Area has one of Britain’s more affordable coastal towns

STRANRAER is one of the UK’s most affordable coastal towns in which to to buy property. The Lloyds Coastal Homes Review tracked house price movements in 197 coastal locations. And they found that across Britain, the average price of a home by the sea was £295,991 last year – down one per cent compared with 2023. Despite the small dip, prices in coastal towns increased nearly a fifth over the five years from 2019, the bank said. At the less expensive end of the house price spectrum, Stranraer came ninth with an average price of £128,888. Commenting on the results, Amanda Bryden, head of mortgages at Lloyds, said: “Coastal living continues to hold a special appeal – whether it’s the lure of sea views, sandy beaches, or a slower pace of life. “In some of the UK’s most desirable coastal towns, average prices have dipped slightly over the past year. But, over the longer term, values remain significantly higher. There are still pockets of real affordability – particularly in Scotland, where buyers can find coastal homes for a fraction of the price. “For those willing to look beyond the traditional hotspots, there are some hidden gems offering great value and a strong sense of community. “It’s also important to recognise that not all coastal areas share the same fortunes. Some seaside towns face significant challenges, from seasonal economies to a lack of affordable housing for local people.” Lloyds used data from the Land Registry and the Registers of Scotland for its research.