It turns out that a sea view — you know, that glorious, soul-soothing expanse of blue you gaze at while pretending to be in a romantic/melodramatic film — is going to cost you. Quite a lot, actually. Rightmove has crunched the numbers, and homes that come with a slice of ocean in the window are, on average, a whopping £88,110 more expensive than their less scenic cousins.
To put it plainly, if your dream home involves sipping coffee on a deck while watching seagulls glide past, you’ll be paying about £363,180 for the privilege. If you’re content with the odd bracing coastal walk but can make do with, say, a nice hedge instead of the Atlantic, you’re looking at a more modest £275,070. Still not exactly bargain basement, but a good £88k less.
For Sale: White Rock Gardens, Hastings: £1,250,000 – click here for the image gallery, floor plans and description
Now, here’s the fun bit: the East Midlands — not the first place you’d necessarily associate with crashing waves and windswept drama — is apparently leading the charge. Properties with a sea view there come with a 68% price premium. Yes, 68%. This is either an excellent marketing ploy or proof that people will pay anything for a glimpse of the sea, even if it’s more of a distant shimmer across a muddy estuary.
The South West follows, unsurprisingly, with a 44% bump, while Scotland — all brooding cliffs and moody skies — is not far behind at 43%. And if you’re wondering where everyone’s flocking to for that idyllic maritime dream, say hello to Torbay in Devon, which has the highest number of listings that shamelessly drop the “sea view” tag. It’s the Côte d’Azur of the West Country, clearly.
Sea views from both the front and the back of this lovely two bedroom flat
For Sale: Grosvenor Gardens, St Leonards on Sea: £468,000 – click here for the image gallery, floor plans and description
Colleen Babcock from Rightmove chimed in with the seemingly obvious comment: “Sea views have always been a highly sought-after feature.” She also pointed out that the price differences could be down to exclusivity — in other words, how many windows in a given postcode actually frame the sea instead of, say, a Spar car park.
The analysis covered homes listed between January and June 2025, and focused on those where “sea view” was actually mentioned in the description. So, if your house does face the sea but you didn’t bother putting that in your listing, well — that’s on you.
Rather distant sea views but if you know it’s there, it’s there…
For Sale: Baldslow Road | Hastings | TN34: £1,785,000 – click here for the image gallery, floor plans and description
In summary: the sea remains expensive, beautiful, and excellent Instagram fodder. But if you can afford the extra £88k (and are okay with a few aggressive gulls), it might just be worth it.
In the heart of Hastings Old Town and yet with views of the sea from the upper rooms.
For Sale: All Saints Street, Hastings: £899,950 – click here for the image gallery, floor plans and description
Unique Property Company is selling some beauties with sea views and, in the case of the first listing here, you can HEAR the sea as well as see it from the living room and main bedroom.
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