HOUSE prices in Girvan have increased by some 21 percent since 2012.

Research from Bank of Scotland shows that the seaside town is one of 10 areas in Scotland to be affected by the increase.

In 2012 the average house price in Girvan was £75,325 and has increased to £91,459 in just five years. Other towns in South Ayrshire including Ayr, Troon, Prestwick and Maybole have not been mentioned in the report.

But Girvan is still one of the least expensive seaside towns in Scotland along with Millport, Irvine and Saltcoats. 

House prices in Skelmorlie increased by 15 percent in just 12 months and 22 percent over the five year period. But on average house prices by the sea have only increased by six per cent.

This is significantly lower than the rise in house prices seen across Scotland as a whole, with a home in any Scottish town costing £172,833 on average, a rise of 12 per cent over five years. 

It is also a stark difference when compared to house prices in seaside towns across the UK, where property prices have jumped by £42,153 over this time. 

Graham Blair, mortgage director at Bank of Scotland, said: “Scotland, with its beautiful coastline, represents fantastic value for money for anyone looking to purchase a seaside property. 

“These locations offer a unique lifestyle with a typically high quality of life and a healthy environment.

“Homebuyers working in Scotland’s major towns and cities no doubt weigh up commute time and the discount they can receive by moving to the seaside.”