I've lived close to the coast most of my life and appreciate all it offers - sea air, sailing, quirky cafes and long walks with the dog on a summer's evening.
Buyers pay a premium for the best coastal locations
Experience shows that buyers will pay top prices for properties within our best coastal villages and towns.
But this will only be achieved if your property is promoted to a wide audience of engaged property buyers through good quality and imaginative marketing.
Kent and East Sussex are blessed with a truly fabulous coastline and many of our towns and villages are close to the coast and offer a salty sea-air lifestyle!
Imagine an evening stroll along a seafront promenade or running dogs along miles of sandy beach whilst listening to the crash of the waves. This is what so many of our buyers are looking for. More so than ever given the popularity in home and hybrid working by a significant proportion of professionals.
Our coastal towns and villages offer a rich variety of homes; weatherboarded cottages, converted railway carriages, balcony apartments, seaside bungalows or cool and contemporary modern spaces designed by acclaimed architects.
And you don’t always need a sea view to know you’re living by the seaside. Just smell the sea air from an even wider selection of homes within walking distance of the seafronts, cliff tops and beaches.
Our valuers are experienced and knowledgeable, they know about premium prices and the marketing required to maximise prices for special locations. Sometimes a sea view can add up to 40% to the price of an equivalent home that does not have this benefit.
But how do you market your home to its best advantage?
It’s not just about the sea view. Nor is it enough to write a standard property description and trust that Rightmove will do the rest.
We are keen to promote the wider benefits of particular coastal locations and all of the benefits that go with a sea-air lifestyle.
The curious drama of the Dungeness landscape, kite surfing at Camber, the Edwardian splendour of Esplanades and promenades at Folkestone and Sandgate, the cliff top walks of Capel-le-Ferne. Eating and drinking on the Folkestone Harbour Arm, sailing at Littlestone, an ice cream at Hythe or fairground fun at Dymchurch, the tennis club and fishmongers at Rye and the Red Pig at Pett Level.
Our dedicated team of estate agents boast immense expertise in this sector. Greg Wood alone spent 8 years of his career based in Folkestone and sold property from Rye to Ramsgate in that time with our other valuers having similar experience.
We know our coastal towns and villages well and can’t help but pass on our enthusiasm when discussing homes we are selling with prospective buyers.
How much could your property sell for?
Some recent case studies
Our marketing which was tailored to the individual locations and the special features of each of these very individual properties helped drive demand and achieve top sale prices
Quirky converted railway carriage on Dungeness Estate, East Sussex
This very special property required a great deal of experience and sensitivity. Our vendor was delighted when the successful buyer exchanged contracts in just three weeks.
Glorious views in Hythe, Kent for refurbishment
This house offered a huge amount of potential and perched just above the Hythe coastline it commanded fabulous sea views – a potentially explosive combination that almost broke the internet!
Stunning bungalow close to the beach in Dymchuch, Kent
It is rare to be asked to market a bungalow with an annexe that has been refurbished to such an exceptional standard. Our marketing reflected this.
Which coastal towns and villages do we sell property in?
We sell property all along the coast from Winchelsea just to the west of Rye in East Sussex to St. Margarets a little north of Dover in Kent.
East Sussex
Fairlight
Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the village of Fairlight lies up on the cliffs to the east of Hastings. Within a short walk is Hastings Country Park with 500 acres of cliff walks, unspoiled wooded countryside and magnificent coastal views.
Winchelsea
Though not directly on the coast, this beautiful hilltop town is rich in characterful houses, with three medieval gates, one of the best medieval church buildings in Sussex, a museum, primary school, pub, shop and beautiful views of the sea and open country on all sides.
Winchelsea Beach
A small community with good local facilities in a delightful coastal location to the south of the historic Winchelsea village inland. After a bracing walk on the peaceful shingle beach, we can thoroughly recommend breakfast at the WB Café or The Red Pig.
Rye Harbour
Rye Harbour is a village a couple of miles away from Rye and home to a small fishing fleet and has moorings for private yachts as well as a long-established lifeboat station. The village has a general store as well as cafes and two pubs. The Rye Harbour Nature Reserve providing fascinating walks along the beach, across fields and large areas of shingle.
Rye
With its cobbled streets and medieval buildings, Rye has fabulous character and history. There’s a great choice of restaurants and pubs, and even its own cinema, The Kino, situated in a converted Victorian school. The Rye Tennis Club with its grass courts is popular and the beautiful beach at Camber and Rye Golf Club are on your doorstep.
Camber
Nestled behind the golden sand dunes of Camber Sands, the small village of Camber is home to stunning beaches. Visit throughout the year for scenic walks, there’s nothing like a bracing walk on the beach in December or in the summer treat yourself to an ice-cream at the Kit Kate Cafe on the sands. The Gallivant restaurant is popular too.
Jurys Gap
Located at the eastern end of Camber Sands, Jury’s Gap is the home for the adventurous. Kitesurfers, windsurfers, and kite buggy fans can all find a home on this expansive beach, although remember to mind the groynes! Nearby Rye has plenty of restaurants to aid your recovery.
Kent
Dungeness
Dungeness is home to some of the most diverse flora and fauna in Britain, with national and international conservation agencies recognising its importance. Take a tour at the Nuclear Power Station, take your binoculars to the RSPB reserve, or treat yourself to fresh fish and chips at The Pilot.
Lydd-on-Sea
Historians might find something to pique their interest in Lydd-on-Sea. Home to Lade Fort, part of a series of batteries built to repel Napoleon’s armies, much of the fortifications remain today. Enjoy fish and chips at The Varne Fish Bar after a refreshing stroll along the seafront.
Greatstone
Home to the eponymous Greatstone Lakes, two large gravel pits that had been excavated and returned to nature, Greatstone is popular with walkers, bird watchers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Visit the intimidating Sound Mirrors, large concrete constructs used to detect wartime aircraft, then enjoy dinner at The Jolly Fisherman, Demetrios, or the Greatstone Fishbar.
Littlestone
Fans of golf will appreciate a day out on the undulating links of Littlestone Golf Club. Those who prefer a more dog-friendly day out might enjoy the Romney Marsh Visitor Centre and learn more about smuggling history. Treat yourself to fish and chips at The Rod & Line Fish Bar and a stroll along the beach.
St Mary’s Bay
Previously the home of children’s author E. Nesbit, St Mary’s Bay is known for its clean sandy beach. With easy access to the rest of the coast via the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, enjoy a pint at the Bailiffs Sergeant pub or a full English breakfast at The Bay Café.
Dymchurch
A traditional seaside town, Dymchurch is home to the Dymchurch Amusement Park which proves to be a summer favourite. Refresh yourself with a stop at Mary’s Tea Room and then visit Martello Tower No.24, a small Napoleonic fort restored to former glory.
Hythe
Home to the Romney, Dymchurch and Hythe Railway, Hythe is a popular town on the Kent coast. Walk or row along the Royal Military Canal, stroll along the promenade, or play a round at Sene Valley Golf Clubs or a set or two at Hythe Tennis Club – both have a great social side. The high street is full of independent shops and plenty of eateries including; The Kings Head, The Nutmeg Café, and The White Hart Bar.
Sandgate
Located on the eastern edge of Folkestone, Sandgate is a small village with a big reputation. Full of beautiful buildings and an independent high street, Enbrook park and the beach offer just as much to delight the eyes. Have a bite to eat at Sandgate Vaults, Loaf, The Ship or The Little Fish Shop.
Folkestone
With much regeneration over recent years, Folkestone is a cultural hub for Kent. The cobblestones of the Creative Quarter are home to galleries and cafes, and the new Harbour Arm plays host to an incredible range of culinary outlets. The Leas Cliff Hall offers stunning views over the channel, numerous concerts throughout the year and an award-winning Coastal Park below.
Capel-Le-Ferne
Perched on top of the White Cliffs, Capel-le-Ferne is home to fine bracing walks and the Battle of Britain memorial. Dedicated to the aircrew of the Battle of Britain, a replica Spitfire and Hurricane sit alongside the memorial wall. A weekly farmer’s market offers local produce and the town of Dover is a mere few minutes away.
Dover
Tourists are offered much in Dover, including walks along the White Cliffs, spotting wildlife at Samphire Hoe, and soaking up history at Dover Castle. Fresh seafood is always in good supply at Cullins Yard, Wheeler’s Fish & Chips, and The Dover Patrol amongst others.
St Margaret’s Bay
Tucked below the white cliffs, St Margaret’s Bay is surrounded by spectacular views. Spend a morning walking around The Pines Garden, visit the South Foreland Lighthouse (a Victorian construct home to the first electric light), then stop for tea at Mrs Knott’s Tea Room. For a more substantial meal visit The Coastguard on the beach.
What type of properties do we sell
We sell a wide range of properties from two-bed cottages to retirement bungalows to properties requiring complete refurbishment to unique homes designed by leading architects.
Family homes
In truth, most homes we sell are 'standard' family homes - typically 3 to 5 bedrooms between £300,000 and £750,000. But being near the coast makes them special.
Contemporary apartments
These stunning apartments designed by local architects Hollaway are typical of a new style of coastal homes popular with 'remote' workers, those wanting to retire to the seaside and as second or holiday homes.
Bungalows
If we had a pound for every time we've heard "We'd love to move to a bungalow by the sea"! Our marketing makes sure your property is promoted to huge numbers of eager property hunters over a wide geographical area.
Architect designed homes
Interest in coastal living has grown dramatically in recent years and many owners and developers have commissioned acclaimed architects (Clague Architects in this case) to design new bespoke homes. Often these are replacement properties and benefit from good-sized gardens.
For refurbishment or redevelopment
With modern coastal homes in short supply and building plots even harder to find, the demand for properties in need of refurbishment or a complete rebuild is especially strong. This is an area where our planning consultants may be able to add significant value to your sale.
21st century property marketing guarantees your property massive exposure
Property marketing has changed beyond all recognition in recent years. We identified that this would happen many years ago and have invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in our digital marketing strategy using advanced tools from Hubspot, Google, Facebook, Reapit, Sprift and Agorapulse.
A huge database of active buyers
In a typical month over 500 new property buyers from all over the UK contact us looking for property to buy. There is a heavy bias from London buyers for whom property in our 'patch' offers excellent value for money.
Unique Early Bird Email Alerts - Huge Marketing Reach
Each day at 3:30 pm we send an email every single active property buyer registered in our digital marketing systems letting them know of new property launches. Currently that's 6,171 potential buyers. Combined with Rightmove, OnTheMarket, Facebook and Instagram these guarantee your property huge marketing reach.
Coastal properties are selling like hot cakes!
If you are looking to buy make sure you don't miss out - sign up for our Early Bird email alerts
The right people to sell your property
Most of our team have been selling property and looking after homeowners like you for 10 (or even 20) years and more
Masses of experience
Our dedicated team of estate agents, some of whom are home-based near the coast, have bags of experience.
We sell hundreds of houses like yours every year
We sell as many houses in a month as some small agents sell in a year. A big part of this is making sure things go smoothly once you accept an offer - we'll be there every step of the way to exchange and completion.
I have not had to chase at any point
It is just so nice to have a company that actually do what they should do without you having to ask them.
You’re exceptional
We are thankful to everyone we have had the pleasure of dealing with at Hobbs Parker.
Thank you Sam for your help, kindness, humour and reassurance.
Re-assuring and professional manner
Simon Godfrey's re-assuring and professional manner guided us safely through the sale.
The over-riding impression of Hobbs Parker was one of quiet and calm professionalism but most important they were 100% on our side.
We could talk to them as often as required.
Their friendly and efficient style made our move as smooth as possible.
We would recommend Hobbs Parker to anyone.
Fantastic personal service and unrivalled local knowledge
Prompt feedback from viewings and introduction of qualified buyers.
I can’t recommend Hobbs Parker highly enough!
Proud to have a Hobbs Parker sold sign
Your assistance, patience and professional advice were truly appreciated and valued.
One thing Mike and I thought about when on holiday was that we’d be very happy and proud to have a Hobbs Parker SOLD sign out front.
So, please do go ahead and arrange.
Find out what your property would sell for
We can also discuss how best to market your property to make the post of all it has to offer our buyers wanting to move to the coast
Useful links
Hollaway Studio – Architects, Hythe
Clague Architects – Canterbury
The Best Beaches in Kent and East Sussex – Blog Post
Recommended Golf Course in Kent and East Sussex – Blog Post