Is It Time to Look North for Your Next Home?

The pandemic has turned the housing market on its head. The stamp duty holiday has significantly increased house prices across the country, making buying a first home even more difficult than it was a couple of years ago. Meanwhile, the staycation boom has driven landlords toward short-term lets, removing large numbers of properties from the rental market. With demand up and supply down, the cost and desirability of many locations around the UK have shifted dramatically.

Rising House Prices and Changing Market Trends

According to the Land Registry, the average price of a UK home is currently £265,688. However, affordability varies significantly from region to region, with some towns and cities offering much better value for money. As house prices continue to rise in the south, many buyers and renters are now considering relocating to more affordable areas—particularly in the north of England and Wales. Research published last week by Flowercard identified some of the most affordable places to live in the UK right now, with Telford and Wrekin—just 28 miles from Birmingham—topping the list. Here, average rents are around £450 per month, and one-bedroom homes can be purchased for an affordable £95,000.

The Most Affordable Towns and Cities in the UK

Flowercard’s research highlights several other affordable locations. Newport, the third-largest city in Wales, comes in second place with average rents of around £542 per month and one-bedroom properties available for under £150,000. Cardiff follows in third place, offering rental costs of around £566 for a one-bedroom apartment, while purchasing a one-bedroom home is even more affordable than in Newport, coming in at under £120,000.

Other cities with rental costs under £600 per month and one-bedroom homes available for less than £150,000 include:

• Derby
• Newcastle upon Tyne
• Middlesbrough
• Blackpool
• Kingston-upon-Hull
• Ipswich

The only town in Flowercard’s top 10 located in the southeast is Slough in Berkshire. Here, monthly rents are considerably higher at around £800, and one-bedroom homes are priced at a minimum of £214,000—highlighting the affordability gap between the north and south of England.

Affordable Homes in the North of England

In addition to Flowercard’s findings, the Leaders Romans Group (LRG) has compiled its own list of affordable locations, all situated in the north of England. These areas offer properties that undercut the national average, with homes available to buy for £250,000 or less, alongside rental prices that remain relatively low. Based on current Rightmove adverts, LRG has identified the following locations as some of the best-value places to live:

• Salford – Buy a two-bed terrace for £160,000 or rent for £795pcm
• Durham – Buy a two-bed terrace for £115,000 or rent for £550pcm
• Bootle – Buy a three-bed semi for £170,000 or rent for £795pcm
• Roker – Buy a two-bed flat for £90,000 or rent for £525pcm
• Lincoln – Buy a three-bed semi for £225,000 or rent for £750pcm
• Crewe – Buy a three-bed semi for £170,000 or rent for £750pcm
• Bolton – Buy a three-bed semi for £220,000 or rent for £825pcm
• Northwich – Buy a three-bed semi for £200,000 or rent for £850pcm
• Ellesmere Port – Buy a three-bed semi for £185,000 or rent for £750pcm
• Carlisle – Buy a three-bed terrace for £140,000 or rent for £575pcm

The Appeal of Moving North

For those living in the south of England, these prices may seem like a dream come true. The cost of housing in London and the surrounding areas continues to rise, making homeownership increasingly unattainable for many first-time buyers. The north of England offers not only more affordable housing but also a lower overall cost of living, making it an attractive option for those looking to get more for their money. Additionally, northern cities such as Manchester, Leeds, and Newcastle have thriving job markets, strong transport links, and vibrant cultural scenes, making them appealing alternatives to more expensive southern locations.

Is Now the Time to Relocate?

With the government promising to make flexible working arrangements easier for employees, now could be the perfect time to consider moving north. Many companies are adopting hybrid or fully remote working policies, reducing the need for workers to be based in expensive city centers. For those seeking better value housing without compromising on quality of life, looking north may be the answer. If you’re interested in exploring more about affordable housing options, you can check out Flowercard’s research in more detail and start your search for a place you can afford to rent or buy.