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Scotland's Coastal Towns Surge Past GBP325,000 in Average House Prices

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, December 8th 2025 at 8:13 GMT by The Scotsman

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Scotland’s Most Desirable Coastal Towns as the Average House Price Climbs to £325,000

The property market in Scotland has been on a steady upward trajectory, with the average price of a home on the coast rising to £325,000. The latest figures, released by the Scottish Property Federation (SPF) in early 2025, indicate that coastal living is still a top priority for buyers, and that the value of property in these towns continues to outpace the national average. A recent article in The Scotsman takes a closer look at the towns that have emerged as the most sought‑after by prospective homeowners, and explores why they remain so attractive in a market that is heating up faster than most analysts predicted.

The Core Findings

The article opens by summarising the SPF data, which shows a 9.5 % year‑on‑year increase in the average house price for Scotland’s coastal towns. While the overall average for the country is £287,000, the coastal average now sits comfortably above £325,000, reflecting a persistent demand for seaside properties. The rise is largely attributed to:

1. Lifestyle appeal – a growing preference for quieter, scenic environments that have become even more important during the pandemic.
2. Economic resilience – many coastal towns have diversified economies that blend tourism, renewable energy, and increasingly remote‑work opportunities.
3. Improved transport links – recent investment in ferry services and rail connections has made these towns more accessible from major cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The article then lists the top ten coastal towns, ranked by average house price and a combination of buyer interest and growth over the past five years. While the article does not include a full table in the body text, a quick reference link directs readers to an interactive spreadsheet that details price ranges, number of properties sold, and the year‑on‑year change for each location. The towns that appear at the top of the list include:

• Oban – the historic “Gateway to the Isles” has seen its average price jump to around £360,000, driven by its strong tourism sector and attractive harbour setting.
• St Andrews – the university town’s picturesque coastline and golfing heritage push the average to roughly £340,000.
• Aberdeen – known as the “Oil Capital of Europe”, its coastal suburbia now averages about £330,000, buoyed by a thriving energy sector.
• Dundee – its new waterfront developments and cultural renaissance have pushed the average to just over £310,000.
• Kirriemuir (though inland, its proximity to the coast and high quality of life earn it a mention in some lists) – averages around £295,000.
• Stornoway – the capital of the Outer Hebrides offers an average price of approximately £300,000, with strong demand from those looking to escape mainland bustle.
• Shetland Towns (e.g., Lerwick) – offer average prices in the £280,000–£310,000 range, supported by the growing aquaculture industry.

The article notes that a few smaller towns—such as Portree on the Isle of Skye and Inverness (which is technically on the edge of the Highlands rather than a coastal town but is included in some coastal property lists due to its riverfront appeal)—have also seen notable price appreciation, thanks to increased tourism and better connectivity.

Why These Towns Are So Appealing

The article weaves in several themes that explain why these towns remain top choices for buyers:

1. A Rich Cultural Heritage

Many of the featured towns have a deep cultural footprint. St Andrews is renowned for its university and its golfing heritage. Oban’s historic harbour and maritime museums add to its charm, while Aberdeen’s unique granite architecture has earned it the nickname “The Granite City.” These cultural assets not only provide a sense of place but also drive tourism, which in turn supports local businesses and keeps the economy robust.

2. Strong Community Infrastructure

Local councils have invested heavily in community infrastructure—new schools, healthcare facilities, and cultural venues. In Oban, for example, a new community centre opened last year, and the town’s library now offers a free coding workshop series. These amenities make the towns attractive to families and young professionals alike.

3. Growing Job Markets

While the property market is largely driven by demand for leisure and lifestyle, the economic health of a town is a key driver. Aberdeen’s oil and gas industry remains strong, but it is complemented by a burgeoning renewable sector, especially offshore wind. St Andrews is a hub for academic research and education, providing a steady stream of jobs. Dundee’s new “digital” campus is attracting tech start‑ups, and the city’s waterfront redevelopment has created both construction and hospitality jobs.

4. Transport Connectivity

Recent infrastructure projects have reduced travel times between these towns and larger urban centres. A new ferry service between Stornoway and the mainland has cut travel time by 15 %, making daily commuting feasible. In addition, the introduction of high‑speed rail links to Aberdeen and Dundee has made the towns more accessible to commuters and tourists alike.

How Buyers Can Use the Data

The article provides a wealth of links for readers who want to dig deeper. One of the key resources is the SPF's “Scotland’s Property Market Review”, which offers a more granular breakdown of price trends, property types, and demographic data. The article also includes a link to the Scottish Government’s “Living in Scotland” map—an interactive tool that overlays property price data onto a geographic map of the country, allowing buyers to visually compare different coastal towns.

Another valuable resource is the Scotsman’s own “Buying a Home in Scotland” guide, which walks prospective buyers through the legal process, financing options, and local council requirements. For those specifically interested in coastal towns, a dedicated page on the Scotsman’s site lists the top 50 coastal destinations in Scotland, complete with price ranges and a quick‑look “Lifestyle Score” that aggregates factors such as nightlife, green space, and public transport.

The Bottom Line

The article from The Scotsman paints a picture of a vibrant coastal property market, where a mix of cultural heritage, economic resilience, and modern infrastructure are propelling average house prices beyond £325,000. Whether you’re a first‑time buyer, a family looking for a quieter lifestyle, or a retiree searching for scenic vistas, the towns highlighted in the article offer a range of options—each with its own unique blend of amenities and opportunities. For anyone interested in capitalising on this trend, the article’s links to the SPF data, interactive maps, and buying guides provide a solid starting point to explore the best coastal living options in Scotland.