The UK's cheapest seaside town where you can buy stunning houses for £160k
With average house prices of just £114,365, the pretty town offers an affordable way to live by the sea.
It’s a dream for many to live by the sea and it’s easy to see why. Quick access to beaches, stunning coastal walks and a peaceful atmosphere. But near the water in a pretty location usually comes with hefty prices.
Luckily, there are some places in the UK that are stunning, come with seaside views and very decent house prices. And this is definitely the case for Saltcoats, a small seaside town in North Ayrshire, Scotland, which was named the cheapest coastal location in the UK to buy a home in 2024 by Rightmove.
With average house prices of just £114,365, the pretty town offers an affordable way to live by the sea, far below the national average of £373,493.
Some properties in the area are even listed for under £100,000, but many of them require upgrades.
However, for those with a slightly bigger budget, £160,000 can buy a stunning brand-new two-bedroom terraced house in Saltcoats.
These modern homes, listed on Rightmove, come with private gardens, self-cleaning solar panels, and spacious interiors. They are described as ideal for first-time buyers or downsizers looking for a coastal lifestyle.
As far as the town itself is concerned, Saltcoats is located about 20 miles northwest of Glasgow, has a population of around 12,000 and a long history dating back to the Iron Age.
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It gets its name from the salt panning industry established by King James V in the 1500s.
By the 19th and early 20th centuries, the town had become an important hub for shipbuilding and fishing. Today, it is better known for its sandy beaches and a picturesque harbour.
The town’s main beach stretches for about two miles along the coast and has a wide, sandy shoreline that is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports.
The beach is also a great spot for walking and cycling, with views of the Firth of Clyde.
There is also the Saltcoats Harbour, which is home to small fishing boats, a fish market, and a cafe. At low tide, fossilized trees can even be seen on the harbour floor.
Visitors or those who plan to relocate to Saltcoats can also explore its historic sites, including St. Peter’s Church and the ruins of old buildings.
For those interested in learning more, the North Ayrshire Museum provides a detailed history of the area, including its role in Scotland’s maritime industry.
Saltcoats is also part of the “Three Towns” network, alongside Stevenston and Ardrossan, which promotes local attractions and events.
The town has a variety of independent shops, cafés, bars, and restaurants. Popular activities include bowling, a visit to the Apollo Cinema, or following the Saltcoats Town Trail, which takes you to several historical sites in the area.
For those considering a move, Saltcoats seems to offer a relaxed coastal lifestyle with easy access to larger cities.
The town is well connected by road and public transport and commuting to Glasgow or other parts of Scotland is straightforward.
