London exodus fuels seaside property price surge
Homes with sea views in towns like Broadstairs have seen significant price increases as Londoners seek coastal living.
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A significant number of Londoners are relocating away from the capital, contributing to a surge in house prices in coastal towns. In the year to mid-2025, 420,500 people moved out of London, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) data. This outward migration coincides with a notable increase in the value of properties offering sea views across Britain.
Seaside Property Premiums
London buyers see modest demand lift but price pressure persists
RICS data shows fewer professionals reporting falling inquiries while Rightmove records a 5% year‑on‑year demand rise in early September
Rightmove reported that the average asking price for a sea-view property in the UK has risen by 27% since 2019. This increase outpaces the 22% rise seen in average property values nationwide during the same period. The South East of England now leads as the most expensive region for such properties, with average asking prices reaching £416,375.
Broadstairs, a town on the Kent coast approximately 90 minutes from South East London, has experienced substantial price growth. Between 2019 and 2026, the average asking price for a house with a sea view in Broadstairs increased from £399,337 to £528,280. This represents an additional cost of £128,943 for a sea view, placing Broadstairs third in the UK for sea-view premiums.
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National Trends and Local Appeal
Nationally, West Mersea in Essex recorded the highest sea-view premium, with an average increase of £222,294, representing a 51% rise in value. Other coastal locations such as Frinton-on-Sea, Littlehampton, and Newquay also saw significant increases in property values for homes with sea vistas.
Colleen Babcock, a property expert at Rightmove, commented on the trend, stating that buyers are willing to pay a substantial premium for a sea view. She noted that while prestigious coastal areas continue to command high prices, growth is also evident in more affordable seaside locations, indicating a broadening market appeal for coastal living.
Broadstairs, known for its beaches and independent establishments, has gained popularity through social media. Its attractions include Viking Bay, described as a 'hidden gem', and Botany Bay, favoured for fossil hunting. The town is situated 72 miles from South East London, with driving times around 90 minutes and train journeys approximately 1 hour and 47 minutes from London Victoria.
Future Outlook
The ongoing trend of Londoners seeking alternative lifestyles outside the capital suggests that demand for desirable coastal properties is likely to persist. The data indicates a sustained premium for sea-view homes, reflecting their enduring appeal to buyers.
Questions this report answers
+How many people left London in the past year?
420,500 people left London in the year to mid-2025, according to ONS data. This marks a significant shift in population movement away from the capital.
+Which coastal town saw the biggest sea-view price jump?
West Mersea in Essex recorded the largest sea-view premium, with an average increase of £222,294. This represents a 51% rise in property values for homes with sea views.
+How much more do sea-view homes cost in Broadstairs now?
In Broadstairs, the average sea-view property price rose by £128,943 between 2019 and 2026. This pushed the average asking price from £399,337 to £528,280.
+What’s driving the rise in coastal property prices?
The surge in coastal property prices is driven by Londoners relocating away from the capital. This outward migration has increased demand for sea-view homes, pushing prices up significantly.
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