The final phase of a "sleek contemporary" seafront development is taking shape - but the cost of a flat has provoked disbelief from locals.

A penthouse apartment at the strikingly modern Royal Sands scheme - which is nestled between the country's biggest Wetherspoon's and the historic Ramsgate caves - is being advertised with a £735,000 price tag.

Construction of the luxury flats is nearing completion, but the hefty sum required to snap one up has left some residents bemused.

Nicola Walters Francis shared the estate agents' listing on Facebook with the caption: "Are they serious? This isn’t Miami."

The post prompted a wave of varied opinions, with resident Richard Thackery commenting: "There goes the neighbourhood."

Emma Lloyd described the asking price as "totally inflated".

Another Facebook user, Tony Miller, posted: "I wish these developers would build affordable homes for the youngsters.

"Most can't get on the mortgage ladder until they inherit from parents or grandparents, and the rents they have to pay in the meantime are outrageous."

However, like many, he praised the scheme's appearance in a run-down area of Ramsgate, adding: "This development has certainly tidied up our seafront."

Olly Rzysko said: "Fantastic to see what was a fly-tipping zone used to stimulate the economy."

Singe Ager added: "It looks great.

"You just can’t please some people."

Although the photos depicting Ramsgate beach with crystal waters and clean, golden sand raised eyebrows among some.

Kate Newell said: "I'd just be happy if the sea was actually that colour."

Developer Blueberry Homes says the scheme consists of "luxury apartments and penthouses, all with uninterrupted sea views" and each with their own terrace.

The finished project will also include a hotel, leisure facilities and shops along the beachside promenade.

Developers praise the town as a trendy area, claiming: "Ramsgate has recently been named the most sought-after seaside location for buyers in various national property media reports, which has resulted in all of our purchased properties being sold off-plan.

"This iconic development will transform this historic maritime location and breathe new life into the seafront."

Councillor for the Eastcliffe ward in which the apartments sit, Steve Albon, believes the development is a welcome, and much-needed, addition to the seafront.

Cllr Albon told KentOnline: "There was hoarding and graffiti on the site before, and that's what people complained about at the time.

"It was a complete and utter eyesore for residents and visitors to Ramsgate beach.

"Now, it has and will totally transform the seafront."

"It's true that a lot of locals cannot afford these houses. They are aimed more towards Londoners..."

When asked about the price tag, Cllr Albon added: "It's true that a lot of locals cannot afford these houses. They are aimed more towards Londoners.

"It would be lovely for rents and house prices to be affordable for locals, but you have to consider the location of these properties and that they are new-builds.

"And they are selling like hot cakes at those prices."

The site on the Marina Esplanade was originally the Pleasurama fairground, but it sat derelict since a fire devastated the site.

Previous developers knocked what remained to the ground and began building work in 2004, but the company went bust and the land was once again abandoned.

Building work on the Royal Sands development finally began in June 2020 after a lengthy saga involving investors and buyers.