Fife and East Lothian are home to nine of the top 10 coastal towns by house price, with Kilcreggan in Argyll and Bute the only west coast location to make the list.

Fife has five entries in the top 10 – Elie and Earlsferry, St Andrews, Aberdour, Crail, and Limekilns and Charlestown – with Elie and Earlsferry also having the highest average house price over the last 12 months at £869,459, comfortably ahead of Scotland’s other coastal areas.

East Lothian’s four entries are Gullane, North Berwick, Longniddry, and Lower Largo, Lundin Links and Upper Largo. Gullane has the highest average house price in East Lothian over the last 12 months, at £504,139, ahead of North Berwick at £476,066.

Top 10 Scottish Coastal Towns by Average House Price, 2023/24

Source: Rettie analysis of Registers of Scotland

Growth in house prices in four out of the top five of Scotland’s coastal settlements has significantly outpaced Scotland’s national average of around 20% over the last five years, with Elie and Earlsferry growing by 84% during this period, Gullane growing by 40%, Longniddry at a similar level, and St Andrews up by 57% during the five-year span.

Dr John Boyle, director of strategy and research at Rettie, said: “Most of the higher priced coastal settlements have had an average house price rise in recent years, well above the national average, and each shares characteristics including beautiful beaches, rich histories, and vibrant communities.

“The towns and villages on the list offer a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and coastal walks. They are also within relatively easy access of Scotland’s main cities, and offer an attractive lifestyle that is reflected in their premium prices.”

In St Andrews, Rettie is an adviser and sole agent to the developers of St Andrews West, with plans on track to deliver hundreds of sustainable new homes in the town.