Right Move Data Reveals Coastal Property Boom Defies Broader UK Housing Slowdown

Property website Right Move's latest analysis reveals that coastal towns across Merseyside and Wales are experiencing exceptional price growth, defying a national slowdown where average asking prices have declined 0.3% compared to the previous year. Bootle in Merseyside leads the surge with an 11% year-on-year increase, while Crosby follows with 9% growth, despite these locations remaining significantly below the national asking price of £378,304.

Regional Growth Outpaces National Trends

The data underscores a stark geographic divide in the UK property market. While the overall national average sits at £378,304, Bootle's average asking price of £141,680 demonstrates that rapid price appreciation does not require premium positioning. Crosby, the second fastest-growing location, has pushed average prices to £330,900, still below the national benchmark despite its substantial gains.

Wales also features prominently in Right Move's rankings. Penarth near Cardiff recorded an 8% increase to £433,081, becoming the only location in the top 10 fastest-growing areas to exceed the national average. Llantwit Major saw an 8% rise, while Llanelli experienced a 7% increase, indicating sustained demand across multiple Welsh coastal communities.

Affordability Remains a Primary Draw

Despite emerging as property hotspots, Right Move's research confirms that approximately 80% of the roughly 100 seaside areas analysed—those with at least 20 new homes listed—maintain average asking prices below the national figure. This affordability factor appears central to the appeal: families and professionals are increasingly attracted to locations offering coastal living without premium pricing. Sussex locations Saltdean and Shoreham exemplify this trend, with average prices of £449,007 and £455,939 respectively, positioning them as attractive alternatives to more expensive South Coast destinations.

Sandbanks in Poole remains Britain's most expensive seaside location, with average prices reaching £1.12 million, highlighting the significant price variance within coastal markets. Right Move's property expert Colleen Babcock noted that "homes priced realistically continue to attract interest, particularly in locations where price growth is being supported by buyer demand," suggesting that realistic valuations are driving transaction activity in growth markets.