The underrated UK seaside town where you can buy a 3-bed home for £146k

Prospective homebuyers looking for a bargain could certainly do a lot worse than snapping up property in an underrated seaside town, with close proximity to the UK's most-visited national park and beautiful coastal vistas. Closing the deal, you can buy a family home for almost half the average price.

Fleetwood, perched at the edge of Lancashire's Fylde Coast, is presenting potential buyers with the opportunity to purchase a three-bedroom house for as little as £146,000, offering coastal living at its finest. The average UK home now sells for £288,688 as of May 2025, according to Halifax data.

The area extends miles of spectacular seafront, granting views over Morecambe Bay and the Lake District, adding to its charm. Its housing market caters to a wide range of needs, providing options for first-time buyers, families or investors.

Recently tipped by Chris Moss, the Telegraph's destination expert, as an 'overlooked' gem, Fleetwood charmed him with a "subtle brand of loveliness, sandy, quiet beaches and free parking."

This recognition comes after the town's feature in a Lloyds Bank roundup detailing Britain's priciest and most budget-friendly coastal areas, reports the Manchester Evening News.

While Fleetwood takes the crown for affordability in the north west, Grange-over-Sands stands as the region's costliest with homes, averaging £308,419 in 2024.

Local real estate agents can't say enough about Fleetwood, observing a trend of individuals relocating from urban centers and the south in search of affordable seaside living.

"Fleetwood has certainly been making waves in the property market, not only for its affordability but also for its growing popularity among a wide range of buyers," commented Lewis Graves from Harris and Co Estate Agent in Fleetwood.

"With house prices starting as low as £32,500 and going up to around £760,000, there's genuinely something for everyone here - from first-time buyers and families to seasoned investors."

A delightful three-bedroom terraced house located just over a mile from Marine Beach in Fleetwood is on the market for £145,000.

In comparison, Manchester's average price for a similar three-bedroom home is about £336,000 as per Rightmove, hence the rising trend of people swapping city life for the seaside lure.

"The market in Fleetwood is currently very buoyant. We're seeing a healthy demand from people relocating from inner cities and the South of England, often drawn by the significant difference in property prices and the lifestyle that comes with coastal living," elaborated Lewis.

"Fleetwood offers a quieter pace of life with the benefits of fresh sea air, a strong sense of community, and access to scenic coastal walks - all while being well-connected to nearby towns and cities.

"Investor interest has also increased steadily, particularly in our traditional terraced housing stock, which forms the backbone of Fleetwood's property landscape.

"These properties are especially appealing for buy-to-let, short-term lets, and renovation projects. Alongside these, the town offers a mix of flats, coach houses, semi-detached and detached homes, catering to a broad spectrum of budgets and needs."

Lewis added: "Fleetwood has a rich maritime history and is undergoing a quiet resurgence, with local investment, a growing tourism economy, and improved transport links helping to raise its profile. All of this contributes to an increasingly active and diverse property market, making now a very exciting time for buyers and investors alike."

Meanwhile, the luxury Sandbanks in Dorset was named the most expensive seaside location by Lloyds, where the average house price topped £965,700 last year.

For buyers looking for a home by the sea at a more affordable price, Campbeltown in Argyll and Bute, Scotland has the cheapest average house price of £103,078.

Other coastal areas at the less expensive end of the market include the Rothesay on the Isle of Bute with an average house price of £111,764, Millport on Great Cumbrae at £114,008, and Port Bannatyne also on Bute with houses selling for £115,421.

Amanda Bryden, head of mortgages at Lloyds, said: "Coastal living continues to hold a special appeal – whether it's the lure of sea views, sandy beaches, or a slower pace of life.

"Our latest research shows the most exclusive seaside spots – like Sandbanks – still command premium prices.

"In some of the UK's most desirable coastal towns, average prices have dipped slightly over the past year. But, over the longer term, values remain significantly higher – especially in the South West, where demand from lifestyle movers continues to shape the market.

"At the other end of the scale, there are still pockets of real affordability – particularly in Scotland, where buyers can find coastal homes for a fraction of the price. For those willing to look beyond the traditional hotspots, there are some hidden gems offering great value and a strong sense of community.

"It's also important to recognise that not all coastal areas share the same fortunes. Some seaside towns face significant challenges, from seasonal economies to a lack of affordable housing for local people."

Here are England and Wales' 10 cheapest coastal locations with average house prices in 2024:

1. Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, North East, £132,863
2. Fleetwood, North West, £146,338
3. Blackpool, North West, £146,764
4. Withernsea, Yorkshire and the Humber, £148,402
5. Maryport, North West, £153,243
6. Seaham, North East, £157,100
7. Blyth, North East, £158,265
8. Hartlepool, North East, £158,271
9. Cleethorpes, Yorkshire and the Humber, £166,909
10. Whitehaven, North West, £170,673

Lloyds used data from the Land Registry and the Registers of Scotland for its research.