Zoopla has identified the most affordable towns and cities across Britain to help out those looking to buy or relocate for less.
By analysing house price-to-earnings ratios for two-earner households on average local salaries, Zoopla has revealed where buyers can stretch their budgets the furthest.
Izabella Lubowiecka, Senior Property Researcher at Zoopla comments:
“Affordability remains a concern for many homebuyers so it is positive to see that there are areas of the UK, such as Southern England, where the affordability of housing has improved.
“London remains the least affordable area for home buyers. Those in London looking to get more for their money may want to consider buying in one of the South East and East of England’s commuter belt, where there are many towns that are more affordable than London.
“The same is true in markets around many regional cities and we see buyers seeking value for money.”
Scotland and Northern England lead in affordability
Scotland and the North continue to stand out as the most affordable regions. Ayrshire, in particular, boasts a concentration of budget-friendly towns, with four of the UK’s five most affordable towns located here: Cumnock, Girvan, Saltcoats, and Ardrossan.
Properties in these areas are valued at less than 1.3 times the average household income, with Cumnock leading as Britain’s most affordable town at an average property value of just £80,300.
In England, towns like Shildon, Peterlee (both in County Durham), and Ashington (Northumberland) are among the most affordable, offering homes valued at under 1.4 times the average household income.
Southern England sees modest affordability gains
House prices in southern England (excluding London) have seen notable declines over the past year, with the South East, South West, and East of England seeing the greatest improvements.
Towns such as Wisbech (Cambridgeshire), Dover (Kent), and Great Yarmouth (Norfolk) now feature affordability ratios between 3 and 3.2, making them some of the most accessible options in the region.
Despite this progress, southern England remains largely unaffordable for many, with 80% of towns having house prices more than four times the average household income. In contrast, 88% of Scottish towns maintain affordability ratios below three.
Affordable alternatives for London buyers
In London, Croydon has the city’s lowest price-to-earnings ratio at 4.7, compared to the London average of 5.8. Areas like Greenwich and Barking & Dagenham also offer relatively affordable options, with ratios under five.
For those willing to commute, towns within an hour of London provide attractive alternatives. Chatham (3.7), Southend (3.9), and Basingstoke (3.9) offer significantly better value for money compared to London.
Zoopla’s findings show the vast regional differences in affordability and potential areas buyers can look to get more for their buck.
Whether you’re seeking value in Scotland, the North, or even within commuting distance of London, these insights can help pinpoint the best options for your budget.
Most Affordable Towns in each Region
- East Midlands – Gainsborough: Average house value: £170,000
- East of England – Wisbech: Average house value: £209,800
- South East – Dover: Average house value: £250,000
- South West – Plymouth: Average house value: £222,200
- Wales – Ferndale: Average house value: £101,600
- West Midlands – Stoke-On-Trent: Average house value: £139,200
- Yorkshire and The Humber – Hull: Average house value: £119,800
- London – Croydon: Average house value: £417,800
- North East – Shildon: Average house value: £73,200
- North West – Workington: Average house value: £123,700
- Scotland – Cumnock: Average house value: £80,300
Further reading
Purchases – Oakwood Property Solicitors
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