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The most affordable places to buy a seaside property in the UK have been uncovered. The Zoopla study has compiled which coastal areas are most affordable based on prices at the time based on
an "affordability ratio". This ratio is calculated by determining how many times a local couple’s joint annual salary goes into the price of an average local house. And with the
average couple in the UK spending about 3.80 times their joint salary to buy a home outright and an ongoing cost of living crisis, prospective buyers should be looking to multiple places if
they want to live near the sea for less. From Cumbria to Lancashire in the North West to small gems in the North East, there are options that will suit anyone looking for a seaside escape.
Coming at number eight on the list, South Shields is a traditional seaside town known for its friendly atmosphere and delicious fish and chips. From sprawling sand beaches to hidden coves
and limestone cliffs, South Shields offers a quiet and quaint life with an easy commute to Newcastle. With South Shields couples earning about £64,050 jointly, prospective buyers can expect
to spend 1.9 times this amount for an average home cost of £121,730. (Image: Getty ) The classic port town of Sunderland, once the shipbuilding capital of the world, offers a buzzing city
lifestyle amid a beautiful coastal backdrop. Its array of museums, theatres, galleries, waterfront restaurants, and nightlife make it an appealing option for individuals looking for a bit
more excitement, but without the hassle (and prices) of a major city. The average Sunderland couple earns £62,171 in a year, while the average house here costs £117,870, meaning the
affordability ratio is about 1.90. (Image: Getty ) Located just five miles from the edge of the Lake District, Whitehaven boasts wonderful wildlife and natural scenery, from seabirds to
wildflowers to breathtaking views. With Georgian buildings lining the streets and a proud shipping and mining heritage under its belt, the town also offers a modern harbour with lovely
eateries and cosy pubs to enjoy the ships rolling in. Local couples will spend 1.84 times their joint salary on a home in Whitehaven with their joint average earnings of £72,398, as
properties cost roughly £133,145. (Image: Getty ) Only 10 miles north of Blackpool sits Fleetwood, a lovely coastal town with a distinctive Victorian seaside feel. Boasting colourful beach
huts, seafront gardens, and an esplanade that winds through sand dunes on Marine Beach to the estuary of the River Wyre, it's also close to breathtaking natural scenes such as Beacon
Fell and The Lake District. It's also conveniently only 1.5 hours away from central Manchester. The average couple in Fleetwood earns £72,398 while the average home costs £133,145,
meaning it would cost about 1.84 times of this joint salary to buy a house. (Image: Getty )