For home buyers, the appeal of village life and the siren call of the sea are attractive propositions in their own right. Taken together, they are a winning combination. Since the start of the pandemic, some of the most popular and in-demand places to live have been dotted along the UK coastline.

In coastal villages, the value of prime property has risen by an average of 26.2 per cent since March 2020, higher than the 16.4 per cent seen across the wider prime regional markets.

Unsurprisingly, our analysis shows the most expensive properties can be found in the South of England – Beaulieu, Itchenor and Rock all command prices of more than £1 million and values in each are at least three times the average for the county in which they sit.

While much of the coastline in the East of England is characterised by lower value industrial markets, Brancaster and Thorpeness in Norfolk and Suffolk respectively are good examples of more traditional coastal living and both command significant premiums.

More value can be found in the North of England but premiums to local areas still remain high. Bamburgh is the highest value with prices exceeding £550,000 – almost two and a half times more than Northumberland as a whole.

Here are the top two coastal villages by region by highest premium versus the county, where the second is in a different county to the first:

And here’s what our experts say about just some of these hotspots:

• Brancaster, Norfolk: 'With its famous sandy beach, beguiling marshes and appealing mix of period and architect-designed new builds, Brancaster has long been one of the premier coastal villages in North Norfolk. The village has an excellent pub, a shop with delicatessen selling local produce, and the Royal West Norfolk Golf Club with one of the most picturesque courses in the country.” Ben Rivett, joint head of residential sales, Norwich
  
  
• On Thorpeness, Suffolk: 'Demand for properties here increased considerably during Covid. It is particularly popular with buyers looking for a second home – offering them slightly more space and garden for their money when compared with other parts of the UK. The village has a country club, golf club, a beautiful boating lake known as The Meare, a village pub, café and shop. There is a real buzz in summer and during school holidays, while it tends to be more peaceful in winter.' Peter Ogilvie, head of residential sales, Ipswich
  
  
• On Bamburgh, Northumberland: 'Recently named as having the best beach in England, it truly has something for everyone and all seasons. The fabulous white sandy beaches stretch for miles and are ideal for families or dog walking, while the impressive and historic Bamburgh Castle dominates the skyline, and the village itself includes many attractive buildings of local stone. A great location from which to explore the coast and castles or head inland to Alnwick and the National Park.' Andrew Black, head of rural agency for Northern England
  
  
• On Saltfleet, Lincolnshire: 'A quaint village on the beautiful Lincolnshire coast, characterised by its windswept and grassy dunes with wonderful walks by a small natural harbour, one of the few in the area. The village has a charming pub and popular fish and chip shop and, unlike its busier neighbours, it has long retained its wild nature and is a haven for wildlife with an array of nature reserves and wildlife centres for those seeking peaceful solitude.' Ben Kendall, residential sales, Lincoln
  
  
• On Beaulieu, Hampshire: 'Beaulieu is a truly unspoilt and highly sought-after village in the New Forest, with Dock Lane one of the most exclusive addresses in Hampshire. A sailing paradise, the village is home to some of the finest waterfront and country properties in the south.' Giles Muddle, residential sales, Winchester
  
  
• On Itchenor, West Sussex: 'A very pretty village on Chichester Harbour, famous for its thriving sailing club which hosts the ever-popular Itchenor Fortnight during the summer – a regatta for children and adult dinghy racing and socialising. It is a very high value spot with lots of waterfront property and benefits from a pub too. For those into the sailing scene it is a highly desirable location from which to sail and race and it provides easy access into The Solent.' James Machell, head of residential sales, Petworth
  
  
• On Thurlestone, Devon: 'Thurlestone is a picture postcard village on one of South Devon’s most dramatic coastlines. Dating back to the Domesday Book, it still retains many old thatch and cob cottages along its main street, while the three long, golden sandy beaches provide clean swimming, watersports and surfing all year round. It's popular with locals and tourists alike with golf, tennis, real ales and fine dining as well as a village shop and post office.' Amy Hart, residential sales, Exeter
  
  
• On Rock, Cornwall: 'The gem of the north coast where everyone wants to be. You are almost in your own bubble, from bungalows to town houses, listed to new builds, there is something for everyone. Rock has incredible long golden beaches and is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. It is beautifully peaceful in the autumn months with deserted beaches perfect for walking. And it has the most delicious places to eat, offering everything from Cornish pasties to the freshest seafood.' Penny Bolton, residential sales, Cornwall
  
  
• On Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire: 'Smaller and more intimate than neighbouring Tenby, Saundersfoot has been a popular family destination for generations. In recent years it has developed a reputation for its foodie credentials and its focus on local produce. With its truly stunning scenery and a warm and welcoming feel, it is no surprise that people visit Saundersfoot and fall in love with the place. Demand for property here is strong, particularly for homes with sea views and within easy reach of the sandy beach and harbour.' Dan Rees, head of residential and rural sales, Cardiff

Further information

Contact Frances McDonald or Chris Clifford

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