The year-round lure of a coastal home

The coastal market is no longer dominated by holiday-home buyers. Flexible working, coupled with a desire to step away from technology (at least for some of the time), means that more people are choosing to live full-time by the sea. So what are the current trends and market drivers?

The joy of living on an island is that nowhere in the UK is more than 70 miles from the sea. Now that flexible working patterns are here to stay, more homeowners are in a position to set up their primary residence on the coast.

“From Anglesey to Aldeburgh, Polzeath and North Berwick, we’ve seen a significant increase in buyers looking to improve their work-life balance while living by the sea,” says James Toogood, a director in the Country Department, who focuses on the sale of prime properties in the south and southwest. “Elements such as accessibility and the quality of internet communications are more important than ever, especially for those relocating full-time.”

Different locations will attract different sorts of buyers, depending on their interests. But the wish list will often include finding an area with a strong community spirit that residents can embrace, whether they are there for the summer or year-round; good pubs and restaurants; and a strong selection of local independent shops.

There has also been a marked uptick in interest from those wanting to spend time in nature – whether that’s cold-water swimming, surfing, yoga on the beach or a blustery walk along the coastal path. “And that’s not just during the summer season any longer. It’s true year-round,” says Andy Cameron, founder of Wavehunters, a surf and marine company based on the north Cornish coast.

“I think it’s a response to all the technology we have in our lives. People want to go offline and embrace simple pleasures again. Spending time in, on or by the sea means that phones are quickly forgotten. You can’t be in a bad mood for long – being in the water is like hitting a reset button.”

Some buyers just want to turn back the clock, says Toogood – especially those who are in the market for a holiday home. “Obviously, the Mediterranean and further afield have their attractions, but a number of clients I talk to mention a desire to go back in time with their families. It’s about doing wholesome activities together – whatever the weather brings – such as a game of rounders or cricket on the beach.”

While family traditions remain, the way we build our coastal homes is changing. Where once they were placed in the least exposed spots, with thick stone walls and small windows to protect dwellers from the elements, new technology means they’re moving out into the open. “Advances in materials such as glazing and sustainable energy solutions mean that many buyers look for open-plan layouts and big views of the water. Even when it’s blowing a gale, they want to watch the drama,” says Toogood. 

Having a home office with a view is a bonus, too. “There’s something very therapeutic about looking at the sea,” says Cameron, whose company also runs a water taxi service across the Camel estuary, between Padstow and Rock. “Many of my clients talk about how relaxing it is to slow down and spend some time sitting by a window, watching the sea-world go by.”

 JAMES TOOGOOD
DIRECTOR, SAVILLS COUNTRY DEPARTMENT
+(0)20 7016 3780, james.toogood@savills.com