By Karim Hammam
Property website Zoopla has identified more than 30 towns across Britain where homes typically cost less than two years' worth of household earnings for two full-time workers, according to new research analyzing 929 postal towns.
Shildon Named Most Affordable
Shildon in County Durham topped the list as the most affordable town, with average property values at £73,600 — just 1.15 times the combined annual income of a two-earner household. The national average home value stood at £299,100, equivalent to 4.3 times annual household earnings.
Scotland Leads Affordable Locations
Scotland accounted for 23 of the 36 towns where property-to-income ratios fell below 2.0. The North East of England contributed eight locations, while the North West had four. In the South East, Dover emerged as the most affordable town, though homes there still cost nearly three times average household earnings.
Regional Affordability Rankings
Zoopla provided the most affordable location in each region or nation, with average property values and property-to-income ratios for two full-time earners: North East (Shildon, £73,600, 1.15), Scotland (Fraserburgh, £116,000, 1.59), North West (Workington, £114,900, 1.65), Wales (Ferndale, £116,200, 1.82), Yorkshire and the Humber (Kingston upon Hull, £131,400, 2.16), West Midlands (Stoke-on-Trent, £160,700, 2.64), East Midlands (Ilkeston, £192,100, 2.70), East of England (Great Yarmouth, £166,300, 2.72), South East (Dover, £206,300, 2.97), South West (Bideford, £224,700, 3.35), and London (Tower Hamlets, £455,200, 4.91).
Market Context and Buyer Advice
Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, noted that house prices have been rising more slowly than incomes, improving affordability, but higher mortgage rates offset some gains. He highlighted wide regional variation, with northern England and Scotland offering better value relative to local earnings. Donnell cautioned that lower prices do not always mean easier purchases, citing employment access, deposit requirements, and mortgage costs. He added that buyers now have more choice and greater scope to negotiate, particularly in southern England, and suggested expanding searches to neighboring towns to improve options.
