Cheapest Place to Buy a House in UK
We’ve done some digging and found the cheapest houses in the UK, highlighting areas where buyers can still find genuine value. With top spots taken by Burnley, City of Kingston upon Hull and Hyndburn. These locations consistently feature among searches for the cheapest property in the UK. The top locations in our affordability list offer a great mix of city life and countryside charm. So, if you’re looking for cheap houses in the uk, 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, often referenced when people search for the cheapest houses in the uk. 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, based on the cheapest house prices in uk data available:
- City of Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire – £131,323
- Burnley, Lancashire – £131,476
- Hartlepool, County Durham – £132,463
- Hyndburn, Lancashire – £135,525
- Blackpool, Lancashire – £136,485
- Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire – £141,270
- Blaenau Gwent, Wales – £142,090
- Merthyr Tydfil, Wales – £143,596
- Sunderland, Tyne and Wear – £146,527
- Redcar and Cleveland, North Yorkshire – £146,735
- Pendle, Lancashire – £146,756
- Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire – £147,831
- North East Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire – £148,043
- Gateshead, Tyne and Wear – £151,480
- Darlington, County Durham – £159,542
- Neath Port Talbot, Wales – £160,856
- Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales – £162,675
- Blackburn with Darwen, Lancashire – £162,893
- South Tyneside, Tyne and Wear – £165,647
- Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham – £170,575
Please note: ‘average price’ relates to the most recent 12-month time frame. At the time of publication, from HM Land Registry data (December 24 to December 25).
So, you can get more for your money in these areas compared to the overall average house prices in England and Wales, even when mortgage rates fluctuate.
Why these areas offer value compared to the national average
The areas listed have average property prices significantly lower than the national average. For instance, the most expensive area on our top 10 most cheapest places to buy a house in the UK list is Redcar and Cleveland, with an average property price of £146,735. This is still far below the average of £292,000 in England and £215,000 in Wales.
This means that in these cheap areas, buyers can buy a property for much less than 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, particularly when compared to prices in the south east.
Top 10 most cheapest places to buy a house
We’ve created a top 10 out of our top 20 of the cheapest places to buy a house. We’ve pointed out the house prices, attractions and activities in each area, many of which regularly feature in lists of the cheapest houses in England.
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 who are passionate about nature.
10. Redcar and Cleveland, North Yorkshire – £146,735
Redcar and Cleveland offers coastal living with a proud industrial heritage, with average house prices sitting at £146,735. Located on the North Yorkshire coast, this area combines seaside charm with dramatic natural landscapes and a strong local identity.
The area is perfect for those who love the outdoors. With miles of sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and the stunning North York Moors National Park on its doorstep, there’s no shortage of fresh air and wide-open space. Saltburn-by-the-Sea, with its historic pier and cliff lift, is a favourite for walkers, surfers, and families alike.
Redcar and Cleveland also has deep historical roots, from its shipbuilding past to its role in the steel industry. Today, regeneration projects and investment in local communities are helping to shape a new chapter for the area.
Despite its coastal feel, Redcar and Cleveland is well-connected. Rail links provide access to Middlesbrough and beyond, while the A19 offers road connections across the North East. For buyers seeking sea views, outdoor adventure, and affordable property prices, Redcar and Cleveland is a fantastic option for coastal living in the UK.
9. Sunderland, Tyne and Wear – £146,527
Sunderland is home to a stunning coastline and buzzing city centre, depending on which side of the River Wear you’re on. The SR1 postcode claims the first spot on this list, where purchasing a detached house will cost you, on average, around £265,787.
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 prioritising 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, for young professionals and families.
8. Merthyr Tydfil, Wales – £143,596
Merthyr Tydfil combines affordability with access to some of Wales’ most impressive scenery, with average house prices for terraced homes around £123,167.
Located near the Brecon Beacons National Park, the town is well-suited to those who enjoy walking, cycling, and exploring the outdoors. Merthyr Tydfil also has strong transport links to Cardiff, making it a practical choice for commuters.
Its mix of natural beauty, heritage, and relatively low house prices makes Merthyr Tydfil a strong contender for rural-minded buyers.
7. Blaenau Gwent, Wales – £142,090
Blaenau Gwent offers affordable living in South Wales, with average house prices for a detached house £232,444, semi-detached £156,812, terraced £129,822 and £81,789 for a flat. Located in the Welsh Valleys, the area is known for its strong community spirit and dramatic landscapes.
Surrounded by hills and close to the Brecon Beacons, Blaenau Gwent is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The area also has deep industrial and cultural roots, with historic towns and villages throughout.
For buyers looking to enjoy rural Welsh living at a lower cost, Blaenau Gwent remains an appealing option.
6. Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire – £141,270
Middlesbrough features twice on our ‘cheapest places’ countdown, with the average semi-detached house price sitting at £152,479. 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.
5. Blackpool, Lancashire – £136,485
Best known for its iconic seaside attractions, Blackpool remains affordable with average house prices of £136,485.
Beyond the promenade and tower, Blackpool is surrounded by open countryside and coastal paths, offering a mix of traditional seaside living and rural-style escapes. The area also benefits from strong rail connections and a wide range of local amenities.
With a variety of property types and relatively low entry prices, Blackpool continues to attract buyers seeking character, coastline, and value for money.
4. Hyndburn, Lancashire – £135,525
Hyndburn, with average property prices of £135,525, sits between Blackburn and Burnley in Lancashire and includes towns such as Accrington and Oswaldtwistle.
The area is surrounded by countryside, offering easy access to walking trails, woodland, and historic landmarks like the Martholme Viaduct. Hyndburn also benefits from good road and rail links, connecting residents to Manchester and Preston.
Its combination of rural scenery, local amenities, and affordability makes Hyndburn a strong option for buyers wanting countryside living with urban convenience nearby.
3. Hartlepool, County Durham – £132,463
Hartlepool offers coastal living at an average house price for a semi-detached house of £143,222, making it one of the more affordable seaside towns in England.
Situated on the North Sea coast, Hartlepool provides access to beaches, coastal walks, and nearby countryside. The town also has a strong sense of community, reflected in events such as the Wintertide Festival, which celebrates arts and culture.
With easy links to Middlesbrough, Durham, and Sunderland, Hartlepool suits buyers looking for a quieter lifestyle while remaining well-connected.
2. Burnley, Lancashire – £131,476
Burnley tops the list as the most affordable place to live in the UK, with the average house price sitting at £131,476. The average price for a detached home here is £242,652, for semi-detached properties £155,427, and for terraced houses £111,688. While flats are just £79,543, making the area exceptional value for money compared with much of the UK.
This affordability is driven by a strong supply of traditional housing, lower land prices, and Burnley’s location close to open countryside and major northern cities, allowing buyers to secure significantly more space for their budget without sacrificing connectivity or lifestyle.
Surrounded by open countryside, the Forest of Bowland AONB and the Yorkshire Dales are both within easy reach, making it ideal for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers. Despite its rural feel, Burnley has direct rail connections to Manchester and Leeds, making commuting realistic.
With its mix of affordability, green space, and improving town amenities, Burnley is particularly appealing to first-time buyers and families looking for more space without stretching their budget.
1. City of Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire – £131,323
With an average house price of £131,323, Hull remains one of the most affordable cities in England. Located on the Humber estuary, it offers a blend of urban living and nearby rural escapes. In the City of Kingston upon Hull, the average price of a detached home is £238,883, while semi-detached properties typically cost £154,571, terraced houses come in at around £120,913, and flats average £77,587.
Hull’s maritime heritage is visible throughout the city, from its historic old town to the regenerated marina. Just outside the city, the Yorkshire Wolds provide rolling countryside and scenic walking routes, perfect for those who want access to nature without living remotely.
Affordable housing combined with cultural attractions and strong local infrastructure makes Hull a compelling choice for buyers seeking value and variety.
Places That Just Miss the Cheapest Places to Buy a House Top 10
These areas may not have made the top 10 cheapest places to buy a house in the UK, but they still offer excellent value for money. Ranked 11–20, they remain some of the most affordable locations for buyers looking to get on the property ladder in 2026. Similar to places like Shildon County Durham, which often appear in affordability comparisons.
11. Pendle, Lancashire – £146,756
Pendle offers rural living with a strong sense of history, with average house prices sitting at £146,756. The area is in East Lancashire. It is known for its open countryside, market towns, and the famous Pendle Hill.
The area around Pendle is great for walkers and cyclists. It has rolling hills, footpaths, and wide views of Lancashire and Yorkshire. The area has a rich history, most famously connected to the Pendle Witches trials in the early 1600s.
Pendle has a rural feel, but it is well-connected. Nearby towns like Burnley and Colne offer rail links and local services. For buyers seeking space, beautiful views, and affordable prices, Pendle is a great choice for country living in the UK.
12. Stoke-on-Trent – £147,831
Stoke-on-Trent remains one of the cheapest cities to buy a house in England, with average prices of £147,831. Known for its industrial heritage, the city also benefits from strong transport links, making it a practical choice for commuters and families alike.
13. North East Lincolnshire – £148,043
North East Lincolnshire narrowly misses the top 10, with average house prices of £148,043. The area combines coastal living with access to countryside and established towns such as Grimsby and Cleethorpes, making it attractive to first-time buyers and those seeking more space for their money.
14. Gateshead – £151,480
Gateshead sits just outside the top 10 with an average house price of £151,480. Located on the south bank of the River Tyne, it offers easy access to Newcastle while maintaining more affordable property prices than many nearby urban areas.
15. Darlington – £158,326
Darlington ranks 15th, with average property prices of £158,326. Its excellent rail connections and location between major northern cities make it a popular choice for buyers searching for affordable commuter towns.
16. Neath Port Talbot – £160,856
With average house prices of £160,856, Neath Port Talbot offers a mix of coastline, countryside, and industrial heritage. Easy access to Swansea and the Brecon Beacons adds to its appeal for buyers wanting affordability alongside lifestyle benefits.
17. Rhondda Cynon Taf – £162,675
In South Wales, Rhondda Cynon Taf offers average house prices of £162,675. Set within the Welsh Valleys, the area appeals to buyers seeking scenic surroundings with commuter routes into Cardiff, making it a strong alternative to higher-priced city living.
18. Blackburn with Darwen – £162,893
Blackburn with Darwen offers average property prices of £162,893 and sits close to Lancashire countryside. Its combination of green spaces, local amenities, and affordability continues to attract families and first-time buyers.
19. North East – £165,257
The North East takes the 19th spot, with average house prices of £165,257. This region includes vibrant cities such as Newcastle and Sunderland, as well as coastal and rural communities. Known for its strong sense of identity, beautiful coastline, and access to countryside including Northumberland National Park, the North East offers far more affordable property prices compared with many other parts of England, while still benefiting from solid rail and road connections.
20. South Tyneside – £162,647
Rounding up the top 20 is South Tyneside, where average house prices sit at £162,647. Located along the River Tyne and North Sea coast, the area is home to seaside towns such as South Shields, with sandy beaches and coastal walks. With easy Metro and road links into Newcastle and across Tyne and Wear, South Tyneside is an attractive choice for buyers looking for coastal living with convenient access to city amenities at a more affordable price point.
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 price range. 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 uk 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 the local housing market, crime rates, neighbourhood demographics and much more. A property report will collect all this research for you. Get your full report below.
FAQ’s cheapest places to live UK
Where is the cheapest place to buy in the UK?
The most affordable place to buy a house in the UK right now is Inverclyde, Scotland, where the average property price sits around £113,267. With lower-than-average prices across detached, semi-detached, terraced homes and flats, Inverclyde offers strong value compared with most UK areas.
Where in the UK has the cheapest cost of living?
Some of the lowest cost-of-living areas in the UK tend to overlap with the most affordable housing markets, including places such as Burnley, City of Kingston upon Hull, Hyndburn, Hartlepool and Blackpool. These locations offer lower average house prices and generally lower local expenses compared to higher-cost regions like the south east or major metropolitan centres.
Where is Britain’s most affordable town?
Among the towns consistently ranking as Britain’s most affordable is City of Kingston upon Hull. Followed by Burnley in Lancashire, where property prices are among the lowest in the country. Other traditionally affordable towns include Hartlepool and Hyndburn, which also feature in the top 10 cheapest places to buy a house based on average sold prices.
Which UK county has the cheapest property?
Counties in northern England and parts of Wales generally feature the lowest average property prices. Areas such as Lancashire (e.g., Burnley and Hyndburn) and parts of County Durham appear among the cheapest in terms of house prices. In Wales, local authority areas like Blaenau Gwent and Merthyr Tydfil also offer some of the cheapest property in UK outside of England.
Last Updated: February 18th, 2026
