Waterfront property: Navigating the waters with expert advice

Are you looking to buy a prime waterfront property? A professional property search agent can help to make this dream a reality.

Waterside properties are highly sought after due to their stunning views and peaceful surroundings.

Lakeside, seafront, and riverside properties are among the most popular options for those looking to purchase a home on the water’s edge.

Each has its own unique charm and appeal, making it important to consider what type of waterside property is right for you.

Why choose a waterfront property?

Living near the water brings a multitude of lifestyle benefits and is one of the many appeals of waterfront property.

The scenic beauty of lakes and rivers is a haven for wildlife and great for outdoor activities.

With everything from water sports to more tranquil endeavours such as fishing or leisurely walks, you will be encouraged to explore these stunning surroundings.

The coastline with its dramatic sea views can offer a livelier waterside experience.

Coastal towns and villages have a real community feel and often, especially in harbour towns, the pubs and restaurants will serve locally caught fish adding to your authentic seaside experience.

Britain has a treasure trove of idyllic waterfront settings, along our extensive coastline or beside the myriad rivers, lakes, and even canals.

And the prices of many of those waterfront properties – which can be as much as 81% higher than comparable inland properties – continue to reflect both past and current demand for the finest examples.

Deciding if a waterfront property is for you?

One of the first questions the property search agents are likely to ask is why you want to buy a waterfront property in particular.

Your answer will help them determine the waterside setting that best suits the lifestyle you are aspiring to.

Waterfront properties are often considered the epitome of luxury living, each offering its own unique ambience and lifestyle opportunities.

Coastal property

If you specify a coastal location, for instance, it might be because you want a waterfront property close to the marina where your yacht is berthed.

After enjoying a day at sea with your guests, you might want the opportunity to retire to your residence, where the entertaining can continue.

Or perhaps you want to enjoy Cornwall’s rugged landscape and listen to the waves crashing from a cottage overlooking the sea.

Seafront homes boast expansive views and direct access to open waters, presenting a dynamic environment with the rhythmic sounds of the ocean.

Here are some coastal towns that are worth considering:

Salcombe, Devon

The coastal town of Salcombe has white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, picturesque landscapes, and quaint pastel cottages.

Its sheltered location on the Salcombe Estuary gives it its own microclimate, meaning that temperatures stay above average.

Littlehampton, West Sussex

Littlehampton is a seaside town located at the mouth of the River Arun. It has two award-winning beaches and a vibrant harbour.

The seafront’s large green and the picturesque riverside provide space to relax and unwind. Also, you can enjoy performances at the town’s unique Stage by the Sea.

Whitby, Yorkshire

Whitby is a bustling coastal town with beautiful beaches and a scenic harbour. The town is overlooked by its iconic Gothic abbey which is said to have been Bram Stoker’s inspiration for Dracula.

Climbing the 199 stone steps to the abbey is well worth it as the views are stunning.

Riverside property

Alternatively, you might crave an altogether quieter life. Perhaps the nostalgic romantic in you conjures up peaceful riverside settings as illustrated by Kenneth Grahame in The Wind in the Willows for example.

Or perhaps you yearn to step back in time to the watery idyll of John Constable’s Hay Wain painting.

Riverfront residences, provide a tranquil escape where the flowing river adds a sense of constant renewal and energy.

They are ideal for individuals who appreciate the natural ecosystem and the activities a river can offer.

The UK is home to many idyllic riverside locations, here are some examples:

Abingdon-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

Abingdon-on-Thames, or Abingdon as it’s commonly known, is a historic market town on the River Thames.

Staying active is easy here with riverside footpaths and trails, plus clubs for rugby and rowing. Also, Tilsley Park athletics stadium, home to Oxford Saints American Football Club, is located here.

Farnham, Surrey

The Georgian market town of Farnham is situated in the Surrey countryside on the River Wey. It offers a captivating blend of historic architecture and the natural beauty of the Surrey Hills and North Downs.

Farnham is less than an hour’s train journey from London. It was also featured as one of the best places to live 2024 by the Sunday Times.

Warkworth, Northumberland

The village of Warkworth is situated within a loop of the River Coquet. The magnificent ruins of a medieval castle stand majestically over the village.

Warkworth provides the best of both worlds, benefitting from its idyllic riverside setting whilst being near the Northumberland Coast AONB.

Lakeside

If it’s English literature that has inspired your love of a lakeside life, perhaps you were won over by The Lady of the Lake by Sir Walter Scott or even Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons.

Lakefront properties cater to those seeking the tranquillity of a still water setting combined with recreational possibilities, from swimming to water sports.

The enclosed nature of a lake promotes a close-knit community feel.

If you are considering moving to a lakeside location, these may be of interest:

Coniston, Cumbria

Coniston is a small village located half a mile northwest of Coniston Water, the third-largest lake in the Lake District.

The Old Man of Coniston, the highest mountain nearby, is approximately a mile west of the village.

It attracts many visitors with its various routes to the summit, offering clear-day views stretching to the Isle of Man and Blackpool Tower.

Ambleside, Cumbria

Ambleside, in the heart of the Lake District, is a thriving town near Lake Windermere.

Known for hiking, cycling, and water sports, it also hosts a small University of Cumbria campus.

Rothay Park, at the town’s centre, offers access to stunning fells and ample recreational opportunities.

Hambleton, Rutland

The Hambleton Peninsula extends into Rutland Water, a man-made reservoir created in 1975 by damming The Gwash Valley.

Hambleton village is nestled in this unique piece of Rutland countryside almost entirely surrounded by the scenic Rutland Water.

The peninsula is a haven for wildlife, especially birds, offering a peaceful slice of rural England. Rutland Water provides beautiful walks, sailing, and fishing opportunities.

Canalside property

You may be looking for the beauty and flexibility of living near a canal. With 2,000 miles of canals flowing across England and Wales passing through towns and cities and out into glorious countryside, there are a variety of location types to choose from close to these waters.

Canal-front homes offer the charm of water-influenced living with the convenience of urban life.

They attract those who enjoy the picturesque and serene backdrop of waterways but do not wish to forgo the proximity to urban amenities.

There are many lovely places to consider a waterfront property along the banks of England’s canals:

Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire

Bradford on Avon in Wiltshire is renowned for its scenic canal route, with many enjoying towpath walks and stops at the numerous pubs along the way.

This picturesque Georgian town is not only visually stunning but also well-connected and set in a rural location.

The area offers a variety of country and riverside walks to neighbouring villages, with the Kennet & Avon Canal and river nearby.

Skipton, North Yorkshire

Skipton, a market town located on the River Aire and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, lies south of the Yorkshire Dales.

It blends rural charm with modern convenience, featuring a bustling high street. Nearby villages offer historic appeal with their limestone buildings and babbling brooks.

Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire

Berkhamsted is a sought-after commuter town with a mainline train station offering regular, direct connections to London Euston in just 35 minutes.

Located on the Grand Union Canal, the area boasts a wide range of leisure facilities, including walking, horse riding, and biking throughout the Ashridge Estate.

Lochside property

Or, you might long for the serene and timeless charm of living in a waterside property by a loch—a setting that evokes a profound sense of tranquillity and natural beauty. Imagine the still waters reflecting the landscape, creating a peaceful retreat.

Living by a loch offers a unique blend of solitude and connection to nature, where you can enjoy the gentle lapping of water, the call of distant birds, and the occasional sight of a deer at dawn. It is perfect for those who appreciate the calming influence of water and the variety of recreational opportunities such settings provide.

Scotland is famed for its lochs and dramatic landscapes:

Fort William, Scottish Highlands

Fort William, located on the shores of Loch Linnhe, is known as the gateway to Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, and the scenic Glen Nevis Valley, home to Steall Falls.

The nearby Nevis Range Mountain Resort offers ski runs and forest trails.

As the largest town in the Highlands, Fort William is renowned as the Outdoor Capital of the UK, popular for hill climbing, mountain biking, fishing, stalking, and skiing.

Ullapool, Northern Scotland

Ullapool is located on the northwest coast, on the eastern shore of Loch Broom, and provides a perfect setting for a waterfront property.

The village enjoys a picturesque setting and close proximity to the Isle of Lewis and other islands in the Outer Hebrides.

Situated along the North Coast 500 route, Ullapool attracts visitors with its breathtaking scenery and surrounding wilderness, ideal for hiking, sailing, and nature enthusiasts.

Balloch, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland

Balloch is a charming village situated on the south-western shores of Loch Lomond.

Often referred to as the gateway to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Balloch boasts excellent road and rail connections from Glasgow.

Loch Lomond’s Shores offer a wide range of indoor, outdoor, and water-based activities.

Waterside properties for sale

Waterside properties command a premium price due to their unique appeal and desirable location.

Homes by the water offer stunning views, tranquil surroundings, and a sense of exclusivity that is highly sought after.

Waterside locations tend to have a limited supply of available properties, driving up demand and, consequently, prices.

The prestige associated with owning a waterside home also adds to its value.

Investing in a waterside property can also yield strong financial returns.

Data indicates that house prices near lakes, lochs, and reservoirs in the UK are growing at more than double the national average rate.

This trend underscores the enduring desirability of these properties and their potential as a sound investment.

Overall, the combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, exclusivity, and strong market performance makes waterside properties highly coveted in the property market.

Lakeside and lochside property prices

Waterside properties have become increasingly attractive to buyers, driven by significant growth rates in their values compared to the broader UK market.

The latest data from the Land Registry indicates that house prices near lakes, lochs, and reservoirs are rising at more than double the UK average rate. Specifically, the average UK house price increased by 2.2% from May 2023 to May 2024, while properties by these waters grew by an average of 5.5%.

Wales has seen the most notable increase, with homes by Llyn Cowlyd appreciating by 13.1% to an average of £206,764.

Scotland’s Loch Shin and Loch Awe followed closely, with price rises of 12.9% and 11%, reaching average prices of £182,331 and £224,134 respectively.

The top ten locations for price growth include Llyn Brenig (10.7%), Coniston Water (10.5%), Lake Vyrnwy (9.6%), Llangorse Lake (9.5%), Clywedog (9.5%), Derwentwater (7.9%), and Llyn Cwellyn (7.9%). These figures highlight the strong demand for waterside living.

However, not all waterside locations have experienced growth. Prices have declined in a few areas, such as Llyn Celyn and Llyn Tegid in Wales, both seeing a decrease of 2.8% and England’s Derwent Reservoir, which dropped by 2.7%.

This data underscores the unique appeal and varying performance of waterside properties in the UK market.

Navigating legal waters: Understanding ownership and rights

Of course, while living by the water seems idyllic, as with buying any property, there are some considerations.

Flooding and erosion

Among the major considerations is the risk of flooding – either from unusually high tides or swollen river courses. You might research the risks yourself by visiting the government website, but property search agents may be able to offer more comprehensive and exhaustive insights into any past, current, or future problems.

If you are planning to live on the coast, then researching the shoreline’s history (and understanding its future too) will also highlight whether the property could have issues in the future – either with the property getting closer to the shore if water levels go up. Or, if water levels go down, ending up further from the shore.

Property condition

Waterfront properties, irrespective of their location by the sea, river, lake, or canal, are subject to specific maintenance challenges. These include environmental wear such as saltwater corrosion, heightened exposure to the elements, and potential water damage.

It is imperative for waterfront properties to be constructed with robust materials and maintained diligently to address these challenges effectively.

Because of high moisture levels, the exterior of the property (and rooms below ground level such as a cellar) need to be inspected carefully for signs of damage caused by salt, mildew, and mould.

It is advisable for buyers to commission comprehensive property surveys that specifically investigate flood history and any indications of ground movement or subsidence.

Proactive identification and management of these issues can substantially reduce future financial liabilities and ensure peace of mind in your waterfront residence.

Legal considerations

It is important to be aware of the intricacies of water rights, which determine the extent to which you can use adjacent or encompassing water bodies.

This includes understanding riparian rights in riverfront properties or littoral rights when it comes to the sea or large lakes, both of which can have significant implications for property value and usage.

Those buying waterfront properties need to be aware of the property’s flood zone classification and the implications for insurance premiums and building restrictions.

A comprehensive flood risk assessment can inform of future mitigation strategies and potential costs.

Research into the specific building regulations that apply to waterfront properties is also required.

These regulations often include stringent codes concerning construction materials, setback requirements, and the environmental impact of any alterations or developments.

A proficient buying agent will ensure that their clients are apprised of these legal factors, aiding them to make informed decisions when considering the purchase of a waterfront property.

It is advisable to collaborate with legal experts who specialise in environmental and property law to facilitate a thorough due diligence process.

Buying a second home

If you are considering buying a prime waterfront property for use as a second or holiday home, do note that in some areas of the country, there are restrictions.

For example, in parts of Northumberland, a restriction on new-build properties for use as second or holiday homes was introduced. 

Your buying agent will be able to check on these matters for you and provide guidance and advice.

Waterfront property: Associated costs

Financial planning for a waterfront home purchase requires meticulous budgeting and a keen understanding of the unique costs involved.

It is paramount to allocate funds not only for the initial purchase price but also for the higher insurance premiums that typically accompany such properties due to increased exposure to environmental risks.

A comprehensive insurance plan should cover flood damage, a significant concern for waterfront homes, potentially requiring an additional policy depending on the location and history of the property.

Furthermore, buyers should account for the potential additional costs that waterfront properties incur.

These can range from specialised maintenance to counteract the corrosive effects of a marine environment to higher property taxes often associated with premium waterfront locales.

It is prudent to include a contingency fund in the budget to cover unexpected expenses that may arise from the unique attributes of living close to water.

Financial preparedness will undoubtedly enhance the enjoyment of your waterfront home, free from unforeseen financial strains.

The essential role of a property search agent in your search for a waterfront property

So, you’ve decided that a priority for the next home you want to buy is a waterfront location.

You might want it as your primary place of residence, as a second home or weekend getaway, as a premises you are looking to let to tenants or leaseholders, or as a property investment – the critical issue is its immediate and unrestricted access to the water.

How do you begin to look for your waterfront property?

Do you stand in front of the local estate agents’ windows waiting for waterfront property to appear or do you ask to be put on their mailing list? Either way, you could be in for a very long wait – if there are any at all, waterfront properties are likely to be few and far between.

And that depends on your making sure you have visited all the estate agents in the area – including those tucked away in the back streets of a town with which you are probably unfamiliar.

That’s not even to mention those waterfront properties that never make it into advertisements or listings on the open market – the demand for riverside and coastal views is buoyant and those properties do get snapped up very quickly.

How can a property search agent help?

Property search agents relieve you of any such element of chance or good luck. They are professionals – and they adopt a thoroughly professional attitude to finding precisely the property you want.

It is no hit-or-miss affair for them but rather an exhaustive search using their extensive knowledge of the local property market and a reliance on a broad network of professional contacts, conducted in a completely discreet way that preserves your anonymity as a buyer and cultivates your abiding trust in all that they do.

And all that they do is truly extensive – ranging from the search for suitable properties, negotiating on your behalf, securing any property to which you are committed, and following the entire transaction through to its acquisition.

Throughout it all, independent property search agents are there to offer timely advice, including any precautions or reservations you might have about buying a property so close to the waterfront.

Considering a waterfront property?

Whether you are looking to buy a waterfront property near the sea, on the banks of a river, on the shores of a lake or even fronting a quiet stretch of canal, call us here at Garrington Property Finders to discuss how we can help.