Rightmove : The coastal towns and villages with the biggest price growth in a year

Britain's long stretches of coastline and sandy beaches have really captured the imagination of home buyers in the past year, a trend that looks set to continue in 2022.

Some of the most popular coastal areas have seen a big jump in average asking prices, especially in the West Country, with several towns and villages in Devon and Cornwall seeing the biggest price growth in the past 12 months.

The big coastal winner of 2021 was Padstow in Cornwall. But the beautiful beaches of North Yorkshire, Wales, and Lincolnshire have also proved they hold irresistible allure to buyers looking for a completely new way of life.

Take a look at the top 10 areas which saw the biggest asking price growth in the past 12 months.

1. Padstow, Cornwall Average asking price: £658,588 Annual asking price increase: 20%

Padstow in Cornwall topped the list of coastal asking price hotspots in 2021. This famous foodie town and fishing village is massively popular with holiday-makers, as well as second home buyers and home-movers looking to make a lifestyle change. Huge levels of demand pushed average asking prices up by 20% in 2021, from £548,382, to £658,588.

Despite high asking prices, it's easy to see why this incredibly pretty place is sought-after, with its quaint tangle of streets, picturesque harbour, and idyllic walks along the South West Coast Path.

Take a look at homes for sale in Padstow

2. Whitby, North Yorkshire Average asking price: £254,218 Annual asking price increase: 17%

A very pretty, buzzy, tourist-friendly historic town with cobbled streets, a gorgeous harbour, and the stunning ruins of Whitby Abbey. There are two beaches on either side of the River Esk, and both are sandy. School standards are high, and there's a great mix of beautiful Georgian townhouses, Victorian terraces, stone cottages, and modern family houses.

Take a look at homes for sale in Whitby

3. St. Ives, Cornwall Average asking price: £473,161 Annual asking price increase: 15%

St. Ives has sunning sandy beaches and a stylish town centre with lots to do. Houses with sea views exchange hands for well over £1 million, but you could pick up a two-bedroom cottage here for around £450,000, or a one-bedroom flat for around £200,000.

Take a look at homes for sale in St. Ives

4. Porthcawl, South Glamorgan Average asking price: £307,051 Annual asking price increase: 14%

With seven sandy beaches to choose from, this south Wales town certainly ticks the 'beach life' box. There's also a good range of cafes, pubs, and restaurants, independent shops and access to the Wales Coastal Path for picturesque walks. The nearest train station is at Pyle, just over three miles away.

Take a look at homes for sale in Porthcawl

5. Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire Average asking price: £173,612 Annual asking price increase: 13%

Mablethorpe, set between Cleethorpes and Skegness, is a bit of a hidden gem. The beach is huge and sandy, with all the traditional trimmings - think donkey rides, cafes and crazy golf. There's also a seal sanctuary, aqua park, cinema and a good choice of pubs and restaurants. Property-wise, you can find plenty of bungalows, big modern houses and some period terraces.

Take a look at homes for sale in Mablethorpe

6. Newquay, Cornwall Average asking price: £317,846 Annual asking price increase: 13%

Newquay is one of Cornwall's best-known tourist towns, famous for its surfing, its choice of 12 sandy beaches, and its busy nightlife. The crowds descend in summer, but there are miles of open countryside to explore just inland. Newquay saw a real boom of apartment building in the early 2000s, and there are plenty of sea view flats around, as well as modern beach houses, traditional cottages, and family terraces.

Take a look at homes for sale in Newquay

7. Filey, North Yorkshire Average asking price: £214,617 Annual asking price increase: 13%

A charming and unspoiled fishing village with a glorious five-mile stretch of sand, and some stunning Regency and Georgian houses, as well as period terraces, cottages, and modern houses.

Take a look at homes for sale in Filey

8. Pwllheli, Gwynedd Average asking price: £222,607 Annual asking price increase: 13%

This traditional north Wales market town has two Blue Flag beaches, a marina, golf course, and sailing club, making it ideal if your seeking an outdoorsy life - particularly as the Snowdonia National Park is just up the road.

Take a look at homes for sale in Pwllheli

9. Brixham, Devon Average asking price: £299,127 Annual asking price increase: 12%

This fishing town has a lovely harbour lined with pubs and restaurants, beaches to the east and west, and the expanses of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to explore. Property ranges from fisherman's cottages to Victorian cottages, and post-war family homes.

Take a look at homes for sale in Brixham

10. Preston, Paignton, Devon Average asking price: £303,684 Annual asking price increase: 12%

Less than a mile north of the centre of Paignton, Preston is a 10-minute walk to the beautiful Paignton Sands. It has its own high street and good primary schools, as well as some pubs and restaurants clustered close to the beach. For green space, the wilds of Dartmoor are 12 miles inland.

Average asking prices here have risen by 12% in the past year, but property prices offer good-value by west country seaside standards - a three-bedroom 1930's semi would cost around £300,000 to £325,000.

Take a look at homes for sale in Preston

READ MORE: Take a look at the most sought-after coastal hotspots of 2021