Beachside premium: West Sussex tops for above-average prices

We are an island and that means an extensive coastline. From golden sands and smooth pebbles to craggy rock pools and cute harbours, there is something alluring about where the sea meets the land.

While some of us are happy to dip our toes into coastal life with a day trip, others want a more permanent connection with sun, sand and salty air, and that brings us to property. Some of the South’s – and even the world’s - most premium residences can be found in beach locations. In fact, it’s a widely publicised claim that Sandbanks in Dorset contains the most expensive real estate in the world, when comparing purchasing costs per square foot.

In April, Regency Living released the results of a study measuring how much it costs to live by England’s beautiful beaches. While Cornwall had the most beaches per region, it was somewhere much closer to home that took top spot.

The research found West Sussex carries the biggest price premium when it comes to coastal homes. The region has 27 beaches and the average property costs £382,755, which is 31.2% above the national average of £291,640.

The region that took second spot is also in White & Brook’s orbit. Hampshire, with its 19 beaches, was found to have an average property price of £363,589 – a 24.7% premium. Sixth on the list was East Sussex, where coastal properties sell for 10.9% more.

With offices covering Bognor Regis, the Witterings, Pagham, Felpham, Stokes Bay, Middleton-on-Sea, Gosport, Chichester Harbour, Chichester Marina and Lee-on-Solent, our branches have the pleasure of matching beach-loving buyers with their dream coastal properties.

It will come as no surprise that our most expensive current home for sale is located within walking distance of Felpham beach. This five-bedroom family home is set on the Summerley Private Estate, and the residents can be skimming stones in less than three minutes from their front door.

Our second most expensive property currently for sale is located on the aptly named Sea Lane Private Estate in Middleton-on-Sea. A pebble beach is less than 350-yards from this four-bedroom home – ideal if you’re into open water swimming, the Wim Hof method of wellbeing or breathtaking sunsets.

Completing our top three beach properties available now is this spacious six-bedroom home in Alverstoke, Gosport. You can walk to Stokes Bay in less than 10 minutes – a stretch of coastline with a pebble beach, sailing club, splash park and panoramic views - across to Ryde and East Cowes on the Isle of Wight to the south, and Fawley to the south west.

Happily, not all of White & Brook’s beach area or seafront properties carry a million pound price tag. There is exceptional value for money in Bognor Regis, with purpose built and period-style apartments selling for less than £250,000.

Homes are also keenly priced in the Priddys Hard and Royal Haslar enclaves of Gosport, as well as in the Marine Parade area of Lee-on-Solent. These locations deliver exceptional waterside views but with a greater emphasis on harbours, marinas, inlets, boatyards and sailing clubs.

Please contact your local West Sussex or Hampshire branch if you have a coastal property you’d like to sell - we can help you achieve the premium price your home deserves. Also contact us if you dream of living by the sea and don’t want to miss out on our upcoming properties.