As London roasts in yet another heatwave, you might be wondering — why am I still here? Honestly, we’re not sure either, but we found a gorgeous seaside town that might just tempt you to escape.
Over the years, Cornwall has become eye-wateringly expensive, and Brighton is practically London-on-Sea.
But not every seaside town requires a trust fund or a six-figure salary to move there.
New research from the Co-operative Bank has revealed the UK’s most affordable seaside towns — and the winners make coastal living seem like a surprisingly realistic prospect.
For each place, the bank looked at average house prices, monthly rents, the house price to income ratio, and the proportion of salary that goes on rent to calculate an overall affordability score.
Oban, a small town in the Argyll and Bute area of Scotland, came out on top of the list, with an overall affordability score of 9.82 out of 10.
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Often referred to as the seafood capital of the country, this picturesque spot offers some of the lowest average house prices (£220,458) and the most reasonable rents (£800 per month) which works out to just 34.7% of the average monthly income.
And a low cost of living isn’t all it has going for itself.
Things to do in Oban
Located on Scotland’s west coast, Oban is a harbour town known for its fresh seafood and sea views. Surrounded by a rugged coastline and rolling hills, it’s considered a gateway to the Hebrides and although its population is small (home to just over 8,000 people), the town has plenty to see and do.
McCaig’s Tower is its most notable attraction, a colosseum-like landmark that sits above the town, offering views of the bay and nearby islands.
Nestled beneath a cliff in the town centre, there’s also Oban Distillery – one of the oldest in Scotland – where you can take a guided tour and sample some of its signature whiskies.
Near the harbour, you’ll find lots of fishing boats and ferries, along with plenty of local restaurants serving freshly caught seafood. But if history’s more your thing, head just north of Oban to explore the 8,000-year-old ruins of Dunollie Castle,
Looking for an affordable seaside town? Head up north
Experts at Co-operative Bank found two Lancashire seaside towns to be the most affordable in the UK.
Morecambe came second on the list, with an affordability score of 9.8 out of 10. ‘This Lancashire gem captures the essence of the English seaside and has some of the most affordable house prices in the country,’ the bank says.
‘The average house price here is actually lower than in Oban at £194,295, however, rent prices in Morecambe are slightly higher.’
Blackpool tied with Morecambe for second place. The bank says: ‘The average house comes in around £147,449 in Blackpool, making Blackpool the most affordable seaside town to purchase a property in the UK. Unfortunately, Blackpool is slightly let down by its rent prices. At an average of £704 per month, rent in Blackpool works out as 40% of the average monthly salary.’
Transport links in Oban
It might feel remote to some, but Oban is well-connected.
Scotrail runs regular daily trains to and from Glasgow, with tickets starting from around £20. The scenic journey does take about three hours by rail, but since it runs through the Highlands, you’re spoilt for beautiful scenery.
Oban also serves as the main ferry port for those wanting to reach the islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa and is often used as a base for island-hopping.
What people are saying about Oban
Oban has been described as a ‘paradise’ for seafood lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, and many locals have raved about life there, declaring it a ‘gorgeous part of the world’.
One resident on Mumsnet wrote: ‘Oban is beautiful, a wonderful place to live and work. Winters are mild, being on the west coast. You get used to midges, they are not the big problem everyone thinks they are, especially by the coast, a bit of sea breeze and they can’t fly so won’t bother you.’
Others praised its pace of life compared to the city, including Redditor Stevoknevo70 who commented: ‘I’ve lived in Oban for six years now, wild horses couldn’t drag me back to Glasgow. Wonderful place to raise a family, can be on the beach in under 10 minutes, and easy access to numerous islands.’
House prices in Oban
According to Rightmove, the majority of properties sold in Oban during the last year were flats, selling for an average price of £151,783. Detached properties sold for an average of £351,993, with semi-detached properties fetching £227,786.
So, while you might not secure a five-bedroom beachside property for £200,000, there are definitely affordable options.
The 10 most affordable seaside towns in the UK
- Oban – £220,458 (average house price)
- Morecambe – £194,295
- Blackpool – £147,449
- Troon – £225,977
- Filey – £213,669
- Scarborough – £202,600
- Whitby – £253,519
- Southport – £239,472
- Dunbar – £327,821
- Swansea – £200,648
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