Today's pensioner still loves to be beside the sea, according to SmartNewHomes.com, as coastal areas top the hot spots for brand new retirement properties in the UK.

New retirement developments in the coastal counties of Devon, Somerset and Cornwall continue to feature prominently on the new homes website.

Clean, fresh air and access to beaches and green countryside has led to a continued thirst for retiring to the coast and developers are rising to the challenge to meet this need.

Property prices for a one-bedroom apartment can vary considerably between towns, ranging from around £120,000 in Somerset, to around £225,000 in Dorset.

However, retirement developments are not just restricted to one bedroom apartments.

Currently there are a range of developments such as the one in Topsham, Devon, which includes a selection of three bedroom properties, and another in Yeovil, Somerset, which offers' a range of two bedroom properties, with more properties in Exmouth, Devon and Dorset, currently under construction.

David Bexon, managing director of SmartNewHomes.com, said: "It seems that retiring to the coast is still top of the agenda and not just for the over 60s.

"Increasing numbers of people are using the equity in their homes to retire early and are choosing a brand new property.

"However, these retirement locations are no-longer sleepy and down heel. Many coastal towns are now thriving communities with smart shops, sought after restaurants and swish marinas setting the agenda.

"Buyers are active and well-off and are looking forward to a fulfilling and enjoyable retirement."