10 Cheapest Rural Places To Live UK 2024
Rural Britain is one of the most scenic places in Europe. Here are 10 of the cheapest rural places to live UK. Plus a small guide on what to expect from each location.
Prices can be lavish in some of the UK’s most picturesque postcodes – but not everywhere sits on the higher end of the affordability scale. There are cheaper options available.
Using information from the UK House Price Index, we found that in the year leading to November 2023, the average price of homes in England dropped by close to 3%. We’ve taken a close look at the latest numbers available as of January 2024. This means that we’ve used information from the whole year before, starting from November 2022 to November 2023. And it’s not just England; we’ve also checked out the housing prices in Wales and Scotland. We’ve put all that info together to get the full picture.
10. Cheapest rural places to live UK: Pendle, Lancashire, £135,254
So, where are the cheapest rural places to live in the UK? The number 10 pick on our cheapest rural places to live UK list is Pendle, located in Northern England.
Located on the southern edge of the Yorkshire dales, in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The countryside around Pendle appeals to many and is great for cyclists and walkers. Next to this, Pendle is also known for it’s Pendle Witches who lived here over 400 years ago. They were part of Britain’s biggest witchcraft Trial.
For rural delights, house hunters should look at the Pendle region. There’s good news if you need help as a first time buyer, as you can find some low house prices here.
With an average property price of £135,254, house hunters can enjoy breath taking views over the notorious Pendle Hill, history, and nature.
9. Cheapest rural places to live UK: Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, £135,214
Sitting proudly in the heart of the Welsh valleys, Merthyr Tydfil is a town steeped in industrial history and natural beauty. Known for its role in the Industrial Revolution, it’s a place where the past and present merge seamlessly, offering a unique living experience.
Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the town’s close proximity to the Brecon Beacons National Park. While history buffs can delve into a rich heritage at local museums. Merthyr Tydfil’s community spirit shines through in its bustling town centre and array of local events.
Housing in Merthyr Tydfil presents a cost-effective option for those seeking the tranquillity of rural life without sacrificing convenience. With Cardiff just a short drive away, residents enjoy the perks of city amenities while living amidst the quietude of the Welsh countryside.
For potential homebuyers, the average house price in Merthyr Tydfil offers an attractive alternative to the bustling cities. Making it a hidden gem for rural living in the UK.
8. Cheapest rural places to live UK: Hartlepool, County Durham, £129,264
Looking to experience countryside living without the price tag? Hartlepool is port town on the seaside in County Durham. Its location means you’ll benefit from stunning beaches on one side and impressive countryside on the other.
The Wintertide festival comes to life in Hartlepool for one weekend in November! The festival specialises in community arts, music and film, as well as hosting workshops and installations from national and international artists.
The average property price in Hartlepool is £129,264. Hartlepool might be the second most expensive place on our list, but it’s still pretty affordable when compared to most of the other rural UK areas.
7. East Ayrshire, Scotland, £129,042
We’re heading back to Scotland for the number four pick, this time in East Ayrshire. East Ayrshire shares borders with Dumfries & Gallows and is made up of several towns and villages, including Kilmarnock. Yet it’s the many villages that will appeal to those wanting to live in rural surroundings.
Very much part of undiscovered Scotland, Cumnock is one of the rural villages in East Ayrshire. There is a strong Victorian era feel in Cumnock, thanks to the many period properties.
Other popular villages in the surroundings of East Ayshire are Stewarton and Darvel.
6. Cheapest rural places to live UK: Inverclyde, Scotland, £127,881
Inverclyde holds the second spot on our list of 10 cheapest rural places to live UK. The area is also known as the “mouth of the Clyde” as it sits at the mouth of the River Clyde.
Proving to be one of the most affordable rural areas in the UK. On the shores of the River Clyde there are plenty of rural delights. If you’re a golf lover than it’s good to know that there are 6 golf courses in the area with outstanding views of the river. Other popular outdoor activities are wild swimming, sailing and rowing.
If you’re thinking of moving to Inverclyde then expect to find history and heritage rich in shipbuilding and seafaring dating back to the 1500’s.
The average cost for a house is just shy of £127,881, which means saving for a deposit will be considerable easier than in many other UK areas.
5. North Ayrshire, Scotland, £127,628
North Ayrshire is known for its rural countryside, coastlines, beaches and landmarks. The area contains multiple towns, as well as the Isle of Arran and Great and Little Cumbrae. The Isle of Arran covers nearly half of the council area’s territory, but is home to less than 4% of the population.
If you fancy becoming one of those inhabitants, expect to pay around £127,628 for a house. You might need to brush up on your Scottish Gaelic tough – as many of the population are fluent speakers of the language.
4. County Durham, North East, £127,299
While the majority of average house prices on this list are based on flats, County Durham’s most affordable homes come in the form of terraced houses.
The only district in England with “County” prefixed to its name, County Durham features UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sprawling countryside and the third oldest university in England.
Darlington is the biggest area in County Durham, but Durham City is the official town of the area. There are plenty of market towns and villages too, which have a history of famining heritage, railway industry and mining.
3. Blaenau Gwent, Wales, £122,650
The second entry from the south of the UK, Blaenau Gwent is one of the historic counties of Wales.
Llanelli is the largest town in Carmarthenshire and enjoys views of Carmarthen Bay towards the Celtic Sea and the Gower Peninsula. A popular commuter town nearby is Cardiff.
At St Illtyd’s, Abertillery, you can find Blaenau Gwent’s oldest building. The medieval church is thought to have been completed in 1213 when the parish was under control of the Cistercian Abbey. Even the hillsides are scattered with Celtic burial mounds and medieval farmsteads.
Blaenau Gwent is located on the fringe of the impressive Brecon Beacons! The landscape is great to explore on foot offering amazing views as the valleys are littered with heritage and beauty. It’s a popular rural place to live and offers a great quality of life.
2. Hyndburn, Lancashire, £116,338
The Hyndburn area is located between Blackburn and Burnley, the number one on our cheapest rural places to live UK list. Hyndburn is named after the River Hyndburn which passes through the district.
It is known for it’s beautiful surroundings, within a 3 miles radius you can enjoy a walk over the magnificent Martholme Viaduct. The view from the top is fantastic!
Another place worth visiting is Haworth Art Gallery. They offer a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions so every time there is something new to see. The grounds feature a beautiful rose garden, woodland, lawns and meadows. There is even a woodland trail through the local nature reserve.
1. Burnley, Lancashire, £104,309
So, where is the cheapest rural place to live in England? The top spot on the list of 10 cheapest rural places to live UK goes to Burnley. The Forest of Bowland AONB and the Yorkshire Dales and National Park are all within a 30-mile radius. Blackpool Pleasure Beach is about 40 miles, for when you want to mix things up a little.
Getting the best deal for a home is important, and knowing the average house prices will help you find an affordable place to live while enjoying the rural life. Perhaps also take a look at the cheapest places to buy a house in the UK.
Cheapest rural places to live UK: know any area
Want to get to know an area before you move there? Get one of Phil Spencer’s property reports. It will collect all the necessary information you need to know, from crime rates to local schools. After all, you can change a property but not it’s location!
Last Updated: September 22nd, 2024
