Buying a home remains a challenge for many households across Britain, but new research from Zoopla has identified 36 towns where a typical property costs less than twice the combined annual earnings of two full-time local workers. In the most affordable location, the average home is worth just 1.15 times household earnings.
Zoopla examined 929 towns across Great Britain and found that the typical property costs £299,100, equivalent to 4.3 times the average annual household income of £69,600.
Scotland accounts for the largest share of affordable locations, with 23 of the 36 towns identified in the study. These include Fraserburgh, Irvine and Peterhead. The North East has eight towns on the list, followed by the North West with four and Wales with one.
North East Leads for Housing Affordability
The North East is Britain’s most affordable region, where typical property values are 2.64 times local household earnings. Scotland follows at 2.74, then Yorkshire and the Humber at 3.28, the North West at 3.49 and Wales at 3.53.
The three most affordable towns are all in County Durham. Shildon ranks first nationally, followed by Ferryhill and Peterlee. In all three locations, typical property prices remain below £100,000.
The ten most affordable towns include three in the North East and six in Scotland, with Workington in the North West also making the list.
At the other end of the scale, London is Britain’s least affordable region. A typical home costs £524,100, representing 6.11 times annual household earnings. The South East is the second least affordable, with an average property value of £395,700, or 5.33 times household income.
Dover is the most affordable location in the South East, with homes costing 2.97 times local household earnings. However, it ranks 187th nationally.
Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, said property prices had been increasing more slowly than incomes, helping to improve affordability. However, higher mortgage rates continue to make buying more expensive by increasing monthly repayments.
He highlighted the significant differences between regions, with northern England and Scotland generally offering better value compared with local earnings. However, lower property prices do not necessarily make buying straightforward, as employment opportunities, deposit requirements and mortgage costs also influence affordability.
Donnell added that buyers now have more properties to choose from than a year ago, with greater opportunities to negotiate, particularly in southern England. He encouraged those considering a move to reassess their budgets and explore neighbouring towns, where they may find more suitable options.
The Most Affordable Town in Each Region
Zoopla’s research identified the following locations as the most affordable in their respective regions:
| Region | Most affordable town | Typical home value | Price-to-earnings ratio |
| North East | Shildon | £73,600 | 1.15 |
| Scotland | Fraserburgh | £116,000 | 1.59 |
| North West | Workington | £114,900 | 1.65 |
| Wales | Ferndale | £116,200 | 1.82 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | Kingston upon Hull | £131,400 | 2.16 |
| West Midlands | Stoke-on-Trent | £160,700 | 2.64 |
| East Midlands | Ilkeston | £192,100 | 2.70 |
| East of England | Great Yarmouth | £166,300 | 2.72 |
| South East | Dover | £206,300 | 2.97 |
| South West | Bideford | £224,700 | 3.35 |
| London* | Tower Hamlets | £455,200 | 4.91 |
<text size=”xs” color=”secondary”>Source: Zoopla 2026. *London is included separately in the regional comparison.</text>
Britain’s Ten Most Affordable Towns
Shildon tops the national rankings, with a typical home valued at £73,600, just 1.15 times local household earnings. Ferryhill and Peterlee take second and third place, while Scottish towns make up most of the remaining entries.
| Rank | Town | Region | Typical home value | Price-to-earnings ratio |
| 1 | Shildon | North East | £73,600 | 1.15 |
| 2 | Ferryhill | North East | £91,500 | 1.43 |
| 3 | Peterlee | North East | £96,500 | 1.51 |
| 4 | Fraserburgh | Scotland | £116,000 | 1.59 |
| 5 | Irvine | Scotland | £114,800 | 1.62 |
| 6 | Peterhead | Scotland | £120,600 | 1.65 |
| = | Ardrossan | Scotland | £116,900 | 1.65 |
| = | Workington | North West | £114,900 | 1.65 |
| 9 | Methil | Scotland | £116,400 | 1.69 |
| = | Saltcoats | Scotland | £119,600 | 1.69 |
The findings highlight how much housing affordability varies across Britain. While some northern towns offer property prices that are relatively low compared with local earnings, buyers still need to consider mortgage costs, available deposits and employment prospects when deciding where to purchase.
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