New research from property portal Zoopla has pinpointed the ten most affordable locations for homebuyers across the United Kingdom, revealing a clear geographical pattern in housing affordability. The 2025 study, which highlights the ongoing North-South divide, shows Scotland and the North East of England offering the best value for money.
The Affordability Champions
The analysis, published in November 2025, calculated affordability based on house price-to-earnings ratios for two-earner households. Across the UK, such households now pay approximately 4.4 times their combined annual income for a property, a slight improvement from 4.5 times in 2024.
However, this national average masks dramatic local variations. Scotland claims seven of the top ten spots, while the remaining three are all located in County Durham, in the North East of England.
Top Towns for Homebuyers on a Budget
For the second year running, Shildon in County Durham holds the title of the UK's most affordable town. According to Zoopla, the median property price here is around £73,900, roughly equivalent to just one year's average earnings for a dual-income family.
Two other County Durham towns feature prominently. Peterlee ranks fifth with an average house price of £85,900, while Ferryhill takes eighth place at £92,500.
Scotland's representation is led by Cumnock in East Ayrshire in second place (£83,700) and Saltcoats in North Ayrshire in third (£96,500).
A Nation Divided by Housing Costs
Richard Donnell, Executive Director at Zoopla, emphasised the significant disparities. He noted that affordability and moving costs are major considerations, forcing a growing number of buyers to look beyond their immediate local area for better value.
This insight aligns with wider national data. The UK House Price Index reported the average UK house price was £271,531 in September 2025, a 2.6% annual increase. The contrast is stark when comparing northern and southern cities:
- Liverpool: £185,000
- Hull: £133,000
- London: £566,000
Affluent southern university cities like Cambridge and Oxford also command significant premiums, reinforcing the affordability challenge in these regions. For many families, however, homeownership remains a realistic goal in Scotland and parts of the North East, where house price-to-earnings ratios are far more favourable.
