- A view of the sea commands an premium of £88,106 (32%) when compared to other coastal properties, with asking prices averaging £363,181
- The East Midlands leads with the highest sea view premium at 68%, while the South East has the most modest uplift of 22%
- Torbay offers the widest choice for sea-view seekers, topping the list of areas with the most homes for sale featuring water views, followed by Bournemouth and Cornwall
Picture waking up each morning to endless blue horizons, watching fishing boats bob gently in the harbour, or enjoying your morning coffee while waves crash against the shore below. For many of us, a sea view represents a little slice of luxury – but just how much extra are buyers willing to pay for that daily dose of coastal magic?
Our latest analysis reveals that the dream of gazing out over water from your own home can mean a big price uplift for the price of a home on average. Across Great Britain, properties with sea views command an average premium of £88,106 over similar coastal homes without that coveted water outlook – a 32% increase. The average asking price for a home with a sea view stands at £363,181, compared to £275,074 for properties in the same coastal areas.
What’s happening to coastal house prices regionally?
What makes this premium particularly interesting is how it varies dramatically across different regions, reflecting local market conditions, property scarcity and the relative exclusivity of sea view homes in each area.
The regional breakdown reveals some interesting differences in how much extra buyers are willing to pay. The East Midlands claims the top spot with an average 68% premium, where homes with sea views average £428,330 compared to £254,544 for those without.
Our property expert Colleen Babcock explains: “Sea views have always been a highly sought-after feature for homebuyers, and our latest research highlights just how much more people are willing to pay for one. A contributing factor for this difference could be the exclusivity of properties with a sea view in these areas.”
This is likely to be the case in the East Midlands, where the substantial difference in property prices reflects the relative scarcity of coastal properties in what is a predominantly landlocked region. The South West follows in second place with a 44% premium, while Scotland rounds out the top three at 43%. These regions benefit from extensive coastlines and established reputations as desirable coastal destinations, where sea view properties have long been considered premium real estate.
At the other end of the scale, the South East shows the most modest premium at 22%. This is probably due to the region’s abundance of coastal properties and higher baseline property prices. However, what it also means is that the absolute difference in pounds may still be substantial even if the percentage uplift appears more reasonable.
| Region | Average property asking price (non-sea view) in coastal areas in 2025 | Average property asking price (sea view) in 2025 | Price Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Midlands | £254,544 | £428,330 | +68% |
| South West | £280,185 | £405,676 | +44% |
| Scotland | £152,606 | £218,867 | +43% |
| North East | £180,258 | £231,194 | +28% |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | £152,151 | £193,711 | +27% |
| North West | £159,322 | £201,292 | +26% |
| East of England | £242,443 | £305,264 | +25% |
| Wales | £240,017 | £298,824 | +24% |
| South East | £300,612 | £367,209 | +22% |
| Great Britain | £275,074 | £363,181 | +32% |
Which areas have the most homes with sea views for sale?
For buyers seeking the widest choice of sea view properties, certain areas stand out as hotspots for coastal living. Torbay in Devon leads the pack with the highest number of homes with sea views currently on the market. This popular coastal destination combines stunning natural beauty with a strong property market, making it a magnet for those seeking seaside living.
Bournemouth takes second place, followed by Cornwall – both areas are renowned for their spectacular coastlines and thriving property markets. The full top 10 is a diverse mix of coastal locations and includes the Isle of Wight, Hastings, Folkestone, Brighton, Thanet, Tendring and North Yorkshire.
The variation in sea view premiums across different areas could be for several reasons. In areas like the East Midlands, where coastal properties are rarer, a sea view might demand a higher asking pricing simply because there are fewer of them to choose from. While in regions with extensive coastlines like the South West – while sea view properties still bring a premium – the greater availability means the percentage uplift may be more moderate. However, it’s worth noting that even a 22% premium in more expensive regions like the South East still translates to tens of thousands of pounds.
So, whether it’s the calming effect of watching waves, the ever-changing drama of coastal weather, or simply the prestige of waterfront living, sea views represent something special to many people looking for their next home.
Are you ready to explore what coastal living could look like for you? Start building your own shortlist of sea view properties with a property shortlist.
The header image for this article was provided courtesy of Tailor Made Estate Agents, Dorset and New Forest
