Two spots within the BCP area have been ranked first and second for the UK's most expensive coastal areas once again.

Sandbanks and Canford Cliffs were found to be the most expensive according to research from Rightmove for 2024.

The analysis looked at the prices of more than 200 coastal areas across Great Britain. The analysis used ONS’ defined list of coastal towns in England and Wales, combined with wider Rightmove analysis.

In their 2023 list, Sandbanks and Canford Cliffs were also ranked first and second, but Sandbanks has seen a drop in its average asking price since then.

Top 10 most expensive coastal spots in the UK for 2024

According to the research from Rightmove, the top 10 most expensive coastal spots for 2024 were:

  1. Sandbanks, Dorset - £1,582,331 (average asking price)
  2. Canford Cliffs, Dorset - £1,242,181
  3. Milford On Sea, Hampshire - £751,442
  4. Padstow, Cornwall - £678,058
  5. Lymington, Hampshire - £603,312
  6. Barton On Sea, Hampshire - £562,609
  7. Budleigh Salterton, Devon - £542,005
  8. Lyme Regis, Dorset - £521,932
  9. Sidmouth, Devon - £501,099
  10. Sandgate, Kent - £495,009

Sandbanks was comfortably clear in first place although it had dropped a fair bit from its average asking price of £2,028,948 in 2023.

Meanwhile, Canford Cliffs has seen a slight increase in the last year, going up from £1,219,804 in 2023 to £1,242,181 in 2024.

Another spot in Dorset also made the top 10 with Lyme Regis featuring in eighth position.

Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s property expert said: “Whilst the pandemic-driven surge for seaside areas has calmed down and reversed back to more normal levels, areas around Great Britain’s coast continue to be popular with many people.

"Particularly at this time of year, many people consider what a home by the sea and away from the hustle and bustle of a city could look like, or perhaps explore estate agents’ windows while on holiday.”

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Steve Isaacs, Director at Luxury and Prestige Realty in Poole, said: “It’s been a positive first half of the year for us, even with mortgage rates staying high and the election called.

"The areas of Sandbanks and Canford Cliffs continue to be very popular, and prime waterfront properties in Sandbanks have been doing particularly well.

"For those that can, the lifestyle of living in a beautiful location by the sea will always be appealing and is not to be underestimated.”