Edward Church
Senior Director, Estate Agency
With well over 200 miles of coastline, Kent provides a bit of everything for home hunters – from the seaside towns that line the Thames Estuary to the dramatic White Cliffs of Dover.
But what is it that makes this corner of England so special?
Taking in the views
Strutt & Parker figures show that seaside properties in Kent often sell for at least 50% more than a similar property inland, with some going for more than double.
But why? A couple of reasons are the views and the English’s romantic view of the seaside. Sea views are a safe bet, unlike countryside views that could be tarnished by a solar farm, new bypass road or power plant. On the coast, your view will only ever change with the weather.
And no matter what weather you get – from the brilliant blues of the British summer to the majestic thunder storms and stunning autumnal sunsets – you’re always guaranteed a view to remember.
The coastal market
Kent’s coastal properties aren’t just for retiring into or visiting at weekends. Buyers range from young couples wanting to raise a family with healthy sea air and golden beaches, to investors looking to take advantage of the stable market conditions and steady demand coastal properties enjoy.
The housing market in Kent has caught up with pre-recession prices, but it’s the seaside homes that have grown the fastest. Margate and Ramsgate have seen the fastest price growth in the whole of the UK thanks to their proximity to both the sea and London.
The variety of properties on offer has also helped the market to thrive, with some looking for a cosy seaside cottage in Whitstable, others seeking a penthouse apartment with stunning panoramic views from Thanet, plus there’s the larger private estates that can be found in Broadstairs and Sandwich.
Where to buy
There are a number of small towns, big centres and remote hamlets that offer a variety of property options. Here are some of our favourites…
Margate
Once a sleepy seaside town, Margate has been transformed with the opening of both the new Dreamland Park and Turner Contemporary Gallery. The town has since had a bit of a revitalisation and is becoming popular with young families. Add in the stunning views and plenty of local history, and it’s no wonder it has become so popular.
What’s for sale…
For the best views, The Beach Houses (OIRO £485,000) are a great choice – 11 beach-fronted homes overlooking Westbrook Bay with uninterrupted sea views, these homes playfully reinterpret the British beach hut design.
Folkestone
Another town that was once associated with the run-down British seaside and is now totally revamped. Regeneration projects like the new Creative Quarter in its old town have given it a new heart. It provides a mix of quaint streets, majestic cliffs and miles of golden beaches. It’s also got great rail connections, with London less than an hour away and France reachable in just 35 minutes from the Eurotunnel.
What’s for sale…
Set a few miles north of the coast in the quaint hamlet of Arpinge, you can buy Home Farm (£595,000), a perfect site to build your own countryside getaway. With planning permission for a 5,580 sq ft house, this is the perfect chance to unleash your grand designs.
Broadstairs
One for the beach lovers, Broadstairs has some of the county’s best sandy coastlines. St Mary's Bay has stretches of sand dotted with rock pools, while Viking Bay is a picture-perfect British seaside resort. It might have a retro feel thanks to its vintage tea rooms and classic ice cream parlours, but it’s attracting a young crowd these days.
What’s for sale…
Just south of Broadstairs, on the northern tip of Ramsgate is Beach Retreat (£495,000). Overlooking the sea, with fantastic views as far as the Royal Harbour and Sandwich Bay, this three-bed apartment would be ideal for a young family or as a second home.
Whitstable
From the stunning views across the Thames Estuary to its charming boutiques, Whitstable has it all. The beaches are a little more rustic than other locations but the town centre is full of charm. The regular and fast trains to London mean it’s a favourite of commuters, but there’s also a good core local crowd, meaning it’s busy whatever day of the week.
What’s for sale…
To the east of Whitstable Harbour is a beautiful new build five-bed home on Marine Parade (£1.85m). Designed with Edwardian proportions in mind, this modern home is finished to the highest standards and is just a short walk from the beach.
Deal
Deal is to Kent what the Shoreditch is to London. Opened up as a commuter town by the new high speed rail link, it’s a favourite of young creatives. This handsome and retro town with plenty of history has a high street that was recently voted one of the best in the country by The Daily Telegraph. The Conservation area is the place to look for classic Georgian homes.
What’s for sale:
Situated on the seafront within the Deal’s much sought after Conservation Area, Ottershatch (£625,000) is an elegant period property with accommodation arranged over three floors. And the best part – four of the five bedrooms have sea views.