As the day for love quickly approaches, the latest research from leading online estate agent eMoov.co.uk highlights the most affordable hotspots with romantic areas of natural beauty to invest in property across the UK.
eMoov compiled a list of the 14 best natural beauty spots across the nation for lovers to buy property to keep the Valentine’s Day buzz going all year, or for an entire lifetime. The top seven on the list are scattered across the UK and all have average property values lower than the national average, making them ideal locations to love your property and your partner.
Mumbles, West Glamorgan: £134,566
Whoever said good value and romance don’t mix? Topping the list as the most affordable romantic destinations for lovers looking to buy property is Mumbles in Wales. While there are views of the Swansea Bay, Mumbles itself is charming for its pastels houses and marine life sightings. Keep an eye out for dolphins, seals and seabirds on your property search!
Carnforth, Lancashire: £147,813
This is the location of the 1945 film Brief Encounter, where a couple meets on a steam train is only the beginning of the romance offered in Carnforth. It is also the starting point for lovers to catch a sunset or a walk along Morecambe Bay. All this for an average property cost of £147,813.
Granton-on-Spey, Scottish Highlands: £155,369
Looking further north to the lush Scottish Highlands, Granton-on-Spey places second for affordability and romantic appeal with an average property price tag of £155,369.
Rhosneigr, Anglesey: £157,922
It’s closely followed by Rhosneigr on the island of Anglesey in Wales, which costs on average £157,992, for constant views of the seaside and boats. Don’t forget to pack a picnic!
Paignton, Devon: £184,995
Following Cupid’s arrow all the way down to the coast of the Tor Bay in Paignton in Devon, where property values are averaging £184,995. The picturesque harbors and sandy beaches make it ideal for those long romantic walks.
Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District and Polperro, Cornwall: £216,000
Next up for romantics looking for a quieter and rural property with gorgeous views is Bowness-On-Windermere in the Lake District, where property averages £216,384. Similarly but further south is Polperro in Cornwall – a dreamy destination close to turquoise waters and charming cottages for an average price of £216,720. Life can be more relaxing while breathing in the salt in the air.
The City of Edinburgh and Horning, Norfolk: £231,000
In a more urban setting, Edinburgh is the most affordable romantic city for property, with an average cost of £231,355, the castle excluded. But a quieter alternative at the same price is the ancient village of Horning in Norfolk with an average cost of £231,466. It runs along the water and is in close proximity to Norfolk Broads National Park.
York, North Yorkshire: £236,407
The home of York Minster in the walled city of York boasts an average property value of £236,407. It is famous for its grandiose medieval cathedral, stained glass and lots of love.
Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire: £308,810
For lovers of both Shakespearean comedies and tragedies, Stratford Upon-Avon is an alluring choice for mixing houses, romance and theater, potential homebuyers will find an average cost of £308,810 for property.
Ringwood, Hampshire: £317,629
The market town of Ringwood in Hampshire, dating back to 961, offers access to both the stunning New Forest and a ‘small village’ atmosphere providing daily romance.
The Cotswolds: £357,424
The stunning scenery and villages scattered across the Cotswolds makes it a perfect choice for anything to do with romance. However, fellow lovers have caught on generations ago and the property value is certainly suggestive of this with average property value at a hefty £357,424. We guess you really can’t put a price on love.
The City of London: £790,439
It goes without saying that Prime Central London’s £790,439 average property price tag is a turn off. Although the capital is filled with romance, the property prices are the exact opposite when there are options across the UK for a fraction of the price. But, a ride on the Eye is never a bad idea to spruce up your love life!
Founder and CEO of eMoov.co.uk, Russell Quirk, commented:
“With Prime Central London’s property values well above the rest in this list, you can forgive young couples, lovers, or anyone looking to buy an affordable property for giving the capital the cold shoulder this Valentine’s Day.
There are a number of beautiful areas, both urban and rural, across the UK that trump the capital for affordability when shopping for property. Homeowners want to buy something that they love and that they can share with their loved ones without having to pay a fortune, most of these locations are not only affordable but prices are on the up, so now would be a great time to get on the proper ladder and secure that love nest before prices get too out of reach.”
| UK’s Most Romantic Places | Average Property Value |
| Mumbles | £134,566 |
| Carnforth | £147,813 |
| Granton-on-Spey | £155,369 |
| Llanddwyn Island | £157,992 |
| Paignton | £184,995 |
| Bowness on Windermere | £216,384 |
| Polperro | £216,720 |
| Edinburgh | £231,355 |
| Horning | £231,466 |
| York | £236,407 |
| Stratford Upon-Avon | £308,810 |
| Ringwood | £317,629 |
| Cotswold | £357,424 |
| City of London | £790,439 |
| United Kingdom | £217,928 |