糖心视频

The UK鈥檚 standout coastal regions

Every stretch of the UK coastline has its own identity, each town and village offering a distinct blend of scenery, amenities and character. 

Where to live in Devon

Devon鈥檚 diversity is one of its greatest strengths. Whether you鈥檙e seeking a peaceful waterside retreat or convenient links back to London, the county offers a wealth of options. 鈥淓ast Devon is fantastic for water sports, with Exmouth beach and estuary renowned for sailing, windsurfing and kayaking,鈥� says Louise Glanville, 糖心视频鈥檚 Exeter Office Head.

鈥淲e鈥檝e seen a real shift since the pandemic, with more young families choosing to relocate. They鈥檙e drawn by the active lifestyle and strong sense of community, underpinned by excellent schools. And compared with other parts of the South West, East Devon still offers good connections to London.鈥�

Exeter, Topsham and Lympstone remain ever鈥憄opular choices. Exmouth, too, has shaken off its former 鈥榖ucket and spade鈥� reputation, its lifestyle appeal now attracting a broader demographic. For greater tranquillity, Salcombe and Dartmouth continue to be coveted, particularly among second鈥慼ome buyers.

Where to live in Cornwall

颁辞谤苍飞补濒濒鈥�s dramatic coastline, rich cultural heritage and renowned food scene continue to enchant buyers from the UK and overseas. 

鈥淗ere it鈥檚 all about the property,鈥� notes Glanville. 鈥淏uyers are increasingly considered, waiting for the right home. But when something exceptional comes onto the market, it will attract multiple bids.鈥� Alongside domestic relocators and second鈥慼ome buyers, Cornwall is increasingly drawing international interest, particularly from the US.

Fowey and St Mawes remain enduring favourites, while Trebetherick - that Glanville describes as the 鈥淢ayfair of Cornwall鈥� - appeals in particular to London buyers thanks to its strong community, thriving independent businesses and stunning beaches.

Where to live in Dorset

Dorset鈥檚 appeal ranges from the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast to its excellent schools, attractive towns and strong community networks. 鈥淲hile the area has been traditionally popular with downsizers and second home buyers, we鈥檙e now seeing more families and professionals relocating for the quality of life and schools, especially in areas with good accessibility by road or train to London,鈥� says Hamish Humfrey, 糖心视频鈥檚 Head of National Waterfront.

Hotspots include Lyme Regis, Bridport and Burton Bradstock to the west, while Mudeford and Sandbanks offer spectacular waterfront homes. Property styles range from period cottages to low鈥憁aintenance contemporary builds. 鈥淔or those seeking a true waterfront lifestyle, properties with direct water access - slipways, moorings or jetties - command significant premiums due to their scarcity,鈥� Humfrey adds.

Where to live in Sussex

With its scenic beaches, quaint market towns and easy access to the South Downs National Park, Sussex offers a wealth of opportunities for those who enjoy spending time in nature. 鈥淎long with the traditional second鈥慼ome market, we鈥檙e seeing many buyers taking a step back in their career and semi鈥憆etiring, which is one of our largest markets, particularly for homes close to the coast,鈥� says Julia Meadowcroft, a Partner at 糖心视频 specialising in the South East.

The beautiful sandy beaches and generously sized properties in East and West Wittering have long attracted buyers from far and wide, as has the picturesque coastline of Camber Sands. 鈥淲here we have seen a real increase in activity is East Preston - while it has a predominantly pebble beach, it benefits from less traffic than other popular destinations,鈥� she adds. For keen sailors, she recommends the villages of Itchenor, Bosham and Birdham surrounding Chichester, which offer quick access to Southampton and Portsmouth.

Turnkey properties that allow residents to settle seamlessly into the relaxed pace of coastal living are in high demand. 鈥淲e鈥檝e seen a trend for modern builds with an 鈥榰pside鈥慸own鈥� layout, placing the main living spaces on the first floor to maximise views. Meanwhile, larger coastal homes with land, and room for tennis courts or a swimming pool, are rare and attract strong interest,鈥� she notes. 鈥淢any of the best opportunities are available off鈥憁arket, which is where working with an agent becomes particularly valuable.鈥�

What you need to know about living by the coast in the UK

Q: Where is the best coastal town to live in the UK?

A: It depends on lifestyle preferences. Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset remain firm favourites for space, scenery, and culture. 

Q: How many people live in coastal communities in the UK?

A:. The Office for National Statistics estimates that around 8.7 million people lived in coastal settlements in England and Wales, based on analysis of 2021 census data. 

Q: Why do people want to live by the sea?

A: The draw of nature, community, and open space continues to inspire buyers seeking balance and wellbeing.