Why buying beside the seaside in this Yorkshire resort is catching on

It may never be as fashionable as Whitby but Bridlington has many other charms, especially for older buyers.

“It’s flat and that’s one of the main reasons why it has always been popular with those who want to retire to the coast,” says Andrew Vidler, manager of the Bridlington branch of Reeds Rains, who also cites the good transport links, including a railway station, magnificent beaches, close proximity to the Yorkshire Wolds and the fact that house prices in the town are low.

According to Rightmove, the average house price in Bridlington is £148,915 compared to £192,508 in Whitby.

The retirees making a beeline for “Brid” are those who have holidayed there and dream of making it their home. They mostly come from West and South Yorkshire with a sprinkling from elsewhere.

This means that while the town is well blessed with bungalows but they still command a premium thanks to supply and demand as developers rarely build them anymore thanks to the price of land.

“Bungalows are very popular. Being a great place to retire to is the town’s USP. The villages of Flamborough and Sewerby are also very popular with older buyers, especially if they have dog because there are some great walks there,” says Tom Willson, of Hunters estate agency.

Prices start at about £120,000 for a two-bedroom semi-detached bungalow. Detached versions are from £160,000 and rise to £350,000 for a large, deluxe model in a good location. If you don’t need single-storey living then property prices are even more keen. One-bedroom flats start at £40,000. You’ll pay more for a sea view but Hunters has a selection of keenly priced two-bedroom apartments with views over the North Beach to Flamborough Head starting at £64,950.

Harris Shields has a three-bedroom flat that is billed as having “quite possibly the best views in town”. The concrete and brick exterior looks less than appealing but the interiors are well presented and the property has views over Bridlington bay.

Two-bedroom terraced houses start from about £90,000, semis from £130,000 and detached homes from £160,000. This kind of value for money along with regeneration, including the refurbished Spa theatre, which attracts big-name acts, and plans for a £3.8 million re-landscaping of the seafront, is attracting more buyers with a growing number from outside Yorkshire.

Rightmove records show that prices in “Brid” have risen nine per cent over the past year, which is double the Yorkshire average and three per cent higher than Whitby. Estate agents report more interest from those hunting for holiday homes.

Those would-be buyers mostly crave a sea view but should also consider Bridlington’s beautiful Old Town. It is a half-hour walk from the beach and is characterised by Georgian architecture and an historic priory.

For those who need to work for a living but dream of escaping to the seaside, there are plenty of live-work opportunities. Nicholas Belt has a shop/office on St John Street with two-bedroom owner’s accommodation for £119,950.

Just yards from the beach, Donnybrook is £499,950 with Hunters and has four self-contained holiday apartments plus owner’s accommodation. You can also find guest houses from £225,000.

“Interest in Bridlington is growing because people are realising that it offers great value and fantastic beaches and scenery,” says Andrew Vidler.