Seaside living remains a cherished aspiration for countless Britons who envision leisurely strolls along pristine beaches following demanding workdays. Yet for many, this dream remains frustratingly beyond their grasp.
House prices in coastal villages and towns throughout Britain have soared to astronomical levels, making it hardly surprising that waterfront locations seemingly immune to spiralling property values are generating enormous attention. Northumberland’s Newbiggin-By-The-Sea certainly seems to be riding a wave of popularity at the moment – and if house hunters leave it much longer they might just be priced out.
The most affordable property currently advertised on Rightmove within the town is a three-bed end of terrace property on Lynwood Avenue, listed for auction with a guide price of £40,000. Meanwhile, another three-bedroom house on the same street is listed for sale at £69,950. According to last year’s data, the average sale price in the area stands at merely £129,063, which is considerably less than half the national average property value of £282,000.
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Lawrence Jones, works as a refuse collector for Newcastle City Council and discovered his passion for the region four years ago. He lives with his wife Michelle Jones, having relocated from Shiremoor.
He said: “We sold our house and the idea was to move to Durham – but Newbiggin was the only place we could get a rental. Twenty years ago I wouldn’t have been impressed as it was a little bit rough.”
However, Lawrence now cherishes his new residence so deeply that after just three months of living there, he purchased a property which he claims has dramatically increased in value. He added: “You walk along the promenade and everybody speaks to you. It is so friendly.”
Ian and Sally Boot, hail from Nottingham and were visiting Newbiggin for the day to see their son who resides in nearby Blyth. They both agree that if their daughter decided to relocate to the area, they’d follow suit without hesitation.
Retired engineer Ian expressed his fondness for the area, saying: “I think it’s nice – there’s free parking, a new cafe and it’s nice up the coast in Amble and Bamburgh.” Retired civil servant Sally said: “It’s quiet and that’s why we have come today. We thought we would have a quiet day and it’s nice and peaceful.”
Marion Longstaff, has been operating her business, Pretty Things By The Sea, since 2018 after moving from Windermere in the Lakes. She said: “It is still cheaper than the prices in Amble – it’s a hidden gem. Southerners are definitely taking an interest. After lockdown they were coming up for a break – one couple [I met] came up for a long weekend and fell in love. They sold up their property but haven’t found a property they want here yet as they were gazumped.”
Marion says she’ll never leave, describing the coastline as “just my medicine.”
Fellow local entrepreneur Annie, has called the town home for 35 years. She revealed: “I just like village life and everybody knows everybody. Everybody is very, very friendly.
“People come on holiday and then they love it here,” adds Annie, a former mechanical engineer hailing originally from Manchester.
Andy Brown manages Jackson’s Jewellers and More, located on the bustling main shopping street brimming with independent shops.
He said: “I think the village itself has evolved and people should take note. There is a large variety of shops, all independent, as the rents and rates are all reasonable. The place is also kept as clean as a whistle and the people are beautiful.”
Andy said that while the area was perceived as “rough” a few decades ago, it “always had massive potential” which is now coming to fruition.
Dawn Duddridge, a sales negotiator at local estate agency Rickard, attests to Newbiggin’s burgeoning property market. She said: “Properties there don’t hang around much, especially on the seafront.
“Often people who have been here on holiday come up from the south and buy a house outright – and have still got a decent amount in the bank.”