A new property study has revealed the UK's most affordable location for homebuyers, where properties are available for a fraction of the national average price.
The UK's Most Affordable Property Hotspot
Just over ten miles from the historic city of Durham lies Shildon, a town now officially crowned as Britain's cheapest place to purchase a home. According to recent research conducted by Zoopla, this County Durham location boasts a typical market price of just £73,900, dramatically undercutting the UK average of £270,000.
Shildon holds significant historical importance as it's widely regarded as the world's first railway town. Today, it's making headlines for an entirely different reason - its remarkably accessible property market.
Exceptional Property Opportunities
Current listings on Rightmove demonstrate just how affordable housing has become in this area. A four-bedroom house is currently available for £45,000, considerably below even Zoopla's already low average figure for the region.
Remarkably, this property doesn't require extensive renovation work. While the kitchen and family bathroom might need some attention, the carpet appears relatively new and the living room features a fireplace for added winter comfort. The property represents exceptional value, especially given its convenient location just a 23-minute drive from Durham and direct train access to Darlington, just four stops or approximately 20 minutes away.
Another compelling opportunity exists in the form of a three-bedroom home priced at £55,000, available through auction and featuring double glazing.
Why County Durham Offers Such Value
Verona Frankish, CEO of Yopa, previously explained to Metro that affordability isn't the only advantage County Durham offers to aspiring homeowners. "The area has an abundance of larger homes for those looking to climb further up the ladder," she noted. "In many areas of the UK property market, a lack of larger family suitable homes is a key issue preventing many buyers from progressing up the ladder, but County Durham goes against the grain in this respect."
The region also benefits from a strong school system, robust healthcare infrastructure, and a reputation for being a safe, welcoming community - all attractive qualities for families considering relocation.
The fundamental reason behind these low property prices relates directly to local earning potential. Statistics from InstantAtlas show the average local salary in 2025 stands at £29,718 - approximately the price of some local properties. This income level comes in around 14% below the UK benchmark, creating different affordability dynamics than in other regions.
Historical factors have also shaped the current market. The closure of Horden's mines in 1987 significantly impacted the local community and economy, though regeneration efforts are underway. In 2024 alone, nearly £4.5 million worth of investment was confirmed for Horden to build over 100 new two and three-bedroom family homes, including council properties.
Verona Frankish adds an important perspective on the market dynamics: "With high rents and low house prices, County Durham has also made for an attractive place to invest for many buy-to-let investors and the conversion of larger homes to HMOs has caused some challenges within local communities. Despite this, it remains one of the most attractive markets for those looking to make their move, particularly first-time buyers."
For those considering a move to County Durham, the area offers diverse attractions including Durham Castle, Forest-in-Teesdale, and twelve dark sky discovery sites in the Durham Dales alone. The Grassholme Observatory provides exceptional stargazing opportunities, while the Durham Heritage Coast offers 11 miles of coastal trails. History enthusiasts can explore the Faith Museum in Bishop Auckland, which documents 6,000 years of religious history in the UK.
