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Finding a home by the water is one of the most emotionally driven property searches. Whether it is an estuary view, direct river access, or simply the pull of the coast, the appeal is difficult to replicate elsewhere.
In this article, Luke Miller, Totnes Office and Sales Manager, explains how the desire for waterside property remains strong, despite a recently changing market.
The South West Waterside Market Today
The South West waterside market has continued to move over the past months, with our figures showing a more selective, but not inactive market. Buyers are still registering, viewing, and purchasing, but are taking longer to make decisions and becoming increasingly alert to value.
Waterside property appraisals have remained broadly consistent year on year. The value of our sales pipeline increased by around 58% over the summer, while our available stock reduced slightly. This suggests that deals are still being agreed, but achieving results requires greater effort and expertise than before.
Pricing Waterside Property in Today's Market
The Anchorage in Kingswear, overlooking one of South Devon's most sought-after waterside settings, completed this summer. Its sale reinforces an important point: the eventual buyer of a waterside home is not always searching for that exact postcode.
The Anchorage in Kingswear, a stunning home set on the prestigious Redoubt Hill, enjoying breath-taking river Dart views.
The wider market helps explain why buyers are being more considered. Prices have remained relatively stable rather than falling sharply, with purchasers having more stock to choose from and more time to make decisions. Demand has not disappeared, but buyers are scrutinising price, condition, and location more closely than they were a few years ago.
This makes positioning a property increasingly important. There is little value in launching a property at an inflated figure to secure an instruction, only for it to lose momentum over several months. Equally, sensible pricing does not mean underselling. The aim is to position a home where buyers will engage with it and create competition, then negotiate from a stronger position.
Waterside property requires judgement, as small differences can have a significant effect on value. Holme Craig in Lyme Regis, another summer completion, demonstrates how setting, outlook, and individual character can be every bit as important as the accommodation itself.
Holme Craig in Lyme Regis, a Grade II Listed Victorian residence, set amidst beautiful gardens and offering captivating views over the harbour.
Marketing Waterside Property Effectively
For most people, their property is their largest financial asset, making expert marketing and advice essential in a more selective market. Professional photography, video, accurate floorplans and compelling particulars help generate interest, but successful sales depend on reaching the right buyers.
Through our specialist waterside section and extensive social media reach, Stags promotes properties to audiences well beyond the traditional portals. Recently completed, 13 St Margarets at Carbis Bay, demonstrates this reach, attracting interest from across the South West and beyond.
13 St Margarets at Carbis Bay, a modern penthouse apartment just minutes from the beach, and enjoying breathtaking views across Carbis Bay towards Godrevy Lighthouse.
Connecting Waterside Homes with Buyers
Successful sales are rarely passive. We take a proactive approach to identifying and engaging the right buyers. Our specialist Waterside buyer-matching system allows us to look beyond the preferred postcode and identify what buyers are really searching for. These requirements are then matched with potentially suitable homes.
The completion of Westacre in Mortehoe, shows a cross-section of recent activity across the region and demonstrated both the breadth of the market we cover and the variety of buyers a successful waterside campaign needs to reach.
Westacre in Mortehoe, a detached 1920s residence, set in 21.2 acres of garden and pasture, enjoying panoramic sea views.
Supported by our regional network, specialist expertise and extensive buyer reach, we give sellers multiple routes to market rather than relying on a single source of enquiries. In a more selective market, that breadth can make all the difference.
Waterside Property Market Outlook
As the market continues to settle into a more measured pace, success will depend less on market momentum and more on presentation, pricing and targeted buyer engagement. While purchasers remain selective, well-positioned waterside homes continue to attract strong interest, reinforcing the enduring appeal of these unique properties.
Our experienced Waterside team is on hand to provide advice tailored to current market conditions. To find out more, contact Stags Waterside Department or your local Stags office.
