Untapped beauty and a lower house price tag than the national average means this under-the-radar town has a lot going for it
Living by the seaside is a dream for many, and in this particular coastal town it’s an affordable one too, according to latest house prices.
Situated in south-eastern Northumberland, Blyth is a lovely seaside town that is suited for more than just a quick visit. Despite being the largest town on Northumberland’s coastline, it is relatively quiet with a population of only 39,731 and a median age of 41-years-old, according to 2021 census data. The low population density has enabled Blyth to maintain its quaint quayside and beaches.
The average price of a house in Blyth currently is £150,916 which is £26,000 lower than the national average. According to the UK House Price Index this currently sits at £292,000. Lloyds Banking Group also predicts that first-time home purchases may surge in the coming month due to stamp duty relief for first-time home buyers coming to an end on March 31, prompting many to take advantage of the cut before it’s too late.
That said, Zoopla reported that the average house in Britain is valued at 3.79x the average annual household income, keeping home ownership out of arms reach for most. According to the same 2024 report, Zoopla published that the most affordable locations to buy in England are Shildon and Peterlee, both in County Durham, and Ashington in Northumberland.
Home to a working port, Blyth has a rich seafaring history and has become a beloved destination for staycationers looking for charming B&Bs and cottages. The town also offers great transport connections and is only 13 miles from Newcastle.
At the end of 2023, the medium home value in Blyth was £116,195 with the average couple earning £69,612. More than a year later, Blyth is still home to incredibly affordable housing options, despite property prices surging to £150k. In fact, Zoopla just listed a two-bedroom terraced house for under £120k, as well as a 3-bedroom family home for under £100k. These prices are unheard of in any other English seaside town.
In addition to its housing prices, what makes Blyth unique is its vibrant community and scenic countryside and North Sea views. One of the most well-known landmarks of the town is the row of multi-coloured huts that line Blyth South Beach. The beach’s golden sand runs from the pier to the dunes of Seaton Sluice.
Another prominent landmark of the city is Ridley Park, nestled between the quayside and beach. The park is just one of many beautiful green spaces in the town, fitted with all the modern amenities of a tennis court, play area and even bird-feeding stations. The town’s distinct combination of seaside charm and modern conveniences make it an ideal location for young families and pensioners alike.
Blyth’s full calendar of cultural events, including the Blyth Live Music Festival and Town Carnival, as well as its watersports offerings also make it a perfect place for new families to settle down.
The county is also committed to further developing the seaside town. The Northumberland City Council announced plans last week to convert an old and underused building in the centre of Blyth into a rental apartment complex. The three-storey building will feature 16 modern apartments, financed as part of the Levelling Up Fund set aside for significant culture projects across Great Britain.