The Most Affordable Places to Live in the UK
In the UK’s current climate of economic uncertainty, affordability has emerged as a top factor when considering places to live. Housing prices have been on the rise for a few years now, but coupled with the cost of living, affording a place to live has become even more challenging.
If you’re looking for somewhere to buy a house, we’ve put together a list of the most affordable places to live in the UK. Keep reading to know more.
1. Middlesbrough
Nestled in North Yorkshire, the town of Middlesbrough offers some of the best countryside scenery in the UK. The North York Moors National Park is close at hand, and the Yorkshire Dales is just an hour’s drive away. Following its multi-million pound regeneration, Middlesbrough has turned into a vibrant hub with booming businesses and brand-new housing.
The average 3-bed property comes just under £110,000 in Middlesbrough, which is way below the national average of £260,800. The TS1 area of Middlesbrough is the most affordable place to live in the UK.
2. Sunderland
Sunderland is a small and friendly city located half an hour’s drive from Durham and Newcastle. In addition to the countryside, you can also enjoy the glorious sunshine along the coastal walks of this beachside city. For limestone rocks and cliffs, head to Roker Beach or step on the golden sands of Seaburn.
Average costs for 2-bedroom properties in Sunderland are estimated at £120,000, which is also below the national average. With its community-like feel and a £400 million investment headed its way, now would be a good time to live in Sunderland.
3. Bradford
Renowned for its industrial heritage, Bradford’s city centre is alive with the best boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and pubs. The city’s green spaces such as Shalamar Gardens offer a nice retreat from its hustle and bustle. And on top of the National Science Museum which tops its cultural scene, there’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site called Saltaire which is a Victorian model village.
Houses in Bradford are estimated at £140,000 which is way below the national average. Considering that rental prices in the UK have risen to 6.2% in the past year, taking advantage of low housing costs in Bradford could be an absolute must for you and your family.
4. Dundee
Nestled along the east coast of Scotland, the beautiful city of Dundee sits at the mouth of the River Tay. With its top universities, Dundee is home to a youthful population and a lively night scene. Dundee’s quieter suburbs along the sea are ideal for families looking to relocate.
Average prices for 2-bedroom properties in Dundee are £140,000. As of January 2024, properties sold in Dundee over the last 12 months have seen a 2.8% drop in prices.
5. Glasgow
Anyone who lives in Glasgow knows that the best things to do here are free. You could uncover the city’s history with a free visit to the Riverside Museum, or dive into its mediaeval past at the Glasgow Cathedral. And if you’re a bit of a fashion fan, you’ll know that Glasgow’s boutiques rival London’s West End!
When it comes to Scotland, Edinburgh often steals the limelight. But the best things to do in Edinburgh are at par with Glasgow’s fantastic recreational opportunities which are free. Furthermore, property prices in Glasgow are estimated at £150,000, which is nearly £200,000 cheaper than the Edinburgh average of £340,000.
6. Durham
Located in North East England, the county of Durham offers everything at your doorstep. Home to Durham University, this city is full of historic buildings such as the Durham Cathedral, Norman Castle, and the 13th-century Crook Hall. The River Wear which gives Durham its name offers fantastic woodland scenery for viewing. And for a slice of culture, all you have to do is head to the Oriental Museum.
The average property in Durham costs only £160,000, which is over £100,000 less than the national average. If you’re considering properties in North East England, Durham is a great choice for modest budgets.
7. Doncaster
If you’re looking for a mix of city and countryside, Doncaster offers the best of both worlds. There are charming village markets and plenty of green spaces for leisurely strolls to clear your head. Doncaster has its own bustling shopping scene with plenty of high-street favourites. But, if you want more options, Sheffield, Leeds, and York are all a short drive away.
Housing prices in Doncaster are estimated at an average of £160,000. Considering all it offers, Doncaster makes for a relatively affordable place to live.
8. Liverpool
Liverpool’s cosmopolitan culture is unparalleled in the UK. With the best restaurants, cafes, music and arts venues, Liverpool offers some of the best in terms of shopping and culture. Not to mention the city’s iconic waterfront offers easy access to the stunning coast.
Properties in Liverpool have an average cost of £165,000. This makes Liverpool 23% cheaper than London! Considering that the cities are just about on par with each other in terms of work and leisure opportunities, Liverpool’s lower property prices make it an attractive place to live.
The housing market has never been more competitive. Although the cost of living crisis has made purchasing properties harder, there are still affordable places to live in this country. In this blog, we have covered the most affordable places to live in the UK so you can put down roots without burning a hole in your pocket.
Moving to a new place requires a lot of planning and work. Booking a self-storage unit will help you stay organised and ease the stress of transitioning. You can even use our collection and delivery service for a seamless move.
(*All prices are approx as of Jan 2024)