National Beach Day: Why coastal living in Kent continues to appeal

In honour of National Beach Day, we thought we would take a moment to celebrate the beautiful coastline on our doorstep here in Kent, and to look at some of the reasons living by the sea continues to appeal to homeowners and investors alike. 

From wellbeing benefits to strong property values and investment potential, coastal living offers more than just a great view. Here's why buyers keep being drawn to life by the coast.

Wellbeing 

Research has linked living closer to the coast with better self-reported general and mental health. At the same time, access to “blue spaces” can provide opportunities to relax, exercise and spend more time outdoors.

In Kent, that means the iconic white cliffs and sandy bays of the Isle of Thanet, the harbour towns of Whitstable and Folkestone, and the classic seaside charm of Broadstairs and Margate, all offering plenty of ways to relax, walk and spend more time by the water.

Property Values 

Coastal locations can command a significant premium. Rightmove research found that homes with a sea view had an average asking-price premium of 32% compared with properties in the same coastal areas without one.

Kent is home to one of the country's strongest sea view markets: in Broadstairs, buyers pay an average of £128,943 extra for a sea view, taking the average asking price to £528,280 - a 32% increase since 2019, among the biggest premiums recorded anywhere in Great Britain.

Investment Potential 

Some seaside markets can offer investors a combination of rental demand and long-term growth potential. Recent data also shows certain coastal locations outperforming the wider market for asking-price growth, although returns vary considerably by location and property.

Kent's coastal towns continue to benefit from regeneration and strong visitor numbers, alongside fast rail links into London, making the county an appealing option for investors as well as those looking for a permanent seaside move.

Want to find out more?

Whether it's the lifestyle, the view or the investment potential, there are plenty of reasons why buyers continue to be drawn to life by the coast — and Kent is no exception.

Thinking about making a move or your next investment in Kent? Speak to your local property experts today.

Sources

Rightmove Press Centre — “Price of a sea-view home up 27% since 2019”: rightmove.co.uk/press-centre/price-of-a-sea-view-home-up-27-since-2019 

Data cited: national and regional sea-view asking-price analysis (2019 vs. 2026), Rightmove, published 30 July 2026.