A new report has revealed the most expensive 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 St Andrews overtake 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 most expensive locations for a home by the sea.
5. Helensburgh
Located on the north shore of the Firth of Clyde, around 30 miles from Glasgow, Helensburgh is part of the Argyll and Bute council area. It has an average propery price of £254,261. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Nairn
You'll pay an average of £250,928 to buy a property in Nairn. The Highland town is an ancient fishing port and market town located where the River Nairn meets the Moray Firth, around 17 miles east of Inverness. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Musselburgh
A property in Musselburgh, the largest settlement in East Lothian, will set you back £242,570 on average. The town has a population of around 22,000 people and is located on the coast of the Firth of Forth just five miles east of the centre of Edinburgh city centre, making it a popular choice for commuters. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Cockenzie
Famous for its coal-powered power station that closed in 2013 - and has since been demolished - the East Lothian town of Cockenzie has an average property price of £240,646. The burgh of Cockenzie was created in 1591 by James VI of Scotland. | Google Maps Photo: ast