Homebuyer happiness comes at a house price premium

Our latest research has revealed that the happiest homebuyers in Britain are those living in the countryside or by the coast. However, this lifestyle satisfaction comes at a cost. as both carry a significant house price premium compared to living in a city.

We analysed average house prices and happiness scores across 20 locations spanning cities, coastal towns, and countryside locations, to see which areas provide the biggest boost to wellbeing and just how much a home will cost.

The research shows that country homeowners top the happiness chart with an average happiness score of 7.51 out of 10, closely followed by those living in seaside locations with a score of 7.33. In contrast, city living ranked lowest for happiness, with an average score of 7.24.

But while the countryside and coast clearly offer greater satisfaction, they also demand higher budgets.

Across the 20 locations analysed, the average cost of a home in the countryside comes in at £270,408, while coastal locations command an even higher average house price £273,092 - with both sitting well above the UK average of £268,652.

By comparison, the average city house price across the 20 locations analysed by Regency Living came in at £223,543, making city living significantly more affordable but, according to the data, less likely to deliver the same level of happiness.

There are, however, exceptions for those seeking a happier lifestyle without paying top-tier prices.

Coastal favourites such as Porthmadog (£196,584) and Tynemouth (£197,521) offer some of the most affordable seaside living well below the national average, while in the countryside, locations like Dumfries (£161,234) and Keswick (£164,580) combine lower property prices with some of the highest happiness scores in the study.

While moving to a rural or seaside location is a dream for many, the research highlights a growing affordability gap that makes this lifestyle out of reach for some, particularly retirees looking to maximise their pension and savings pot. This has led to a rise in alternative property choices such as park homes, which offer the benefits of a sought-after setting at a fraction of the cost, freeing up capital and making the happiness premium far more attainable.

Tim Simmons, Sales & Marketing Director at Regency Living, commented:

“For many homebuyers, especially those approaching retirement, quality of life becomes a far bigger consideration than proximity to the office or the hustle of urban life. Our research shows that both the countryside and coast deliver a clear happiness premium, but it’s one that often comes with a higher house price tag.

The good news is that you don’t have to compromise on lifestyle or affordability in later life. Park homes in scenic coastal or rural settings allow buyers to enjoy all the benefits of these locations at a fraction of the cost of traditional bricks-and-mortar housing. They offer comfort, community, and financial freedom, which can make a big difference when it comes to truly enjoying life and improving your happiness.”