Savills Portugal

From my 40 years of experience of selling coastal property, I have found that an ever-increasing number of people are seeking a home on the South Coast, primarily for the quality of life that the area affords.

The region is famous for having its own temperate micro climate, with milder winters and more summer sunshine hours than most parts of the UK. It's also known for its wonderful rural charm and relaxed seaside living while being well located for those who need to travel into the capital, making the area hugely popular with people seeking a coastal bolthole for weekends and holidays as well as those looking towards retirement.

There are seven glorious miles of sandy beaches in Bournemouth and Poole, proving an irresistible prospect for holidaying sun-seekers and coastal residents alike. Bournemouth beach was recently voted as the best beach in the UK, as well as fifth best in Europe and 14th best in the world. Plus there are no shortage of activities to get involved with, from paddle boarding, motor boating and kayaking to kite and wind surfing and sailing.

The world famous Sandbanks peninsula is home to a stunning array of elegant waterfront properties and has long been regarded as one of the most exclusive coastal areas in the world. It’s a perception which is supported by property price research, with Sandbanks proving to be the location of the highest value coastal properties in the UK, topping the ‘ultra prime’ costal market and showing a premium of nearly 100 per cent over the Dorset county average.

The nearby area of Poole undoubtedly benefits from its proximity to its glamorous neighbour, with an average secondhand property sale price of over £308,000 recorded in 2017 – an uplift of 31.1 per cent over a five-year span – making it one of the country's top 10 emerging prime coastal locations.

Further afield, the Jurassic coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the South Coast's jewel in the crown. The charming village of Hamble is an ever-popular yachting destination, while the Hampshire town of Lymington offers easy access to the New Forest as well as a car ferry link to the Isle of Wight.

With an average second hand sale price of nearly £474,000 recorded in 2017, Lymington occupies the top slot in Hampshire’s coastal market, showing a 47.5 per cent premium over the county average.

There is a huge diversity in the range of properties available along the Dorset and Hampshire coast, from cutting-edge modern design to charming period residences. Here’s just a taste of what is currently available in the area.