For many people, the idea of living by the sea feels out of reach. House prices in popular coastal areas have soared over the years, and well-known resorts often come with premium price tags. But recent research shows there are still parts of the UK where buyers can find affordable homes, including detached properties that cost far less than many expect.

Rightmove’s 2025 study revealed the cheapest seaside locations in the country, and the results show a huge gap between these towns and the national average. Some areas come in more than £250,000 cheaper, offering a real chance for families to move closer to the coast without stretching their budgets. The research highlighted 10 locations across Scotland and England where asking prices remain low, with experts saying these areas still offer strong value for money.

The most affordable spot on the list is a coastal town in Ayrshire, where homes are priced far lower than the UK average and where demand is growing quickly.

That town is Saltcoats, which saw the fastest year-on-year price growth of any seaside area in the study.

A look at current listings on Zoopla and Rightmove shows why buyers are turning their attention north.

There are several detached homes on the market for under £300,000, including three-, four- and even five-bedroom houses with multiple bathrooms.

Many are modern builds with driveways, gardens and spacious living areas, offering much more for the money than coastal properties further south.

Saltcoats also has the advantage of being a well-connected seaside town with plenty to do.

It sits on the Ayrshire coast and is known for its sandy beaches, views over the Firth of Clyde and a long promenade shared with the nearby towns of Ardrossan and Stevenston.

The harbour dates back centuries, and at low tide fossilised tree remains can still be seen on the harbour floor.

The town is part of an area known as the “Three Towns”, with walking and cycling routes, play areas, cafés and a beach hub along the shoreline.

Visitors can explore the North Ayrshire Museum, learn about famous local figures such as Betsy Miller, or take the ferry from Ardrossan over to the Isle of Arran.

There are also cinemas, bowling, leisure centres, golf courses and a range of shops and restaurants across the three towns.

For anyone thinking about a move, the Rightmove list also shows several other seaside spots where average prices remain low.

Here are the 10 cheapest seaside locations in the UK, starting with the most affordable average asking price:

1. Saltcoats, Ayrshire – £122,208
2. Peterlee, County Durham – £122,246
3. Ashington, Northumberland – £135,050
4. Bootle, Merseyside – £135,208
5. Grimsby, Lincolnshire – £142,072
6. Blackpool, Lancashire – £142,804
7. Fleetwood, Lancashire – £148,101
8. Birkenhead, Merseyside – £149,527
9. Blyth, Northumberland – £153,487
10. Workington, Cumbria – £158,956