Seaside retirement for £100,000? Britain’s most affordable coastal towns revealed - full list of locations

Sandbanks in Dorset has once again been named the most expensive coastal location in the UK.

The average home there costs £965,708, making it a popular spot for wealthy buyers and celebrities.

Even though prices have dipped slightly in the past year, the area still tops the list of priciest seaside locations.

But at the other end of the market, several coastal towns in Scotland offer far more affordable options - especially for people looking to retire on a budget.

Campbeltown, located on the scenic Kintyre Peninsula in Argyll and Bute, is now the cheapest seaside town in Britain, with an average house price of just £103,078.

Other low-cost options include:

• Rothesay on the Isle of Bute – £111,764
• Millport on Great Cumbrae – £114,008
• Port Bannatyne – £115,421

All of these towns are in Scotland and offer peaceful surroundings, sea views, and a slower pace of life.

For retirees who are open to relocating, they could be a smart alternative to the crowded and expensive resorts in the South of England.

Across Britain, the average cost of a coastal home is £295,991, according to the Lloyds Coastal Homes Review, which looked at house prices in 197 seaside towns.

This is slightly down — by one per cent — compared to the previous year. But over the last five years, prices in coastal areas have risen by 18 per cent, showing steady long-term growth.

In second place on the list of the most expensive towns is Salcombe in Devon, with an average home price of £826,159, followed by Padstow in Cornwall at £715,974.

These locations are popular with second-home buyers and people relocating for lifestyle reasons, which has helped drive up prices.

Amanda Bryden, head of mortgages at Lloyds Bank, said: "oastal living continues to hold a special appeal - whether it’s the lure of sea views, sandy beaches, or a slower pace of life.

For those willing to look beyond traditional hotspots, there are some hidden gems offering great value and a strong sense of community.

"It’s also important to recognise that not all coastal areas share the same fortunes. Some seaside towns face significant challenges, from seasonal economies to a lack of affordable housing for local people."

She also pointed out that while the South West still dominates the top of the price table, there are many areas — especially in Scotland — where house prices remain accessible.

For retirees thinking of a move,seaside living doesn’t have to break the bank. With average prices starting just above £100,000 in some towns, there are still opportunities to enjoy coastal life without spending a fortune.

Here are Britain’s least expensive coastal locations in 2024, according to Lloyds Bank, with average house prices:

1. Campbeltown, Argyll and Bute – £103,078
2. Rothesay, Argyll and Bute – £111,764
3. Millport, North Ayrshire – £114,008
4. Port Bannatyne, Argyll and Bute – £115,421
5. Girvan, South Ayrshire – £116,211
6. Greenock, Inverclyde – £117,751
7. Ardrossan, North Ayrshire – £124,532
8. Wick, Highlands – £126,708
9. Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway – £128,888
10. Saltcoats, North Ayrshire – £129,194

Here are Britain’s most expensive seaside locations in 2024, according to Lloyds Bank, with average house prices:

1. Sandbanks, South West – £965,708
2. Salcombe, South West – £826,159
3. Padstow, South West – £715,974
4. Aldeburgh, East of England – £619,693
5. Lymington, South East – £608,253
6. St Mawes, South West – £552,198
7. Lyme Regis, South West – £531,815
8. Budleigh Salterton, South West – £496,998
9. Dartmouth, South West – £495,643
10. Kingsbridge, South West – £484,986