On the market for $3 million (£2.4m), this pricey pad in the exclusive Sag Harbor area of New York offers a luxurious waterfront retreat for the wealthy. With three bedrooms, the price tag doesn't stretch too far, though the private dock is a big bonus. Nevertheless, there's no need to empty your wallet to afford a characterful coastal home like this if you're willing to look outside of New York.

A great swap at an affordable price, this pretty yellow clapboard cottage on stilts is perched right on the beachfront and enjoys uninterrupted sea views. With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, there's plenty of space for a family and at just $459,500 (£361k), it's a real steal.

Inside, bright colours abound with a nautical theme of sunny yellow and azure blue. The cosy living room flows through to the kitchen and opens out onto a spacious deck, making it a sociable space to relax after a day of swimming and sunbathing. Laid with hardwood floors throughout, there are swathes of windows to maximise the dreamy views.

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This quaint three-bedroom home in Southampton has a whimsical pastel green facade, however, its listed price of $2.4 million (£1.9m) will set you back more than a few bucks. For all of the charm at a reduced cost, consider searching for a property in America's scenic southern states instead.

Turning up the colour and slashing down the price tag, this bright three-bed beach house is nestled in the tranquil seaside community of Crystal Beach in the middle of the Bolivar Peninsula, 17 miles from the city of Galveston.

The large deck has colourful retro seating and sun loungers – just imagine kicking back and sipping a drink at sunset here. What's more, you’re just a short stroll from the waterfront and the dazzling sand beaches.

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A colonial-style gem in the heart of Sag Harbor, this historic three-bed property dates all the way back to 1890. However, you'll pay a hefty price for this piece of history – $3.9 million (£3.1m) to be exact. But if you're open to something a little more modern on the shores of Mississippi, you could bag yourself a bargain...

Inspired by colonial architecture, this stunning brand new home on the shores of Gulfport, Mississippi, is one of the best bargains we've spotted yet at a mere $649,900 (£515k). A great deal for a slice of luxury oceanfront living, this beautiful three-bed home is even more stunning inside, with a luxurious super-stylish interior.

Located in the millionaire's playground of Westhampton Beach, this quintessential white beach house is more of a palatial mansion. With four bedrooms and five bathrooms it's a steep ask at $4 million (£3.2m), but skip down the coast a few states and you might just stumble upon a real deal.

Built in 1968 but redecorated inside and out, this beach house in North Carolina features extra protection against high tides thanks to its raised position and bulkhead wall. With a generous four bedrooms, it's an affordable coastal retreat where the whole family can relax and unwind.

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At 6,200 square feet, this five-bed luxury home on the water in the pricey Long Island village of Quogue is a real show-stopper, though at $11.9 million (£9.5m), it's way out of budget for the average buyer. Don't despair – there're plenty more affordable options if you're will to look further afield. 

This beautiful three-storey home has five bedrooms and a top-floor living area that really makes the most of the property's oceanfront position. Oozing curb appeal, it looks far more expensive than its meagre price tag of $750,000 (£592k).

This large deck has plenty of room to host guests overlooking the tranquil ocean vistas, while storm shutters will protect the house when the weather gets wild. Bustling Avon Pier is just a short walk away along with an array of shops and restaurants.

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This contemporary five-bed has an undoubtedly amazing location overlooking tranquil Westhampton Beach. If your wallet can't stretch to the $5.5 million (£4.4m) price tag, you can still get a taste of stylish seaside living without splashing out millions.

Found on Alabama's idyllic Dauphin Island, this lovely five-bedroom house is surrounded by sugar-white sand. Its elevated position, raised on wooden stilts, guarantees fabulous views across the Gulf of Mexico. In a rush to relocate? Furniture is even included in the bargain sale price of  $850,000 (£667k).

Only 180 feet from the Atlantic Ocean, this stunning mansion seems to tick every box. However, with a mere three bedrooms, its colossal price of $19.9 million ($15.8m) does seem a little excessive. Outside of this exclusive New York enclave, you'll find costs are a little more reasonable.

Located in the Palm Island Resort on the west coast of Florida’s peninsula, this gorgeous three-bed home make a great first impression with a stunning double staircase leading up to the grand first-floor entrance. Once more, at $987,000 (£779k), it won't leave you penniless.

Perfect for parties, there’s a bright and spacious living area that leads through to a formal dining room, which can comfortably accommodate six people for dinner. Ceramic tiled flooring throughout the home remains cool underfoot, even on humid Florida days.

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This stunning clapboard house in Southampton comes complete with three bedrooms, a wine cellar and a pool. However, priced at $3.5 million (£2.8m), the modern mansion is a stretch for the average family. Focus your house-hunting on a neighbouring state and you'll get far more for your money.

With three decks and a hot tub, this three-bedroom house on Long Beach Island offers a taste of luxury beach living – minus the enormous price tag. As well as gorgeous living space, you'll also get your very own walkway across the sand dunes to the ocean, all for the lesser cost of $1.5 million (£1.2m). Where do we sign?

The master bedroom is a tranquil oceanside oasis, with views of the sea drawn in through the swathes of windows. There's an ensuite bathroom and a private deck too – a pretty spot for early birds to catch the stunning morning sunrise.

Built in the late 1880s, this idyllic four-bedroom home in affluent Montauk, New York, is steeped in history. However, all this period charm comes at a staggering cost of $14.9 million (£11.8m). Outside of New York, you can pick up a home that's just as charming at a fraction of the cost.

Why spend millions on a home in the Hamptons when you can buy this stylish residence in Virginia for just $1.6 million (£1.3m)? Located in Virginia's popular Bayside Village, this bargain buy has spectacular views across Chesapeake Bay.

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A stone's throw from Southhampton's sandy shores, you'll find some of the world's most luxurious properties, with equally as grand price tags to match. This five-bed palatial home, for example, will set you back a staggering $27.5 million (£21.9m). For a real bargain though, head to the south.

This spacious five-bedroom beach house may cost close to $2 million but it’s a bargain compared to the average Hamptons hideaway. With stylish accommodation and elevated decks across two floors of this charming home, there's no chance of missing out on those incredible sea views either.

On the first level of the home, you'll find this cosy living room leading into the dining area and kitchen. On the second level is a generous master bedroom with sea views, a separate dressing room and a bathroom with a large walk-in shower.

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With breathtaking sea views, this five-bedroom home in Southhampton is stunning, however, at $8.8 million (£7m), it's a big price to pay for breathing in the ocean air. Look toward the lone star state and you'll find your money stretches further.

On the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, this spacious five-bedroom home for $2 million (£1.6m) has everything you could want from a beach house. With accomodation spread over three storey, there's ample space to soak up the sun and unwind.

The lower deck has plenty of room for sun loungers and a patio set, while the quaint swing offers the perfect vantage point to soak up uninterrupted ocean views. An island city with a historic pier, Galveston is a great place to take a punt on the arcades or bask in the scenery with a spot of walking, kayaking or fishing.

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