If you’ve lived in the city all your life, you’re probably desperate for a change of scenery. Escape the concrete suburbs for the fresh coastal air by moving towards the sea.
The friendly local communities and sleepy fishing villages are appealing to people of all ages, meaning there’s something for everyone.
In this article, we’ll be discussing what you should know before packing up and moving to the coast.
Costs
It’s no secret that coastal properties are typically more expensive than your average UK house. Living by the beach with endless outdoor activities often comes at a cost.
Fitted furniture specialists Hammonds found that St Mawes had the highest Cornwall house prices. On average, a home in this small fishing village will set you back a whopping £1,163,636. This is 255% more than the average Cornish home and 176% more than the UK average.
Amenities
While the picturesque surroundings and idyllic way of life are appealing to homeowners, it’s important to do your research into what amenities are available. Small coastal towns typically have fewer amenities and local attractions compared to bigger inland cities.
While larger seaside towns tend to have more shopping and leisure facilities, smaller villages might not offer quite as much. And, public transport may be less frequent, which is something to consider if you don’t have a car.
Job Opportunities
Before you move anywhere, you should research what job opportunities are available, especially those relevant to your field. If roles are limited, you may have to consider a career change or think about how best to commute to work.
Traffic will be heavier in the summer months due to peak tourist season, so be sure to factor that in when working out how long it will take you to drive to work. And, if you’ve always lived in a city, your salary might be lower in a coastal town or village due to reduced expenses.
If your job allows remote working then moving to the coast shouldn’t be an issue as you can easily work from home. Hammonds also found that remote working remains incredibly popular, with a reported 57% of UK employees favouring their home office at least one day a week.
Property Maintenance
If you’ve purchased a property that’s close to the sea, you may find it requires more maintenance than a typical inland property. The salty breeze can be damaging and cause erosion to your home.
You may need to replace windows, repair the roof and repaint your home more often than your average alternative.
There’s also the risk of flooding, too, especially if you’re located near the sea or river. Research news outlets in your desired area to ensure this hasn’t been a recurring problem.