North Devon has one of country's most expensive villages

A RECENT survey has shown that Woolacombe is one of the most expensive areas to buy a seaside property in the UK.

Property website Zoopla.co.uk is an internet service which provides free value estimates and sold prices for every UK home.

The site compiled and published the Seaside Property League by comparing average home values and property price changes for all UK coastal resorts from June 1, 2008, to June 1, 2009.

Zoopla.co.uk's latest figures in seaside property show that the average house price in Woolacombe is £286,730, which is more than £70,000 higher than the average house price in Devon which is £212,402.

Woolacombe came fourth in the league beating many other seaside resorts including Sidmouth in South Devon. It is thought Woolacombe did well because of its beautiful family beach, and popularity with surfers and holiday makers.

Jacky Derham, who has a property on the market in Woolacombe, said: "Everyone who has viewed my property in the last 10 months, has not been from the area, and is just looking for a holiday home."

She also believes that property prices could be pushed up in Woolacombe because of the "vast amount" of wealthy people, looking to buy a second home.