House Prices in Bournemouth: Yearly, Area and Type Insights
There’s something oddly satisfying about a city that isn’t rushing. Bournemouth’s housing trends have been growing with quiet confidence.
Our House Prices in Bournemouth page translates complex transactional data into a clean, comprehensible summary, ideal for those wanting to understand the current direction of the local market.
House Prices > Bournemouth
How Bournemouth House Prices Have Changed Each Year
Use the figures below to track Bournemouth’s property price changes from 2018 onward.
| Year | Average Price | Transactions |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 (proj.) | £335,900 | 3,674 |
| 2024 | £326,200 | 2,556 |
| 2023 | £328,500 | 2,920 |
| 2022 | £324,600 | 4,019 |
| 2021 | £312,200 | 4,991 |
| 2020 | £294,200 | 3,393 |
| 2019 | £278,000 | 3,754 |
| 2018 | £274,000 | 4,082 |
Year-on-Year Property Prices in Bournemouth: Setting Off Alarm Bells?
The surface numbers might tempt would-be buyers into thinking Bournemouth is enjoying a gently upward climb, but tug just a little at the threads and the picture gets noticeably messier. Average house prices have indeed crept upwards, with only the faintest of dips, but the story doesn’t end there. Cast an eye at transaction figures and things start to look a bit wobbly, even a touch storm-tossed compared to some steadier southern towns.
Here’s my critical take:
- A persistent increase in average price sounds reassuring, but the transaction volume is slipping, steadily now, since its post-pandemic surge. Anyone thinking this market is on solid ground should look again: a market can’t stay healthy if the pool of buyers starts to feel more like Boscombe Beach on a rainy Monday.
- The big post-lockdown surge in 2021 now looks distinctly like a blip, not a new normal. What followed was fewer and fewer property transactions, despite climbing prices. Is Bournemouth becoming overpriced for locals, or are outside buyers simply pulling back? Risk of over-enthusiastic pricing looms large.
- With median values clinging on, buyers are walking a narrow, tricky path. Sellers hoping for another price leap could well be in for disappointment. Anyone betting on the Bournemouth market being ‘hotter than a chip fryer at the pier’ might want to hold their chips.
What’s the real danger here? Price tags may be growing, but the appetite for deals is evaporating for some types of property, and supply isn’t what it was even a handful of years ago. For anyone wary of mispricing – or potentially being “left holding the deckchair after the tide goes out” – it’s a smart call to check out How to Avoid Undervaluing Your Home in Bournemouth before swinging for the fences.
Bottom line? Bournemouth’s headline figures mask serious caution signals for both buyers and sellers. If you want to avoid going under with the next swell, keep your wits sharp and your feet dry.
Breakdown of Bournemouth House Prices by Type
Detached
Avg. Property Price: 469,700
Avg. Size of Property
1,221 sq/ft
Avg. Cost Per Sq/ft
£401 sq/ft
Total transactions
3,632 (since 2021)
Semi-detached
Avg. Property Price: 338,200
Avg. Size of Property
959 sq/ft
Avg. Cost Per Sq/ft
£366 sq/ft
Total transactions
1,542 (since 2021)
Terraces
Avg. Property Price: 254,500
Avg. Size of Property
769 sq/ft
Avg. Cost Per Sq/ft
£341 sq/ft
Total transactions
2,125 (since 2021)
Apartments
Avg. Property Price: 228,200
Avg. Size of Property
699 sq/ft
Avg. Cost Per Sq/ft
£336 sq/ft
Total transactions
2,790 (since 2021)
Bournemouth’s housing market whispers tales of change, and the shift is anything but subtle. Prices, for one, have become quietly aspirational. Detached properties sweep in at the higher end of both size and price, nearly untouchable for many, while flats, once seen as the entry point, now increasingly stretch what most can afford. With flats sometimes costing less than a pint and a sandwich each square foot, these smaller dwellings draw budget-conscious buyers, but offer little of the breathing space people crave.
Transaction numbers drift quietly through the years, a reflection of the market’s understated stability. Detached homes, with their sprawling foundations, have witnessed the most change, rising to a rarefied tier. Even so, Bournemouth’s suburban streets don’t hum with the feverish trading of decades past. Instead, the pace is steady, echoing the gentle thrum of waves against the East Cliff on a cool spring morning.
- Flats pull in the highest activity among city dwellers, with thousands of transactions since 2021, a silent indicator of the demand for low-maintenance, central living. Their compact footprint - typically near 700 sq/ft - leaves plenty yearning for more space.
- Semi-detached homes still feature heavily in the Bournemouth imagination. They offer a modest increase in space for a middle-of-the-road price, the compromise many families once saw as their springboard to traditional suburban living.
- Terraced houses, often nestled in Bournemouth’s older quarters, are pricing at levels that might make even seasoned locals nostalgic for the more affordable old days. But their lower square footage and more economical price per square foot keep them stubbornly attractive for younger buyers and up-and-comers.
Yet, as you wander through Boscombe or glance at the clifftop homes above the pier, one thing is perfectly clear: the climb is measured, not reckless. Property prices here are tiptoeing upward - not a sprint, but a steady and occasionally sentimental shuffle, like the Bournemouth Air Festival crowd heading slowly home at sunset. Value hunters, as ever, are forced into compromises, trading square footage for location or condition, and often stretching budgets that once went much further.
If you are trying to unravel what makes some neighbourhoods so persistently out-of-reach while others remain attainable, see the smartest streets to buy property in Bournemouth this year.
So, what should we remember?
- Detached and semi-detached homes still offer the most generous space, but require ambitious budgets.
- Flats keep the market moving, especially for city-based buyers, but those seeking airier living may feel a little squeezed.
- Terraced homes continue to be the wildcards: affordable on the surface, yet imbued with all the bittersweet limitations of compact living.
- The market’s pace suggests stability rather than frenzy. For buyers, patience, realism, and a willingness to adjust your wishlist have never mattered more.
Bournemouth Districts and What Homes Typically Cost
| District | Avg Price (£) | Transactions |
|---|---|---|
| BH1 | £230,100 | 3,627 |
| BH2 | £230,200 | 2,089 |
| BH3 | £443,700 | 622 |
| BH4 | £305,400 | 1,965 |
| BH5 | £274,700 | 1,917 |
| BH6 | £390,200 | 3,181 |
| BH7 | £352,400 | 1,373 |
| BH8 | £304,200 | 3,242 |
| BH9 | £313,800 | 3,446 |
| BH10 | £315,900 | 2,261 |
| BH11 | £299,900 | 2,223 |
Bournemouth’s property prices land all over the map, defined by postcode quirks, demand hotspots and the town’s distinctive charms. You will not find a neat, tidy middle – prices swing sharply between compact city centre stock and the coastal avenues of Boscombe East and Talbot Woods.
Entry pricing is southern coastal, not northern bargain. The central BH1 and BH2 districts cluster just above £230,000. These neighbourhoods carry noticeably high transaction counts. Flats dominate, pulled along by solid investor interest and the constant churn of first-time buyers and renters. We often see swift turnover and lively foot traffic here. For those priced out of leafier ends, these central postcodes function as a practical harbour – close to amenities, cheaper, not short on character.
Prestige carries a weighty premium. Just shifting west, BH3 soars, homes hovering above £440,000 – almost double the core. Sale numbers drop, as does mainstream accessibility. This is Bournemouth’s leafy heart, where larger detached homes line tranquil streets and traditional demand remains robust. At M0VE, we have observed family-sized properties here sell with little compromise made on value. Want more detail on pricing strategy? Read The Homeowner’s Guide to Pricing Property in Bournemouth.
Meanwhile, the eastern BH6 district commands robust four-hundred-thousand-plus averages, its coastal location and wider homes shaping strong, consistent demand. Stepping further north and west, prices moderate. BH8 to BH11, spanning Southbourne to Kinson, fill the spectrum from just under £300,000 to just below £316,000. These are classic middle-market suburbs – family territory, diverse housing stock, and an eclectic blend of pace and peace. Alongside, transaction counts here stay lively and resilient, marking these spots as Bournemouth’s solid performers.
So, what should we remember?
-
Affordable, high-churn zones:
- BH1 and BH2 suit those prioritising price, rental yields, and centrality. Frequent movement shapes their dynamic feel.
-
Prestige districts command steep premiums:
- BH3 and BH6 are Bournemouth’s pricier corners, reflecting the draw of space, tranquillity, and coastal presence.
-
Suburban and northern edges offer versatility:
- BH4, BH5, BH7, BH8, BH9, BH10, and BH11 deliver varied family options with balanced pricing and dense sale activity. For many, these are practical picks if you are seeking calm, garden space, or stronger community links away from the bustle.
The takeaway is simple. District defines both price and pace in Bournemouth. Seek prestige by the pines, or lean into the energetic, affordable core – each pocket comes with its own trade-offs and temptations. For buyers, subtle differences between postcodes can mean the difference between stretching the budget and bagging a smart-value family home.
Please keep in mind, these averages show only price points and transaction totals for each district.
Size of properties and cost per square foot are not part of the analysis, so some patterns may not be fully reflected. For extra detail on Bournemouth’s districts, head over to our blog. Thank you.
How Do Bournemouth House Prices Compare Locally?
| City | Avg Price (£) | Transactions |
|---|---|---|
| Poole | £339,400 | 14,450 |
| Ferndown | £392,400 | 2,539 |
| Christchurch | £407,700 | 5,121 |
| Broadstone | £475,200 | 1,181 |
| Wimborne | £408,700 | 3,618 |
| Ringwood | £428,000 | 1,893 |
| New Milton | £375,300 | 2,562 |
| Verwood | £390,500 | 1,640 |
| Swanage | £399,100 | 1,231 |
| Wareham | £371,900 | 1,228 |
House Prices: Bournemouth Compared With Its Neighbours
Bournemouth’s property market often feels as unpredictable as the weather on Boscombe Pier. Compared to its coastal cousins and leafy neighbours, a few patterns jump out – and if you’re eyeing a move, these differences matter.
The spotlight here falls squarely on pricing and volume. While some nearby hotspots command eye-watering figures, Bournemouth typically lands in the middle ground for both price and activity. That’s a sweet spot for many buyers, but there’s more to unpack.
- Premium pockets – Set your sights on Broadstone or Ringwood and you’ll face hefty price tags. These locations consistently rank at the top for average values, making them a favourite for buyers seeking exclusivity, good schools, or a quiet, upmarket pace.
- Volume vs exclusivity – Places like Poole and Christchurch see a high number of transactions, sometimes outpacing other, more expensive areas. Why? These towns offer variety – from plush seafront homes to modest flats. Families and retirees alike flock here for the lifestyle perks and broad choice in housing stock.
- Affordable alternatives – If your budget feels stretched to breaking point in central Bournemouth, neighbouring towns like New Milton or Wareham offer more accessible average prices. They’re a magnet for those wanting green edges or quieter streets, as well as better bang for their buck. It’s slower living, but still close enough if you crave the Bournemouth buzz.
- Steady markets – Smaller, less transitory towns such as Verwood and Wimborne see notably lower transaction levels, but prices remain firm. These places attract settled locals, not weekenders – the sort of areas where word travels fast and “For Sale” signs rarely last long.
With that said, house hunting in this pocket of Dorset is rarely plain sailing. We’ve spotted plenty of buyers setting their sights on the coast, only to find that timing is everything – buying in Bournemouth today can feel a bit like grabbing the last deckchair on a sunny beach. If you want a home in this area, you’ll need to paddle fast and have your deposit ready.
What can we conclude?
- Bournemouth sits right between affordability and aspiration – a practical choice but not the cheapest, nor the most sharply priced in the area.
- Neighbouring towns offer an intriguing mix – Broadstone and Ringwood for prestige, Poole and Christchurch for energy, and places like New Milton for relative value.
- Pace matters: Transaction volumes are a clear signal – lively markets mean choice, while quieter ones bring stability (and sometimes less competition).
- For buyers, the lesson is clear – know your priorities, be prepared for surprises, and don’t wait too long if a dream home appears. Around Bournemouth, the market rarely stands still for long.
As locals like to say, “Move quickly, or you’ll miss your wave.” We’re here to help you catch it.
Please note, these comparisons focus just on average price points and transaction activity.
Trends could appear less clear without adjusting for size or square foot price. For detailed comparisons, head to our blog.
What’s Really Happening in Bournemouth
The difference between smart buying and overpaying in Bournemouth is often just a street or two. These crisp articles break it down beautifully.
Data You Can Trust
Each estimate is crafted using corrected figures drawn from real sales and energy reports. You get more truth, less padding. Read more about our method