The UK's 'cheapest' seaside town with homes on sale for as little as £21k

Seaside towns made a resurgence during the global pandemic as people re-evaluated their lifestyle choices. Areas like Cornwall experienced a boom with house buying and being an island nation, the United Kingdom has plenty of locations for lovers of the ocean to choose when it comes to scouting their next place to live.

And for the astute house buyer, there are plenty of bargains to be had if you are flexible in your approach and take other factors into consideration. But if you do spy a potential residence which will be financially beneficial, take into account job opportunities, transportation links and how lively the local high street is when it comes to doing your shopping. One particular town offers plenty of bargain options after it was named by Rightmove last year as the cheapest coastal location in the UK to buy a home.

Saltcoats is a coastal town on the west coast of North Ayrshire, Scotland, with a population of around 12,500. It is nestled between other coastal towns containing lovely beaches and a multitude of marinas. If you are a boating or sailing fan, it could be a great place for you to pursue your hobby. And with house prices well under £100k, it might be a viable option for your family's future.

The location boasts very cheap housing prices considering its stunning natural views and the outdoor lifestyle on offer when the notorious Scottish weather permits.

The town's name is attributed to its salt panning history and has been attracting holidaymakers since the 1880s. Back then after the railway station was opened, it catered to travellers seeking seaside respite during the popular Glasgow Fair. Saltcoats is home to a cinema, restaurant, bowling alley, cosy coffee shops and an impressive stretch of Victorian sandstone houses.

It also offers stunning views of the iconic Ailsa Craig and the Firth of Clyde. But, despite all it has to offer, the seaside town which is located just under 34 miles from Glasgow is still one of the cheapest seaside spots to buy a house in Britain.

Homes with sea views have fetched prices as modest as £140,000, while properties a mere stone's throw from the sandy beach have sold for less than £40,000, averaging out at about £122,208.

Current budget options in the area include a three-bedroom semi-detached option close to the town's centre. While it needs some work, at £65k it is a bargain and could potentially appeal to a variety of different buyers. Even cheaper is a one-bedroom flat, on sale for just £21k.

Rightmove also shows a two-bedroom maisonette complete with its own courtyard for a little over £90k. Described as 'immaculate', this property features a beautiful facade and modern fittings including a quaint lounge room.

With a 13% year-on-year price growth, the town offers many affordable options but that may not last as values continue to rise. Peterlee in County Durham, another coastal town was named as the second cheapest seaside location with prices averaging £122,246 for a residence.

Rounding out the top three was a slightly more expensive option, coming in just over 10% higher than the number two offering. Ashington in Northumberland saw an average price of £133,050 where the town had experienced a yearly growth of four percent.