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Property investment stats for Swanage, South West

A complete guide to property investment in Swanage.

Last updated: 18 September 2025

Investment summary

Swanage stands out for its coastal charm and a property market that leans heavily towards older residents, with the population aged 60+ sitting in the 99th percentile compared to the rest of Britain. The market here is relatively stable in terms of owner-occupation and private rentals, both hovering above the national midpoint. The average rental yield is 3.2%, while the median price per square foot is £406 per sq ft, suggesting a market where returns are modest and property values are relatively high for the region.

Recent capital growth has been mixed, with a 1-year change of -11.1% but a 3-year growth of 4.8% (annualised at 1.6%), hinting at short-term volatility but a steadier long-term trend. Liquidity is moderate, with properties spending an average of 101 days on the market and annual sales at 155. Affordability is a mixed bag: the price-to-income ratio stands at 7.1, while the rent-to-income ratio is 23.3%.

Image of Swanage, South West

Key investment stats for Swanage

Median price per sq ft

£406 / sq ft

Average rental yield

3.2%

Capital growth (1y)

-11.1%

Sales in past year

155

* Property stats calculated for last full calendar year (2024).

Live property stats in Swanage

Live prices in Swanage, South West

* Extreme prices clipped for legibility

Properties for sale

Median price

£410,000

25% of properties below...

£288,712

75% of properties below...

£651,212

Most expensive property

£5,250,000

Live listings

332

Median days on market

101

Should you invest in Swanage?

Opportunities

  • The high proportion of older residents and single occupier households could support demand for downsizer homes and retirement-friendly properties.
  • Modest long-term capital growth, as seen in the 3-year growth of 4.8%, may appeal to investors seeking stability over quick wins.
  • Discounts are available, with the median achieved price coming in £14,150 (the typical achieved discount) below asking, giving buyers some negotiating power.

Risks

  • The one-year capital growth of -11.1% signals recent price volatility, which could unsettle short-term investors.
  • Rental yields are relatively low at 3.2%, and even the top postcode district only achieves 2.9%, limiting income potential.
  • The very small proportion of young adults and families (in the 6th and 4th percentiles, respectively) could constrain future demand for family homes or student lets.

Outlook

Short-term investors may want to tread carefully, given the recent capital growth of -11.1% and only modest rental yields. However, those with a longer view might find comfort in the three-year annualised growth of 1.6%, which suggests some underlying resilience.

The market is likely to remain driven by older buyers and retirees, with little sign of a shift towards younger demographics. Liquidity should hold steady, with properties typically taking 101 days to sell and discounts to asking price persisting. Investors should expect slow and steady progress rather than dramatic gains in Swanage's property market.

Live properties in Swanage

Investment properties in Swanage, South West

2 bedroom apartment for sale
66% below median price

£130,000 - Offers Over

2 bedroom apartment for sale

Institute Road, Swanage

Properties needing refurbishment in Swanage, South West
Needs Refurb
1 bedroom ground floor flat for sale
On market for 177 days

£179,950

1 bedroom ground floor flat for sale

Burlington Road, Swanage, Dorset, B...

Slow to sell properties in Swanage, South West
Slow to Sell
2 bedroom retirement property for sale
Reduced by 25%

£180,000

2 bedroom retirement property for sale

St Aldhems Court, De Moulham Road, ...

Big price drop properties in Swanage, South West
Big Price Drop
5 bedroom detached house for sale
1,600 sq ft

£850,000 - Guide Price

5 bedroom detached house for sale

Rabling Road, Swanage

Properties with planning granted in Swanage, South West
Planning Granted
3 bedroom park home for sale
52% below median price

£95,000

3 bedroom park home for sale

Swanage Bay View, Swanage

Low price-per-sq-ft properties in Swanage, South West
Low Price per Sq Ft

Achieved vs asking prices

Key takeaway: Buyer's market

Asking prices are aspirational; achieved prices consistently lower.

Headline stats

• Median discount: £14,150

• 1 in 4 properties sell at > £20,000 below asking

• 1 in 10 properties sell at > £26,570 below asking

In percentage terms:

• Median discount of 3.1%

• 25% of properties discounted by > 5.8%

• 10% of properties discounted by > 7.1%

Best places to invest in Swanage

Top postcodes for rental yield and (annualised) capital growth

Rank
Postcode
Yield
Capital growth
Median £/sq ft
1BH192.9%1.5%£408 / sq ft

Data sources

GeoGlider calculates property investment stats by blending official and proprietary datasets. Here's a quick overview of key sources and how we use them:

  • HM Land Registry: Property transaction and sold-price records for England & Wales used to calculate historical capital growth, price levels and comparables.

  • Office for National Statistics (ONS): Demographic and economic indicators for the UK, including Census 2021, supporting area profiling and market context.

  • Ordnance Survey: Authoritative UK geospatial data powering accurate boundaries, roads and terrain for mapping and spatial analysis.

  • GeoProp: Our proprietary AI pipeline that processes millions of property listings to extract rich features and live market signals.

  • Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities: Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) scores and property floor areas.

  • HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC): Household income and employment data to understand local affordability and economic conditions.

Data is updated continuously, matched across sources and rigorously validated.