For many in the UK, the dream of a coastal lifestyle is a tantalising one. Whether you want to live in a remote Cornish fishing village, or a bustling seafront town like Brighton, the appeal of the sea is difficult to deny.
Let’s look at several good reasons to move out to the coast, and some of the obstacles that might need to be overcome over the course of such a move.
Lifestyle Benefits of Coastal Living
If you’ve spent time beside the sea, then you might already be persuaded by the relaxing sounds and smells that come with time on the beach. The swell of surf, the salt-infused air, the soft cry of gulls in the morning – all of these things have an unmistakable beauty that’s difficult to disregard.
Time by the sea is great not just for your mental health, but for your physical health, too. You can go for long walks along the beach, or around the cliffs. From there, you can obtain an excellent view of the sea itself, and all of the natural wonders that come with it.
Multiple studies have associated a coastal lifestyle with superior mental and physical health outcomes. The census paints a clear picture: those who live closer to the sea are more likely to be healthy.
Coastal Property Market Trends
Of course, given all of these great reasons to live beside the sea, there’s considerable demand for housing in these areas. This has helped to push up the value of the average property. Given that the advantages we’ve mentioned aren’t likely to go away, it seems reasonable to expect that an investment in a new-build home here might retain its value over the long term.
In 2024, the average rise in the country’s most popular coastal areas was 4.2% – which is far above average.
Popular Coastal Locations for Homeowners
Certain sections of coastline in the UK are particularly attractive, thanks to a combination of facilities and natural beauty. These include North Devon, Cornwall, and Sussex, all of which contain sweeping long beaches, soaring cliffs, and vibrant, smaller communities. If you’d like the best possible transport links to major cities, then Eastbourne and Brighton are just a short train ride from the capital.
Practical Considerations for Coastal Living
Life on the coast might require a period of adjustment. For some, it’s not a good fit – which is why it might be worth taking a few holidays to whatever part of the country you’re thinking about settling in.
In most cases, coastal areas boast excellent connectivity and local facilities, including schools and hospitals. But if you have particular needs, it’s worth doing your research. For example, if you want to work from home, and rely on a high-quality, reliable internet connection, then it’s worth ensuring that you’ll have one. It’s also worth checking how much outdoor space is available, and how easily you can access it. Fortunately, in the case of most coastal properties, this is rarely a concern!
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