CLEETHORPES: 3*

The regeneration of Cleethorpes in Lincolnshire has been spurred by private investment, bringing boutiques, cappuccino bars and smart guesthouses, backed by money from a thriving Humber economy based on shipping and transportation. “People are actively wanting to come and live here now,” says Tim Downing, partner at Pygott & Crone estate agents. Planning permission was granted last week to turn Clifton Bingo Hall into 38 apartments, all with sea views. Prices will start at about £160,000.

LLANDUDNO: 5*

This North Wales resort, once teetering on the edge of decline, is becoming a favourite among the fashionable Chester set. Julia Davies, of Bryan Davies and Associates estate agents, says that the most popular properties are cottages on the Great Orme promontory and the lines of houses at West Shore. The average purchase price in Llandudno is £156,656 but expect to pay at least £500,000 for a large, detached house.

Background

• The cost of a sea view

• Bargains on the coast

• FOCUS ON . . . TRURO

• Do floods scupper sales?

• Once more unto the beach

Seaside house prices soar

City-dwellers driving up property prices by the sea

• The boom town rocks

Background

• From winos to wine bars

Background

• Ramsgate rules

• Shoreham gets trendy

• The coast’s next wave

• House Hunter: Sideways to Brighton

• A change in the tide

Related Links

• The cost of a sea view

WHITLEY BAY: 3*

Crumbling Whitley Bay, near Newcastle, is about to receive a £60 million facelift. In the plans are 200 new homes, a refurbished swimming pool, a new park and a proposed hotel. Lucy Dixon, 32, who moved from London last year with her husband, Daren, and their two-year-old daughter, Evie, says: “We’ve got lovely beaches and Northumberland on the doorstep.” The family live in a three-bedroom Victorian terrace house that cost £162,000.

NEW BRIGHTON: 3*

Work will start in August on the controversial regeneration scheme for this faded Merseyside resort: plans include a new theatre and 37 flats. Phase 2, which includes cafés, bars and a sailing school, goes for approval to the planning committee next Thursday. Meanwhile, many of the grand merchants’ houses in the Wellington Road conservation area have been turned into luxury flats; expect to pay upwards of £200,000 for a sea view, says Lucy Cattrall at Whitegates estate agents. Or pick up a terraced house for, on average, £81,633.

ALNMOUTH: 4*

Alnmouth, on the rugged Northumberland coast, is 26 minutes by train from Newcastle. But few Londoners realise that the direct train from King’s Cross takes just over three and a half hours. The average price is £240,199, up from £66,746 in 1995. Julia Burnett, of George F. White, says there is little sign of investor activity but adds: “So few properties come on the market that we expect them to be snapped up. Alnmouth is always a wise investment because of the demand.” George F. White is selling a six-bedroom Victorian house with gardens leading to the river at £625,000.

SEAFORD: 4*

Seaford can still seem a backwater, which delights buyers crushed by nearby Brighton’s urban feel and rising prices. The average Seaford price is £215,105, up from £83,379 over the past ten years. Seaford is still a retirement ghetto, but younger commuters are tempted by trains that can take them to Brighton in 30 minutes, Gatwick in 60, London in 90. Corsica Hall, a Grade II listed Georgian mansion overlooking the sea, has been turned into flats starting at £225,000. Fox & Sons is selling a tiny studio around the corner for £77,500. David Hitchins, of Rowland Gorringe, says: “This isn’t a place people seek out, but when they stumble on it they say: Isn’t it wonderful?”

SEAHAM: 2*

This small Co Durham port, 30 minutes by train from Newcastle, is still recovering from the coalmines’ closure, but regeneration money has poured in, the beaches are sparkling and new promenade and clifftop walks are dotted with open-air artworks. Seaham Hall, a chic spa hotel favoured by celebrities, is close by. A mass of new housing has been built and the average house price is £147,455, up from £41,245 in ten years. The estate agents Kimmitt and Roberts offer a five-bedroom, new detached house with double garage at East Shore Village at £295,000. A one-bedroom flat overlooking the sea in a converted police station now called Marquess Point is on its books for £136,950.

The number of stars awarded by Bricks and Mortar represents regeneration to date, value for money and attractiveness

PORTAFERRY: Duff House is a detached Victorian house with views over Strangford Lough and Castle Ward. It has seven bedrooms and three reception rooms, as well as parking and front and back gardens. It is for sale for £439,000. Contact: the Eric Cairns Partnership, 028-9042 8989

LLANDUDNO: Hadden Croft is a large family house with seven bedrooms and five reception rooms, with spectacular views over the town, Llandudno Bay and across to Anglesey. There is a double garage that also contains a sauna, and planning consent for a single-storey home on the side lawn. Price: £795,000. Contact: Smith and Wypler, 01492 871551

OBAN: Rosebank House is a 12-bedroom Victorian mansion that overlooks the harbour and the Sound of Mull. It is for sale for £650,000. Contact: Savills, 0141-222 5875

WHITBY: a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse in the centre of this North Yorkshire town, is for sale for £500,000. This buys you five bedrooms, two bathrooms, two carefully restored reception rooms and an open-plan kitchen/dining room, plus private parking, a garden and courtyard. Contact: Carter Jonas, 01904 558200

SANDBANKS: Harbour Watch is a newly built luxury mansion right on the marina. It has six bedrooms, three reception rooms, eight bathrooms and a cinema room. Price: £7.95 million. Contact: Lloyds Property Group, 01202 708044

LOWESTOFT: An imposing Arts and Crafts three-storey house with five bedrooms, study, garage and fabulous sea views. Various period details remain, including leaded lights, picture rails, ceiling roses and fireplaces. There’s a pretty summerhouse in the garden. Price: £525,000. Contact: Strutt & Parker, 01473 214841

More details: www.hbosplc.com/economy/ResearchReleases.asp

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