Where are the the most valuable waterside vistas in the UK?

According to the research, the most valuable waterside view for a UK property is of the ocean, attracting a 30.4% price premium

The news comes as the estate agent officially launches its Coast and Water division, which is dedicated to selling homes located along the more than 7,000 miles of waterside land within the UK.

Having analysed more than 30 of the UK’s most sought after and popular waterside locations, the research shows that ocean views command a property price premium of almost a third compared with other properties without this benefit, while river views generate a 24% boost in value and 18% for canal views. While all water views generate a significant premium for the homes they benefit, ocean views are by far the biggest income generators.

Nick Leeming, Chairman at Jackson-Stops & Staff, explained: “The aspiration of owning a home with a view across water and living near features such as the ocean, rivers and canals has long been embedded in the British psyche. As an island we are surrounded by water and as a population our demand for living near the water is insatiable. As such all views across water in all the locations we analysed generated a strong house price premium for the homes they benefit – without exception.

However, homes with views of the ocean generated by far the greatest uplift – boosting a property’s value by just shy of a third, compared to homes without this benefit. But it’s not just about the views; these homes generate substantial premiums because of the lifestyle benefits that accompany them. Walking, sailing, surfing and swimming are favourite British past times and with a focus on healthy living, never before has it been more in fashion to live in an area which affords a lifestyle of this type.

Nostalgia is equally an important factor to consider. Childhood holidays on the coast and dreams of a Swallows and Amazons upbringing inspires many families to locate to waterside hot-spots where weekends are spent exploring and enjoying all of the natural surroundings and an outdoor lifestyle is encouraged.”

The research also shows that Burnham Market in North Norfolk (which is now often referred to as “Chelsea-On-Sea”) is a stand-out location when it comes to waterside views. A property with a river view here will be on average 86.9% more expensive than properties without this boon, despite the fact that river views overall do not attract the greatest price premium of the water views

Tim Hayward, Director at Jackson-Stops & Staff’s Burnham Market branch, comments: “Purchasers in North Norfolk are buying into a lifestyle which has been popular for over ten years now. The coastline is superb, offering beautiful sandy beaches, saltmarshes teeming with wildlife and challenging sailing through the creeks and out to sea. It has become a top-class destination not only for holiday homers but increasingly for those looking to escape the rat-race and escape to the country. It’s not unusual to spot a celebrity or two and as a result of its increased popularity we’re now finding the area is thriving with independent boutiques, high class art galleries and award winning restaurants to meet the needs of the community.”

Ocean views

Properties with ocean views command an average property price premium of 30.4% compared to homes in coastal locations without a view. The table below shows the coastal areas in which homes with sea views attract the largest premium, according to the Jackson-Stops & Staff research.

Nick Leeming comments: “Rock and Padstow have long been firm favourites for staycationers and as our research shows, their appeal continues unabated with a premium of more than 68%. Their popularity is rubbing off on other parts of the South West however and the whole of Devon with its many beaches and beautiful coastline has become incredibly sought after. Watersports and other activities are a key reason why many move here, from kite surfing, wind surfing, powerboating and surfing all equally popular. While properties located on a sea-side road and which offer far-reaching ocean views will always achieve a premium, savvy buyers might also consider investing in a property a road or two back which offers easy access but without the hefty price-tag.”

River views

Across all properties with river views analysed by Jackson-Stops & Staff the average house price premium was 23.6%. Despite river views overall attracting a lower price premium than homes with ocean views, the area with the most expensive water view is Burnham Market, where river views attract a property price premium of 86.9%, more than any other waterside location in the UK.

Nick Leeming comments: “The UK is home to 22 major rivers and an even higher number of smaller rivers, and living along these watery stretches is hugely appealing and many towns and cities have been established along rivers over the years which ensures that homeowners benefit not only from a great riverside location, but also a fantastic range of local amenities.”

Canal views

Properties with canal views attracted the lowest price premium of the waterside views analysed by Jackson-Stops & Staff – but this still came in at a significant average of 17.6%.

Nick Leeming comments: “Once the busy water highways of the UK, canals have really come into their own and increasingly buyers in busy city centres are favouring these waterways as a location to live near to. Often populated by narrow boats, the sense of community is often very high and the surroundings teeming with natural wildlife. Little Venice in London is perhaps one of the UK’s most beautiful canal locations, but the Birmingham canal navigations are also a real sight to behold, with the entire system adding up to 100 miles of canals. Our research shows that homes along this stretch achieve a premium of 35% over others, and it’s easy to see why with the stretch offering residents, joggers and walkers with an immensely beautiful and colourful stretch of waterside.”