North Shields sees a property boom, driven by affordable housing and coastal charm, despite mixed local opinions.
Developers and the local council invest in North Shields. Property investors and buyers are noticing this growth. The town is a “property hotspot,” says Rightmove, ranking ninth on their list. Prices rose 6.9% in 2024, while Great Britain saw a more modest 1.4% increase.
North Shields’ average asking price went up from £231,533 in 2023 to £247,479 in 2024. Some properties are listed for just £38,000, which is for a two-bedroom maisonette.
A reporter visited the growing coastal town to gather thoughts on the town’s changes from people who live and work there. Marcello Di Mascio, who owns an ice cream shop near the town’s pretty beach and lives in Cullercoats, was interviewed. He ran an ice cream van for 16 years, and now owns a kiosk.
He thinks people found out it is a nice place. Many people from the south buy property there, which pushes prices upward. It is near both the city and the sea, offering the best of both worlds. The countryside is also close by, and transport links are good, he noted.
The Metro connects North Shields to Newcastle, with a train ride of only ten minutes. Remote work changes things, Di Mascio thinks, as people do not need to be in offices. More diverse people now live there, and he sees more tourists too. The town has become more stylish.
Pauline Thompson visits North Shields frequently and appreciates the relaxing and calm atmosphere. She walks her dog, Betty, there. Mrs. Thompson, who lives in Wallsend, mentioned there has been much investment. It gets very busy when it is warmer.
Over £20 million was invested in the Fish Quay. New bars and restaurants are located there, and many new apartments are also being constructed. Peter Carr likes the area as cruise ships stop nearby, and even tourists visit now. He enjoys the lively Fish Quay at night, stating it changed a lot and became more stylish.
Not everyone believes the town is improving. Thomas Conway works at the Fish Quay and said most businesses have closed. He mentioned a tapas bar closed down, too. Conway said a new walkway was built. However, businesses struggled during construction.
He said people went to Tynemouth instead. He remembers a thriving area three years prior and would rather buy property in the Philippines. The high street has a very different feel because shops are closing, and it looks run-down.
Gurjeet Singh runs a flower shop on the high street and has not seen a property boom. He bought a house in 2008 for £115,000, then sold it in 2019 for the same amount. He has not seen changes with his customers, as most have always lived there. Yet, he likes his hometown’s peace.
Elsie Robinson moved there from Newcastle 12 years ago and thinks the people are friendlier. Michael Turnbull has a different perspective and believes the town is not improving. He sees shop closures and rising drug issues.
Turnbull mentions unemployment and antisocial behavior. There’s a divide between the quay and town center. Pints cost over £5 at the quay, while they’re only £3 on the high street. It needs a cash injection from the government.
Andrew Boast says regeneration is helping the town. Coastal appeal attracts people. The Fish Quay’s change makes it desirable. Buyers want Tynemouth’s benefits at a lower price. It has improved transport and period homes, which boosts demand, he adds.
He warns buyers to be cautious. Consider long-term factors, he suggests, and think about jobs and future growth. Look for locations with lasting potential, as not every town will become like London.