Five of the areas to watch for coastal property in 2026
Words Lesley Gillilan
1. DEAL
Deal in Kent tends to get overlooked in favour of its cooler neighbours Margate or Whitstable, but it consistently pops up as one the best places to live in the UK, thanks to its rakish charm, conservation areas and indie shopping. Average house prices: c£360,000.
2. SIDMOUTH
Sidmouth on Devon’s stretch of the Jurassic Coast, is blessed by a combination of fine Regency houses, a Blue Flag beach, beautiful scenery and a relaxed pace of life. Easy access to the city of Exeter, a lively annual Folk Festival and new foodie haunts (Rockfish opens this year) are attracting a new generation of younger buyers. Three-bed terraces go for c£325,000 – cheaper than in nearby Lyme Regis.
3. PORTSMOUTH
Portsmouth in Hampshire is an emerging city-on-sea option with its lively Solent seafront, Southsea beach and some of the cheapest house prices in the south-east (average c£270,000).
3. MORECAMBE
Morecambe in Lancashire is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Eden Project (the northern equivalent of Cornwall’s famous natural-world biomes) which re-imagines the town as ‘a seaside resort for the 21st century’. The new attraction is set to open in 2028.
4. THE RAME PENINSULA
Cornwall’s so-called ‘forgotten corner’ – is enjoying new interest. Not a cheap option, though: in the twin villages of Kingsand and Cawsand, average house prices are close to £600,000.
5. DUNDEE
Dundee, Scotland’s City of Discovery, is on the rise thanks to its UNESCO status, the V&A Design Museum and ongoing waterfront regeneration.
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