East Cowes sits on the eastern bank of the River Medina, connected to Cowes by chain ferry and separated from it by character as much as water. It has a working, functional feel - home to GKN Aerospace, one of the island's largest private employers, and the Red Funnel vehicle ferry terminal serving Southampton. Osborne House, Queen Victoria's Isle of Wight residence, sits within this postcode and draws visitors year-round. Whippingham, inland, is a quiet village with a Royal Church and a strong sense of community. Properties for sale in East Cowes and the PO32 area tend to offer more space for the money than the west bank, with good transport links to the mainland via East Cowes ferry.

Good for: Buyers working at the island's major employers, those priced out of Cowes, and anyone who values mainland access without town centre prices.