ARTICLE

Buying in Dorset

Dorset is part of the historic Jurassic Coast which stretches 95 miles from East Devon to Dorset, with rocks dating back over 185 million years. It became Britain's first natural World Heritage Site. This status, tied in with its fine sandy beaches, great coastal walks and only a two hour train journey from London, have meant that Dorset has become a playground for the super rich. This is nowhere more apparent than on the exclusive peninsular of Sandbanks in Poole harbour.

Buying in Dorset

The buyers
Celia and Nick Sawyer and their two kids Jack and Lily have always dreamed of living in a house right on the beach. After successfully climbing the property ladder, they are now ready to reach their ultimate goal, to live on the beach in the exclusive peninsular of Sandbanks.

Celia is a successful interior designer and Nick works as a director of photography in the film business. They want to move from their current home in Poole harbour because it's on very busy road. For this move they have a budget of up to £5 million. They know that property in Sandbanks is very expensive, and are aware that houses of this kind rarely come on the market, so they are also keen to look outside the sandbanks peninsular, but for this they have a budget of 2 million. Complicated but exciting!

Buying on the Dorset Coast
Properties on the waterfront in Dorset can fetch astronomical prices as generally there is a coastal road between the house and the water. Of the150 houses that have waterfront access, 50 of which are on the Sandbanks, which explains why they can fetch a whopping 200% more that houses in other parts of Dorset. For a fully modernised, five bed family home in Sandbanks, with garden, twin berth marina, snooker room and gym, prices can start at around £7 million.

Read on for Alistair's tips on buying in Dorset and our essential contact list...

Alistair's tips for buying in the area

  • If you want to take a punt then I would strongly recommend the area of Weymouth, A huge amount of money is being invested in the area as it is to be the location for the 2012 Olympic sailing event.

  • If you are considering buying a property with a sea view then you will have to be prepared to pay an extra 40%.

  • If you are thinking of buying a property on the seafront in Sandbanks you will not only have to pay central London prices, but also you will need to have a lot of time and patience on your hands, as there are only 50 properties there - 20 of which are in trust, and the remaining 30 come on the market very rarely. Only 15 of these have direct access to Sandbanks beach.


    • The estate agents we used
    Tailor Made Contact: Robert Dunford Tel: 01202 706 006
    Domvs Contact: Natalie Garrett Tel: 01305 835300
    Savills Tel: 01202 708888

    For a millionaire moment
    Tailor Made Contact: Robert Dunford Tel: 01202 706 006

    Other useful links
    Kite Surfing Tel: 01202 708 283
    Shellbay Restaurant Tel: 01929 450 363
    Brownsea Island Tel: 01202 707744
    Harbour Heights Tel: 01202 707 272
    Lulworth Beach Hotel Tel: 01929 400 404

    With thanks to
    COOL 10 Interiors Tel: 07850 433508 Lulworth Estate

    Related sections: Fantasy Homes By The Sea

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