The Cheapest Places to Buy a House in 2024
We’ve done some digging and found the cheapest places to buy a house, with top spots taken by Bradford, Middlesbrough, and Grimsby. The top locations in our affordability list offer a great mix of city life and countryside charm. So if you’re looking for an affordable area to buy a home check out our list below.
Cheapest places to buy a house
So, where is buying a house the cheapest?
Our focus has been on identifying the 20 cheapest places to buy a house in England and Wales. Looking at where property prices are the lowest, based on the average sold price for all property types over a 12-month period.
Here are the cheapest places to buy a house by postcode, and average property price:
- Bradford, BD1, £69,939
- Middlesbrough, TS1, £71,998
- Grimsby, DN31, £72,574
- Shildon, DL4, £72,604
- Middlesbrough, TS3, £75,149
- Sunderland, SR1, £81,610
- Ferryhill, DL17, £82,092
- Liverpool, L2, £85,968
- Peterlee, SR8, £86,188
- Burnley, BB11, £90,501
- Ferndale, CF43, £90,780
- Wingate, TS28, £95,031
- New Tredegar, NP24, £98,862
- Chopwell, NE17, £99,969
- Liverpool, L4, £101,152
- Trimdon, TS29, £101,278
- Stanley, DH9, £102,220
- Bradford, BD3, £102,247
- Blackpool, FY1, £103,649
- Hartlepool, TS24, £104,803
Data source: Dataloft by PriceHubble.
Please note: ‘average price’ relates to the most recent 12-month time frame at the time of publication, from Land Registry data (Dec ’22 to Nov ’23).
So, you can get more for your money in these areas compared to the overall average house prices in England and in Wales.
The areas listed have average property prices significantly lower than the national average. For instance, the most expensive area on our list, is Hartlepool (TS24), with an average property price of £104,803. This is still far below the average of £358,457 in England and £225,025 in Wales.
This means that in these locations, buyers can potentially purchase a property for a fraction of the cost they would encounter in other parts of the UK. This could allow for larger properties, properties with more features, or simply a more financially comfortable purchase. It’s an especially appealing proposition for first-time buyers, or those on a tight budget.
Top 10 most cheapest places to buy a house
We’ve created a top 10 out of our top 20 of cheapest places to buy a house. We’ve pointed out the house prices, attractions and activities in each area, because choosing a place to live isn’t just about affordability. It’s important to consider what there is to see and do in the area as well. Be sure to explore the most affordable rural areas to live in as well, especially for those working remotely and are passionate about nature.
1. Bradford, West Yorkshire, £69,939
Bradford is the cheapest city when it comes to buying a house in England. In the BD1 postcode, you can snap up a property for less than £70,000. Bradford is located in the foothills of the beautiful Pennines, popular with first-time buyers, renters and those looking to climb up the property ladder. If you love period homes, you’re in luck, as Bradford is largely made up of Victorian builds.
Bradford is well-connected to Leeds, around 20-30 minutes by train. Making it an attractive option for those working in Leeds but seeking more affordable housing.
Not only is Bradford affordable but it provides easy access to breath taking natural scenery, like Ilkley Moor and Haworth, just a short drive from Bradford. Making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking a balance between urban and rural living.
2 & 5. Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, from £71,998
Middlesbrough features twice on our ‘cheapest places’ countdown; with the average house price in the TS1 postcode sitting at £71,998. Meanwhile, just a stone’s throw away, property prices in the TS3 postcode cost around £75,149. If you’re employed in Newcastle upon Tyne, considering Middlesbrough as your home base might be a smart choice. While the commute is somewhat lengthier, typically over an hour, the benefit lies in Middlesbrough’s appealing property prices.
So, what is there to do? The town is located on the south bank of the River Tees and offers a blend of modern amenities and green spaces, with the North York Moors National Park nearby.
The transport links in Middlesbrough are well-developed, with good road and rail connections making it convenient for commuting. You’re never more than 20 minutes from the coast, countryside or town centre.
The town caters to all, from young professionals to families or downsizing retirees seeking a quiet spot. Overall, Middlesbrough offers a mix of affordability, culture, and connectivity, making it a practical and enjoyable place to set up a home.
3. Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, £72,574
Grimsby takes the third place in our top 10; with the average house price in the DN31 postcode sitting at £72,574. This port town also boasts charm and heritage, with a rich fishing and trawlermen history, just waiting to be discovered. The town’s affordability is a big plus for first-time buyers and those seeking a more relaxed pace of life.
4. Shildon, County Durham, £72,604
The DL4 postcode in Shildon is one of the most affordable places to buy a property in England. The town is also ideal for those looking to live somewhere quieter – but still with easy access to the city Durham. Other cities nearby are Darlington, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Newcastle upon Tyne. It’s truly the best of both worlds, home to a number of friendly locals. The town’s cost-effectiveness is a major advantage for first-time homebuyers and those looking for a calmer lifestyle.
6. Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, £81,610
Sunderland is home to a stunning coastline and buzzing city centre – depending what side of the River Wear you’re on. The SR1 postcode claims the sixth spot on this list, where purchasing a property will cost you around £81,610.
It’s a viable option if you’re working in Newcastle upon Tyne, with the journey taking around 30 minutes.
Its green spaces are a major draw for those prioritizing nature and outdoor activities, so Sunderland has a lot to boast about! The affordability of properties in this scenic area, combined with the buzz of city life, makes Sunderland a compelling choice, from young professionals to families.
7. Ferryhill, County Durham, £82,092
Ferryhill, with its average house price of just £82,092 in the DL17 postcode, presents an appealing option for those seeking affordability coupled with a rich community spirit. This charming town is not just about cost-effective living; it’s steeped in history and surrounded by some of County Durham’s most picturesque landscapes like the Durham Dales.
8. Liverpool, Merseyside, £85,968
The L2 and L4 postcodes in Liverpool both make the top 20 list, but our focus is on the L2 postcode, as it’s the most affordable option in Liverpool. The city is famous for more than it’s football club and being the birthplace of the Beatles. It’s extremely culturally diverse, offering something for everyone, whether you’re there to live, work or play.
While property in this town is in hot pursuit, you can still find many homes well below the average asking price.
9. Peterlee, County Durham, £86,188
Looking to save for a house deposit? It will be much easier in certain parts of the UK than others, and Peterlee is no exception; particularly the SR8 postcode. Peterlee is also affectionately known as ‘Mexico City’ by locals, due to its architecture.
Beyond its architectural charm, Peterlee offers a range of things to do. The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside. Nearby, you can find Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve, a stunning ancient woodland perfect for walking, bird watching, and enjoying nature. Its location is beneficial for those who work in or frequently visit nearby cities like Durham, Sunderland, or even Newcastle upon Tyne. Peterlee, therefore, offers an appealing package for someone looking to move.
10. Burnley, Lancashire, £90,501
At just over £90,000, the average home price in the BB11 postcode of Burnley is a great place for first-time buyers and other buyers alike. Burnley is a beautiful location popular with tourists and locals alike, built on medieval and industrial heritage. Being relatively close to Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool, it’s a good spot for commuters too. Although the commute time by train might be on average about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.
Places that just mist the cheapest places to buy a house top 10
They may not have made the top ten, but other property prices of some postcodes on this list are not to be sniffed at. Just missing out are Ferndale (South Wales), Wingate, New Tredegar (South Wales) and Chopwell.
Also worth mentioning is Stanley in County Durham, where the average asking price is less than £102,500. This former coal mining town is located a short drive from both Newcastle and Durham, popular with singles, families and couples.
At number 20, but still much cheaper than other parts of the England, is Hartlepool, where you can find a property for just under £105,000. When compared to the average house price in London, it’s clear that paying off a mortgage in one of these places on the list will be much easier. Particularly for solo buyers!
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
What are the cheapest commuter cities?
The closer you get to a major city, particularly the capital, the more house prices will rise. However, you can find the best of both worlds. Wellingborough, Peterborough, Purfleet-On-Thames are some of the best commuter towns for London when it comes to affordability. But when you search a bit further away, just outside of the commuter belt, for example, you’ll find towns around London that are even more affordable.
Looking to move somewhere new?
Knowing average house prices is one thing, but how can you know for sure if you’ll actually like living in the area? Arm yourself with more information! You’ll want to know crime rates, neighbourhood demographics and much more. A property report will collect all this research for you. Get your full report below.
* Please note these figures as subject to change and you should always do your own research.
Last Updated: September 22nd, 2024
