The ten most expensive areas to buy a home in Dorset

The county is full of unique places to live in, with plenty of stunning beauty spots, scenic villages and commutable areas near larger towns and cities.

The coronavirus pandemic has also caused a rethink about people working from home as people are less willing to live in larger areas in order to commute to offices if their jobs can be effectively carried out at home.

Zoopla has complied a list of the most expensive places to live in Dorset, with the areas with the highest average asking price for a house.

This list was calculated using Zoopla's pricing estimates, which takes both transactions and listing data into account.

According to their research, the average price paid for a house in Dorset is £333,219 and the current average house value is £352,873.

Here are the 10 places across the county where the highest average house price was paid over the last 12 months.

1) Broadstone – Average house price paid £437,359

This Poole suburb is becoming one of the most popular places to move to in Dorset with a big increase in buyer searches.

This could be down to the upmarket and larger houses in the area, making it ideal for families or commuters.

2) Wimborne – Average house price paid £408,666

The market town near Poole has the second highest average house price and is proving a popular place to move to.

3) Swanage – Average house price paid £405,055

Perfect for those who want a quieter life, Swanage is known for its stunning sea views, historic pier, and coastal walks.

Residents can easily travel to nearby attractions including Corfe Castle, Durlston Country Park, and Studland, which all showcase the county’s beauty.

4) Christchurch – Average house price paid £393,658

Tucked away in East Dorset, the coastal town is based near the Dorset and Hampshire border.

Prices have gradually been increasing in the area as homebuyers seek new surroundings.

5) Ferndown – Average house price paid £390,227

The town, north of Bournemouth and Poole, is the largest town in East Dorset with a population of 16,000.

The town is also based near the A31 making it a good area to commute from, but also has its own shopping complex, sports facilities and many popular bars and restaurants.

6) Poole – Average house price paid £369,893

For those looking for a coastal retreat, Poole is a highly desirable location.

Situated on the South Dorset coast, it is popular among those who commute to Bournemouth and wider Dorset and is full of plenty of things to do.

7) Lyme Regis – Average house price paid £367,857

Known as the ‘Pearl of Dorset’, the seafront town showcases the history and beauty of the county.

The scenic town has plenty to see and do, including the recently-restored Town Mill Artisan Quarter, with its working water wheel, Lyme Regis Micro Brewery, art galleries, pottery and restaurants.

8) Verwood – Average house price paid £361,102

Close to the Hampshire border, the town is well linked to the county’s key roads, namely the cross-roads of the B3081 and the B3072 which connects to the A31 and A338 respectively.

9) Bridport – Average house price paid £339,201

Its town centre is full of unique businesses and independent shops, restaurants, cafes, and its own antiques quarter. Alongside this, residents have been described as “very happy and friendly”, meaning you can easily settle in.

The market town is also minutes away from the Jurassic Coast and the scenic West Bay and harbour with so many shops and kiosks to visit.

Using the A35, motorists can use the road to travel across Dorset to Lyme Regis, Charmouth, Dorchester, and Weymouth or into Devon.

10) Dorchester – Average house price paid £334,351

Dorset’s county town has seen a surge in interest from homebuyers in recent years.

It is easy to see why with Brewery Square, the celebrated history of Thomas Hardy, several listed buildings, thriving independent shops and scenic areas.

It is also well connected with its links to A35, taking motorists across Dorset and beyond.