One of the UK's cheapest seaside towns where houses cost £40k

is home to one of the UK's cheapest seaside towns, with homes selling for as little as £40,000. Saltcoats is a town on the west coast of North Ayrshire that boasts surprisingly low house prices considering its stunning natural environment. The town, which gets its name from a history steeped in salt panning, since the 1880s when it launched a railway station catering to those seeking seaside respite during the Glasgow Fair.

It's home to a cinema, restaurant, bowling alley, cosy coffee shops and an impressive stretch of Victorian sandstone houses. Saltcoats also offers stunning views of the iconic Ailsa Craig and the Firth of the Clyde. Despite all it has to offer, the seaside town is one of the cheapest in Britain. A study by Rightmove evaluating revealed Saltcoats as the most economical spot for homebuyers, with prices up to 14 times cheaper than elsewhere.

Homes with sea views have fetched prices as modest as £140,000, while properties a mere stone's throw from the sandy beach have sold for less than £40,000, averaging out at about £114,000.

Residents have suggested that the property prices reflect a decline in the town. Local Jim Guthrie, 70, told : "When you look at the view, it's lovely but the whole area is pretty poor."

Tracey Moore, 39, painted a more positive picture of life in Saltcoats. Her family previously lived in nearby Irvine, but they wanted for a life by the sea - and Saltcoats emerged as the .

She told the outlet: "We have always wanted to live by the sea as many people do, we also wanted a period property and when this came up it ticked all the boxes and was within our budget.

"It's honestly been our best decision moving here, the kids adore it and getting to step outside and you're on the beach it really is our dream. We're a central location for great coffee shops, bowling, cinema, places to eat and fabulous play parks.

"The views across to Arran money couldn't buy. And some of the along the beach, So it really worked in our favour as it meant it was within our budget."

Lesley Blair, 66, echoed this sentiment: "We have a lovely beach and it's a lovely place to walk along and meet people and we have great rail links. There's a lot to love about Saltocats."

Lisa Murphy, 49, added: "It's a great place to live, especially if you're lucky enough to have a property on the beach. I suppose it's like anywhere, it has its good bits and bad bits, but we love it."