St Andrews named as Scotland’s most expensive coastal town

St Andrews has once again been crowned Scotland’s most expensive coastal town, according to new research by the Bank of Scotland.

The historic Fife town, famous for its role as the birthplace of golf and home to Scotland’s oldest university, now has an average property price of £458,381 – an 8% increase in the past year.

It comes after the average price of a home by the sea in Scotland rose to £187,727 overall, marking a 2% increase from the previous year.

This rise contrasts with the trend in Great Britain, where coastal property prices saw a slight decline of 1%, with an average price of £295,991.

While St Andrews takes the top spot, several other Scottish coastal towns also rank among the most expensive.

Gourock, located on the Clyde coast, saw the largest price increase in 2024, with average prices up by 24% to £175,660. Over the past five years, coastal home prices in Scotland have increased by 25%, outpacing the 18% rise seen across Britain as a whole.

Anstruther, a harbour town in Fife, experienced the biggest price hike in Scotland over the last five years, with property values rising by £91,294, or 52%. Anstruther is known for its award-winning fish and chips and scenic coastal views.

North Berwick in East Lothian, known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and arts scene, saw an average home price of £419,723.

Just behind it is Dunbar, also in East Lothian, with an average price of £292,073. Known for its dramatic cliffs and coastal trails, Dunbar attracts hikers, surfers, and cyclists alike.

Scotland’s coastal housing market has seen significant activity overall, with a total value of around £1.9bn in property transactions last year, a 4% increase from the previous year.

The top ten most affordable coastal towns in Britain are all located north of the border.

Campbeltown, on the Kintyre Peninsula, offers the most affordable coastal properties, with an average price of just £103,078, down 11% in the past year. Once known as the whisky capital of the world, Campbeltown offers stunning coastal views and access to the islands of Islay, Jura, and Arran.

Inverness recorded the highest combined value of coastal home purchases at nearly £195m, followed by Ayr (£179m) and Musselburgh (£93m).

Ayr also recorded the highest number of transactions, with 963 homes changing hands, followed by Inverness (915) and Greenock (626).

Isla Benzie, head of Bank of Scotland mortgages, said: “Scotland’s coastline offers something for everyone – from the historic streets of St Andrews to the island charm of Rothesay and Millport. While some of the most sought-after locations continue to command premium prices, there are still plenty of affordable options for buyers willing to look beyond the traditional hotspots.

“Coastal property prices in Scotland have risen over the past year, reflecting strong demand and the enduring appeal of seaside living. But it’s also important to recognise the diversity of these communities – while some are thriving, others face real challenges linked to housing affordability, seasonal economies and access to services.”