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Aerial photo of Bournemouth Pier

Bournemouth property & area guide

Bournemouth

Bournemouth is a popular seaside town with both visitors and residents. With a seven-mile stretch of golden sand on one side and sprawling countryside on the other, it’s no wonder many people choose to make this area their home.

In this guide, we will look at what it’s like to live in Bournemouth.
 

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

What’s happening to property prices in Bournemouth?

As of Oct 2022, The average price of the following property type is:

Detached house:
£610,172
Semi-detached house:
£290,801
Terraced house:
£318,661
Flats:
£226,579


Existing properties up +14.1% as of Aug 2022 year on year


*Data sourced from the Land Registry https://landregistry.data.gov.uk

A brief history of Bournemouth...

Bournemouth's history traces back to its origins as a heathland frequented by smugglers and fishermen. In 1810, Lewis Tregonwell founded it as a health resort. The town gained prominence as a health retreat after being featured in Augustus Granville’s The Spas of England (1841), which set the stage for a significant transformation. The turning point occurred in 1870 when Bournemouth became a town, coinciding with the advent of the new railway system.

Originally part of Hampshire, a reorganisation in 1974 shifted administrative control to Dorset. Despite this change, Bournemouth maintained autonomy through a unitary authority. In April 2019, this unitary authority merged with Christchurch and Poole, forming the new BCP authority while still being a part of Dorset County. In recent years, Bournemouth has actively pursued city status.

Regeneration in Bournemouth

As mentioned, the introduction of the railway system in 1870 marked a significant turning point in Bournemouth's history. This transportation infrastructure was pivotal in transforming the town from a quaint health resort into an official urban centre. The railway made travel to and from Bournemouth easier, which stimulated economic and social growth.

The accessibility provided by the railway attracted more visitors and residents, leading to increased commercial activity and development. The town's status as an official entity was solidified during this period, driving Bournemouth's expansion as a thriving community connected to the broader region. The addition of the railway system played a crucial role in shaping the town's identity and influencing its trajectory as it transitioned into a more dynamic and interconnected area.

Property in Bournemouth

Bournemouth’s property market is diverse and attracts all kinds of buyers, from first-time homeowners to those seeking their forever home, as well as property investors. The local market appeals to those with different budgets and property ambitions, with everything from studios and modern flats to semi-detached family homes, period detached homes and student housing.

Bournemouth has historically seen significant capital growth and is a great place to consider for living, whether you're a family, couple, single professional, or even a retiree. It has its own charm, especially if you enjoy the seaside lifestyle.

For families, there are good schools and plenty of family-friendly activities like parks and the beach.

Couples and young professionals enjoy Bournemouth's vibrant nightlife and good transport links, with easy access to other parts of the South Coast and major cities like Southampton. If you're a professional, you'll be able to find decent job opportunities in various sectors like finance, IT, and tourism here. 

Furthermore, Bournemouth has excellent amenities, especially for families, as there are shopping centres, healthcare facilities and leisure centres close to the town centre. Retirees also find the milder climate and access to leisure activities appealing.

While Bournemouth is known for its tourism, it also offers a supportive community for residents. The town has educational institutions, and there are many recreational activities for all ages, making it a suitable place for families, students, and those seeking a blend of coastal living and urban buzz. The proximity to transportation links, including the railway, makes it an ideal, convenient location for residents.

Types of property in Bournemouth

Like many seaside locations, Bournemouth includes scores of period properties, including Victorian, Georgian and Edwardian homes. Period homes are among some of the best Bournemouth properties that hit the market, offering character and charm that isn’t as easy to come by in other locations. You’ll spot the popular Victorian properties on our listings due to their pitched roofs, wraparound porches and cylindrical turrets with Gothic influences. If you prefer modern homes over period homes, you’ll still have plenty of options in Bournemouth. Many new developments have popped up in sought-after locations, creating urban enclaves of contemporary flats, townhouses and houses.

View properties for sale in Bournemouth

Explore properties across Bournemouth's residential neighbourhoods

Bournemouth has a variety of neighbourhoods, each with its unique charm and property options. Whether you're searching for a lively seaside location, a peaceful suburban haven, or a family-friendly community, there's something for everyone in this scenic coastal town.

For beachfront homes

  • Sandbanks & Canford Cliffs: Enjoy a touch of luxury living among exclusive beachfront properties. Homes here offer breathtaking sea views and are a stone's throw away from award-winning beaches.
  • Bournemouth Beachfront: Here, you will find contemporary apartments and beach houses, perfect for enjoying the hustle and bustle of the seaside and its iconic pier.

For urban vibes

  • Bournemouth Town Centre: This area has a range of apartments, townhouses, and characterful conversions, offering convenient access to shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
  • Boscombe: This area offers a mix of traditional terraced houses and modern apartments from which you can choose a new home. With trendy bars and cafes within walking distance, Boscombe is ideal for young professionals and those seeking a lively atmosphere.

For suburban tranquility

  • Westbourne: Homes in this area include charming detached and semi-detached houses. Westbourne offers residents a village feel, with good schools and family-friendly amenities.
  • Winton: Spacious family homes on quiet streets are the norm here, perfect for those seeking a peaceful environment conveniently close to local shops and parks.
     

Schools, colleges and universities

Parents will be pleased to hear that Bournemouth has many fantastic schools with an outstanding Ofsted rating. There are also several exceptional private day and boarding schools for boys and girls in and around the area. Some of these are listed below:

For those wishing to continue their education, Bournemouth and Poole College has a good Ofsted rating and offers a wide selection of courses and apprenticeships. Bournemouth is also a university town with two local universities, Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth.

Transport

Bournemouth has a convenient transport network for travelling locally and nationally. Bournemouth has a a well-designed road network for motorists and extensive bus services operated by More Buses and Yellow Buses. Bournemouth Council has also made an effort to improve cyclist routes, allowing for more environmentally friendly travel within the town.

A regular national train service serves the local area, with stations in Lansdowne, Pokesdown, Branksome, Parkstone, and Christchurch. The main Bournemouth station is located in Lansdowne, but all other stations offer regular services to assist working commuters across the town and its suburbs. Last but not least, Bournemouth Airport is home to some well-known airlines, including TUI Airways and Ryanair, which provide national and international flights.

Things to do in Bournemouth

Bournemouth offers locals and visitors plenty to see and do. The number one natural attraction in the warmer months is visiting the beaches. Bournemouth has over seven miles of sand with plenty to experience. This Blue-Flag beach is renowned for its uninterrupted views and cleanliness – perfect for relaxing and families.

If you prefer to explore off the sand, head to Westbourne Urban Village for a pleasant day out. The area is packed with independent businesses that you won’t find on the high street, many selling a selection of unique handmade products. Westbourne also boasts some of the best eateries in the area, serving a selection of delicious cuisines from breakfast to dinner.

For a cultured day out, consider visiting the Russel-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. This enchanting Victorian Manor House is privately owned but open for visitors to marvel at a carefully curated collection of art, statues and antiques.

Naturally, there are many other things to do, including golf at a variety of superb courses, horse riding, numerous sports clubs and facilities, fresh water and sea fishing, and water sports of all sorts, to name but a few. You can find more by visiting the official tourist information site.

Community in Bournemouth

Bournemouth is fortunate to have a strong sense of community spirit, with many organisations and initiatives dedicated to making a positive impact for residents. Here are some examples:

  • BCP Council: has many active projects that aim to improve the lives of residents. You can find an overview of their community initiatives on their website.
  • Help and Kindness: This platform connects volunteers with local projects, improving community engagement and support.
  • CAN 100: Helping communities with funding and support for local initiatives that address social issues. 
  • Parks Foundation: Maintaining and making improvements to Bournemouth parks and green spaces for the benefit of residents' health and well-being.
  • Volunteering Dorset: Connecting individuals with volunteering opportunities across various sectors, promoting community involvement. 
  • Grounded Community: Building inclusive communities and driving positive social change through various initiatives. 
  • SUBU Volunteering: Providing students with opportunities to volunteer and contribute to the Bournemouth community. 
  • Dorset Wildlife Trust: Connecting People with Nature: Promoting healthy connections with the natural world through programs and events, the group passionately promotes community appreciation for the environment. 

By engaging with these groups, locals can contribute their skills, connect with others, and make a difference in their community.

This month's featured properties

Browse this month’s featured properties from the locations we cover below. Every month we feature a selection of properties based on either their character, in-demand location, size or uniqueness. These new properties for sale won’t be on the market for long. Act fast to book your private property viewing to avoid disappointment, or check back next month to find new and exciting listings from across the region.

If you would like to discuss buying or selling a property in Bournemouth, contact our friendly team for a chat.
 

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More information

Click the links below to discover more about Hearnes and our range of property services. From property valuations to meeting the team and reading recent reviews, you can find everything you need to know below.

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Search for your next property

Search for your next property

Please view our current listings. Alternatively, get in touch if you don’t see any listings that match your criteria. We provide expert guidance to support your property search.

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What's your property worth?

What's your property worth?

Don’t hesitate to contact Hearnes for more information on how we will accurately value your property. Our team are on hand to fully explain our property valuation service so you know exactly what to expect.

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Marketing your property

Marketing your property

Do you have a question about how we’ll market and sell your property? Read on for answers to all your queries about our comprehensive service for sellers today. We guarantee 100% clarity from the outset.

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Latest info

Latest info

We write regular posts to share information on the world of property. Many of our posts provide real-time insights into local property trends. Take a look to find out more.

Photo of Poole beach huts

Our reviews

Our reviews

Here at Hearnes, we have many happy clients. Read some of our reviews to see how we have helped buyers and sellers just like you.

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View our branches

View our branches

We have five branches, each dedicated to helping buyers and sellers in their local area. Find information, including contact details, for each of our branches here.

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Meet our team

Meet our team

Each of our branches has a dedicated and professional team ready to help buyers and sellers in their local area. Find out more about each of our team members here.

Aerial photo of Blue Lagoon, Lilliput, Poole

Where service counts

Where service counts

Here at Hearnes, we are a people business operating within the property sector. We are all about service and going the extra mile to ensure our clients get the home they want as smoothly as possible.

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Contact us

Contact us

We're always happy to help. Whether you are looking to sell your home, buy a new one, or just want to chat with someone about how we can help with a stage in the process, get in touch, and we'll see what we can do!

Aerial photo of Wimborne Minister

Search for your next property

Search for your next property

Please view our current listings. Alternatively, get in touch if you don’t see any listings that match your criteria. We provide expert guidance to support your property search.

Photo of a river

What's your property worth?

What's your property worth?

Don’t hesitate to contact Hearnes for more information on how we will accurately value your property. Our team are on hand to fully explain our property valuation service so you know exactly what to expect.

Aerial photo of Badbury Rings

Marketing your property

Marketing your property

Do you have a question about how we’ll market and sell your property? Read on for answers to all your queries about our comprehensive service for sellers today. We guarantee 100% clarity from the outset.

Photo of a bench overlooking a river

Latest info

Latest info

We write regular posts to share information on the world of property. Many of our posts provide real-time insights into local property trends. Take a look to find out more.

Photo of Poole beach huts

Our reviews

Our reviews

Here at Hearnes, we have many happy clients. Read some of our reviews to see how we have helped buyers and sellers just like you.

Photo of a woodland walk

View our branches

View our branches

We have five branches, each dedicated to helping buyers and sellers in their local area. Find information, including contact details, for each of our branches here.

Photo of a country walk

Meet our team

Meet our team

Each of our branches has a dedicated and professional team ready to help buyers and sellers in their local area. Find out more about each of our team members here.

Aerial photo of Blue Lagoon, Lilliput, Poole

Where service counts

Where service counts

Here at Hearnes, we are a people business operating within the property sector. We are all about service and going the extra mile to ensure our clients get the home they want as smoothly as possible.

Photo showing an anchor in front of a building

Contact us

Contact us

We're always happy to help. Whether you are looking to sell your home, buy a new one, or just want to chat with someone about how we can help with a stage in the process, get in touch, and we'll see what we can do!