Purchasing a home is one of life’s biggest expenses, and the prices can vary greatly depending on factors such as location, size and local amenities.
So leading home buying service We Buy Any Home has crunched the numbers to crown the top 10 most affordable spots to live in this country – based on average salaries and property costs.
Terry Fisher, of We Buy Any Home, said: “Finding an affordable place to put down roots can be challenging, but there are areas where the balance between house prices and what people earn makes owning bricks and mortar more attainable.
“Knowing this ratio is important for realistic financial planning and it can show prospective buyers the areas where they can get more for their money. It can also help residents gauge how accessible homeownership is in their area.”
Using data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), We Buy Any Home has shared the most affordable places in England and explained the appeal to prospective buyers.
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Burnley
Average house price: £105,000
Average salary: £28,173
Price-to-salary ratio: 3.73
“This former industrial town in Lancashire offers a blend of affordability and regeneration, which makes it attractive to first time buyers,” Mr Fisher explained.
“Burnley takes the top spot for affordability, with the cheapest average house price but it also has the fairest price-to-salary ratio.”
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Hartlepool
Average House Price: £125,000
Average Salary: £32,384
Price-to-Salary Ratio: 3.86
In the North East, Hartlepool boasts a coastal location with ongoing development but also offers affordable homes.
“Hartlepool is great value for anyone wanting to live life by the sea. It’s also known for having a strong community spirit which is favourable for property seekers,” Mr Fisher added.
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Hyndburn
Average House Price: £120,000
Average Salary: £30,791
Price-to-Salary Ratio: 3.90
Another Lancastrian spot makes the top three for affordable living.
Mr Fisher said: “Hyndburn includes towns like Accrington, Clayton-le-Moors and Oswaldtwistle and can provide a balance of town life with a rural backdrop. The balance between house prices and average salaries make this an attractive option for homebuyers.”
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County Durham
Average House Price: £120,000
Average Salary: £29,537
Price-to-Salary Ratio: 4.06
This North East ceremonial county borders both Northumberland, Cumrbia and North Yorkshire.
“County Durham has great links but also boasts a fair house price to salary ratio. It has a rich history and stunning landscapes making it an ideal spot to buy,” said Mr Fisher.
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Kingston upon Hull
Average House Price: £127,000
Average Salary: £30,966
Price-to-Salary Ratio: 4.10
On the Yorkshire east coast, Hull offers a mix of modern development with historic charm.
Mr Fisher said: “Don’t forget Hull was Capital of Culture in 2017 so it has a lot to offer to homebuyers. It’s a great option for those wanting more for their money too.”
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Middlesbrough
Average House Price: £130,000
Average Salary: £31,579
Price-to-Salary Ratio: 4.12
A vibrant town in the Tees Valley, Middlesbrough is a solid choice for buyers on a budget.
“It has great links to nearby cities and the town has seen significant regeneration in recent years. The housing stock is also reasonable value,” Mr Fisher added.
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Blackburn with Darwen
Average House Price: £132,000
Average Salary: £31,591
Price-to-Salary Ratio: 4.18
Another Lancashire location providing affordable homeownership opportunities.
“Urban amenities are set against a backdrop of surrounding countryside makes Blackburn with Darwen a fantastic choice for prospective buyers,” Mr Fisher explained.
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Cumberland
Average House Price: £150,000
Average Salary: £35,361
Price-to-Salary Ratio: 4.20
Within close proximity to the Lake District, where the average house price can be close to £300,000, Cumberland offers the views and calm but without the hefty price tag.
“A great shout for nature lovers who don’t mind being a little bit out in the sticks. It’s great value for money compared to neighbouring locations,” said the We Buy Any Home expert.
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Sunderland
Average House Price: £130,000
Average Salary: £30,129
Price-to-Salary Ratio: 4.31
This is another coastal location with great prospects for homebuyers.
Mr Fisher said: “Sunderland is a great city which offers solid employment opportunities alongside an affordable housing stock – and the football team is on the rise, too!”
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Blackpool
Average House Price: £132,500
Average Salary: £30,456
Price-to-Salary Ratio: 4.35
This iconic seaside town remains one of the most affordable coastal spots to buy in.
“Blackpool is a great choice for anyone wanting to live by the coast, it’s a popular holiday destination which can appeal to some buyers,” Mr Fisher added.
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Location
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Median house price (existing dwellings) 2023
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Median gross annual (where available) workplace-based earnings
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Ratio of median house price (existing dwellings) to median gross annual (where available) workplace-based earnings
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Burnley
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105,000
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28,173
|
3.73
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Hartlepool
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125,000
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32,384
|
3.86
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Hyndburn
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120,000
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30,791
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3.9
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County Durham
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120,000
|
29,537
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4.06
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Kingston Upon Hull
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127,000
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30,966
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4.1
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Middlesborough
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130,000
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31,579
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4.12
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Blackburn with Darwen
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132,000
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31,591
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4.18
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Cumberland
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150,000
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35,361
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4.2
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Sunderland
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130,000
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30,129
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4.31
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Blackpool
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132,500
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30,456
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4.35
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