Whether looking to make money on a property or move to a more peaceful part of the country, many will be looking to get a smaller home.
For those planning for retirement, coastal areas are likely to be on your radar if you want to enjoy a relaxing life with nature nearby and to get away from more congested areas.
Luckily, the UK has a wealth of options when it comes to picturesque seaside towns and villages that could provide retirees with their dream life.
The list below delves into 10 of the best locations in the UK to downsize and what they offer.
The towns and villages here featured in Mail Online’s top 20 list.
St Merryn, Cornwall
Many locations in Cornwall are eye-wateringly expensive.
New Street in Padstow has an average cost of £752,000, but St Merryn is a small village less than a ten-minute drive away which offers much better value.
The average home here costs around £440,000, and it is still close to the stunning beaches in the areas surrounding Padstow.
St Merryn itself also boasts great shops, cafes, and restaurants in the centre of the village.
Rick Stein is well known for his many businesses in the Padstow area. The Cornish Arms pub in St Merryn is another of his ventures, offering locals quality food and drink.
Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire
While Tenby is arguably the best-known location in Pembrokeshire, Saundersfoot is another charming coastal spot where retirees can enjoy a quiet life.
Sailing, walking groups, and other activities are run by locals in the village.
The average price for a semi-detached home here is £273,000.
Folkstone, Kent
Folkstone could be a good option for those who want to be by the sea but still enjoy the convenience of having a town centre close by.
The town centre is filled with independent shops and an array of food options can be found at street food stalls and restaurants.
Alex Rodriguez, 31, told the Mail: “Folkestone today has a really cool vibe. The town has a real sense of community.”
The average home is between £280,000 and £300,000.
Sheringham, North Norfolk
Sheringham shares many of the features you would usually expect from a Cornish town.
Blue Flag beaches, paddleboarding and yoga are among the activities available in the town.
You can also visit the surf school or enjoy a day at Sheringham Golf Club.
The Broads National Park is just an hour’s drive to the south.
Houses here will set you back nearly £400,000 on average.
Lyme Regis, Dorset
Lyme Regis is one of the most popular coastal holiday spots in the country.
Down by the seafront, there are a number of activities for, especially for the grandkids.
They can have fun at the arcade, play mini-golf, or go for a swim in the sea among others.
The town centre has a number of pubs and small independent shops selling goods, traditional toys and clothes.
Retirees may want to consider that the town centre if often very busy, especially in the summer months.
According to Rightmove, the average house in Lyme Regis costs a hefty £540,000.
Salcombe, Devon
Salcombe is known for its colourful houses, traditional cottages and charming town centre.
In fact, much of the housing stock here is made up of former fishermen’s cottages.
Salcombe is pricy however with an average property price of over £900,000.
Whitstable, Kent
Whitstable is located just north of Canterbury and is a perfect spot for those who want a peaceful location that is not too far from urban centres.
The town is known for its great seafood, including oysters which can be found at the harbour.
Seasalter and the Old Neptune is one of the few pubs in the UK to located on a beach.
The seafront also offers great walking routes.
The average home here sells for £445,000.
Grange-Over-Sands, Cumbria
A traditional English town, Grange-Over-Sands is a stone’s throw from the Lake District National Park to the north and Morecambe Bay to the south.
The main attraction in the town is its shops and restaurants.
But train enthusiasts will be excited to hear that the small railway station was voted the best in Europe.
The average home here costs around £274,000.
Conwy, North Wales
Snowdonia National Park is a short drive from Conway, which is also located just south of Llandudno.
Down at the seafront, you can buy fresh fish or visit the farm shop for some quality produce.
The nearby towns of Llandudno and Bangor also offer convenience if you need to grab essentials.
The local fish and chips shop was also voted the best in North Wales.
The average home sells for £236,000.
Deal, Kent
Tucked away in between Dover and Ramsgate in the southeast, Deal is a classic seaside town.
The town has a variety of food options. As well as fish and chips shops and pubs, Deal also boasts a French-style patisserie.
A train to London takes about an hour and 20 minutes, meaning you are not a million miles away from the capital.
The average home is sold here for £3350,000.
