With many househunters priced out of the property market where they live, people are having to look further afield to get better value for their money.
Luckily, there are still some parts of the UK where houses are relatively affordable.
A property expert has picked out the five best affordable places to live in the country, including one where the average house price is below £100,000.
Some of the towns and cities they have picked may not be ones you’d automatically consider, in some cases because they had a bit of a bad reputation in the past.
But they are today charming places to live, with a good community, excellent transport links, trendy places to eat, and beautiful walks on their doorstep.
Most importantly, according to Kevin Barzegar from Kaybridge Residential estate agents, you can get a lot more house for your money than in comparable areas.
He says these ‘once-forgotten’ towns and cities offer a ‘fantastic balance of affordability and lifestyle’, and the rise of remote working and flexible work arrangements means they are becoming more desirable.
One of his picks has bounced back after taking a battering on the big screen a decade ago, another is described as an ‘absolute bargain’, and a third boasts charm and history ‘without the hefty price tag’.
Some of these places have benefited from major redevelopment in recent years and are now reaping the rewards, with a better quality of life and better job prospects.
If you’re looking for somewhere more affordable in which to live, you might also like this article about the UK’s best commuter towns.
5. Shildon
You may never have heard of Shildon, a small town in County Durham with a proud railway heritage, but it has a lot to offer. "Shildon's affordable property prices make it an appealing choice for first-time buyers or those seeking to escape the hustle of bigger towns and cities," says Kevin Barzegar. "The town may be small, but it’s rich in history and community. Plus, it’s well-connected to nearby Darlington and the expanding Tees Valley area, perfect for those who want both history and modern convenience." The average house price in Shildon is £97,074, which is not much more than a third of the UK average. | Google