slight downturn, interest from prospective buyers remains robust.
Rightmove’s data reveals that demand across the UK’s most desirable seaside towns has risen by 8% year-on-year, even as prices experience a slight decline. Among the top 50 priciest coastal towns, average asking prices have fallen just 1% overall, indicating that buyers are still eager to secure a slice of coastal luxury—particularly in areas with enduring appeal.
What Makes Sandbanks So Coveted?
Often dubbed the “Monte Carlo of the UK,” Sandbanks occupies a narrow peninsula between Poole Harbour and the English Channel. The town is renowned for its golden beaches, exclusive properties, and vibrant lifestyle offerings—all within convenient reach of London, just a two-hour drive away.
Homes in Sandbanks are typically sleek, modern builds with floor-to-ceiling windows, private piers, and panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast. Its limited land area means properties are scarce, further driving up prices in an already competitive market.
The area is also a magnet for celebrities and high-net-worth individuals, with reports suggesting notable figures such as Harry Redknapp and Liam Gallagher own properties there. High-end restaurants, boutique shopping, and a thriving marina scene add to the region’s allure, making it a year-round destination for those who can afford it.
Canford Cliffs and Milford-on-Sea Follow Closely
Just a short drive from Sandbanks, Canford Cliffs has secured its place as the second most expensive coastal location in the UK. Properties in this affluent suburb of Poole carry an average asking price of £974,635. Though prices here have dropped 9% over the past year, the area remains popular with buyers looking for seaside living with a touch of exclusivity.
Third on the list is Milford-on-Sea in Hampshire, a picturesque village known for its traditional charm and coastal beauty. Homes in this area now average £728,460, offering buyers a more tranquil alternative to the flashier lifestyle of Sandbanks while still being among the country’s most luxurious beachside locales.
Northern Towns Offer Affordable Alternatives
While the South continues to dominate the upper tiers of the coastal market, buyers on a budget may want to turn their eyes northward. Rightmove’s analysis found that the most affordable seaside town in the UK is Saltcoats in Ayrshire, Scotland, where average property prices remain under £250,000—less than one-fifth of the price of a typical Sandbanks home.
Other wallet-friendly coastal destinations include Peterlee in County Durham, reinforcing the well-documented North-South divide in property values. These locations offer significantly lower costs of entry for buyers seeking seaside living, albeit without the celebrity cachet or upscale infrastructure found in southern hotspots.
Sandbanks leads the UK’s coastal property boom with homes averaging over £1.28 million, driven by strong buyer demand, luxury amenities, and unmatched seaside prestige. Despite a slight price dip, its elite status remains unshaken.
Britain’s Coastal Real Estate Divide
The latest data underscores a clear split in the UK’s coastal housing market. While luxury destinations in the South continue to attract wealthy buyers and international interest, the North offers affordability and untapped potential. Whether it’s the prestige of owning a home in Sandbanks or the appeal of budget-friendly beach towns like Saltcoats, the British coast has something for everyone—just at vastly different price points.
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