Second homes by the sea

The 10 best UK locations for a second home by the sea

The top ten is dominated by areas in the south of England, with not a single appearance from a Scottish or northern town.

Coming out on top is the charming seaside town of Southwold. Sitting pretty on the Suffolk Heritage Coast, this town is unlike any other UK seaside resort. To begin with, it has been long lauded by artists such as Turner, giving it a literary and quirky appeal. It’s also bursting with photogenic streets, fascinating history and a thriving market atmosphere.

Possible annual rental revenue from Southwold is way more than any other seaside town, at £115,689, with an average daily rate coming in at £334. The price of a property may be a bit steep at an average of £540,511, but you could certainly reap the financial benefits in the long run.

The beach quality scores a 2.5 out of 4 from the Environment Agency, the average July temperature is just under 29ºC with only 50.9 mm of rain, which is nothing, especially when compared with the likes of Pwllheli and Criccieth in Wales, with a shocking 143.2mm.

If you’re looking for the perfect spot to buy your second home by the sea and gain long-term financial rewards in a quintessentially British, thriving seaside town, Southwold could be your number one.

Not far behind in the ranking sits Felixstowe, also in Suffolk, and Teignmouth in Devon.

The best destinations for...

Top average temperature:

Felixstowe, 22.3ºC

If you’re looking for hot, hot, hot, Felixstowe could be your best bet. You’ll have extremely happy guests/residents and an even happier business bank account. Who needs a holiday abroad when you have these temperatures at home?

Lowest average rainfall:

Weymouth, 35.9mm

No one likes a soggy beach! Weymouth could be a great option if you’re hoping to avoid the wellies and raincoats. The dryer weather could mean you add al fresco dining options and balconies to your property, which could lead to higher financial rewards.

Cheapest average property price:

Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, £93,749

If you don't want to break the bank with a seaside investment, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea could be a fantastic option. Since the beach redevelopment in 2007, this town has only seen positive growth and could be your perfect chance to own a second home by the sea.

Highest annual property revenue:

Southwold, £115,689

Southwold could see you reaping the highest rental revenue on a property. Your property will cost you on average £540,511, but with an annual return of £115,689, you could have this back in just over four years.

Highest daily property rate:

Southwold, £334.00

If you’re looking to invest with the aim of opening a B&B or hotel, then Southwold is a no-brainer. While the cost of a property is higher, the daily rate would mean you see the financial benefits in no time.

Mark Gordon, Director, Money & Mortgages, comments: “When it comes to getting a mortgage for your second home it’s important to be clear with your lender what you are going to use the home for, whether that’s buying to rent or for a holiday home. If you opt for a holiday home you can then apply for a second residential mortgage to help buy your new home.

If you are looking to escape the city and find yourself a second home by the sea, it appears the south of the UK would be your best bet, offering the great summer weather and higher revenue. However, although you may have to compromise a little on the sunshine, seaside homes in the North can be considerably cheaper yet still give a good return!”