A new report has revealed the cheapest places on Scotland’s dramatic coastline to buy a property.
The Bank of Scotland Coastal Homes Review tracks house price movements in coastal locations across Britain and this year has seen the pretty town of Rothesay, on the Isle of Bute, crowned as the cheapest option for those who want to be by the seaside (beside the sea).
At the other end of the scale, St Andrews overtook North Berwick as being the priciest spot north of the border.
Those looking to purchase a home by the sea in Scotland will find that, on average, properties cost £184,224, up 1 per cent during 2023 and outperforming the average across Britain which saw a decline (-4 per cent).
When looking over the last decade, the cost of Scottish coastal homes rose by almost a third (+31 per cent) on average between 2013 and 2023.
Properties in Cockenzie (+72 per cent) and Anstruther (+70 per cent) have seen the biggest gains in the last decade.
Graham Blair, Mortgages Director, Bank of Scotland, said: “Scotland’s stunning coastline and breathtaking scenery make it a wonderful place for many to call home. For buyers looking to live by the sea, Scotland offers real value in comparison to coastal areas in other parts of Britain.
“In fact, for those who are keen for a peaceful and tranquil life and a more remote way of living, Rothesay on the Isle of Bute is the most affordable place to live by the sea in all of Britain. Coastal properties here are £100,000 on average.
“At the other end of the scale, St Andrews is now the most expensive coastal location in Scotland. Well-known for its famous golf courses and home to the nation’s oldest university, average property prices in the area are now more than £423,000. Scenic North Berwick isn’t far behind with properties there fetching a similar price tag.”
Here are the 10 cheapest locations for a home by the sea in Scotland.
5. Saltcoats
Completing the top 5 most affordable coastal town in Scotland - with an average property price of £115,372 - is Saltcoats. Located on Scotland's rugged west coast, in North Ayrshire, the name comes from the time when harvesting salt from the sea was a major industry in the area. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Campbeltown
Historically an important centre for fishing and the whisky industry, Campbeltown lies by Campbeltown Loch on the Kintyre peninsula. The average property in the town with a population of around 4,600 people costs £115,813. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Ardrossan
Located right next to Saltcoats on the North Ayrshire coast (together with Stevenston, they are known as the 'Three Towns', Ardrossan has an average property price of £119,166. Many people pass through the town on their way to the Isle of Arran - it's home to the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry services. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Port Bannatyne
A second entry on the list on the Island of Bute, a property in Port Bannatyne will set you back an average of £119,951. | Canva/Getty Images