Waterside homes selling faster than urban

It’s all in the view. Luscombe Maye Estate Agency reveals that South West waterside properties are continuing to dominate the region’s property market, selling on average up to one month faster than those in urban or inland locations, according to its sales data from the past year.

Experts at Luscombe Maye state that both quantity and quality of a sea view play a vital part in the lure of South West waterside properties, potentially adding between £50,000 and £200,000 to a property’s value.

Direct beach access, picture windows, private balconies and patios are just some of the most sought after attributes by buyers, particularly in the South Hams where Salcombe, Hope Cove, East Portlemouth and Noss Mayo are some of the most popular areas for waterside property purchases.

Luscombe Maye, Senior Partner, Stuart Hext comments: “Having direct access to the water has a very positive effect on property value, particularly those with a boat mooring. For instance, Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo have a waiting list of over five years for properties with a mooring. Demand exceeds supply for properties with water access and in reality, very few properties can offer this.”

With eight out 10 of Britain’s most popular seaside towns located in the South West (Halifax Price Study Index, 2015), South Devon estate agencies continue to see the surge in popularity, particularly in the South Hams, with an estimated 40% of waterside properties being sold as holiday homes in the past year.

Stuart Hext, said: “It is likely that waterside properties will always be in demand, partly due to their scarcity, but also because of the feel good factor they conjure up. Most people associate waterside properties with happy memories from their childhood, with sand between the toes and the sobering salt air. Also and quite often they offer stunning views and beautiful sunsets, all in all making them a very worthwhile and stable long term investment. Depending on market conditions, we would expect to see continued demand and a gradual increase in prices for these types of properties, in line with the national and regional trends.”

Properties currently on the market in the South West with outstanding sea views include:

4 Avon Quillet, Bigury-on-Sea - £430,000
Heybrook House, Heybrook Bay - £475,000
Beachdown, Challaborough - £595,000
21 Noss Mayo - £625,000
Witheridge Cottage, Newton Ferrers - £1,100,000
Villa Estura, Salcombe - £1,950,000