Zoopla research shows regional divide in housing affordability
New research from Zoopla has identified the most affordable areas for homebuyers across Britain, highlighting a stark divide in housing affordability between different regions.
The property listing platform analysed house price-to-earnings ratios to determine affordability, based on local average incomes for two-earner households. The findings reveal that while housing affordability remains challenging in parts of the country, certain regions — particularly in Scotland and northern England — offer comparatively low property prices relative to income.
Ayrshire in southwest Scotland emerged as the most affordable area, with towns such as Cumnock, Girvan, Saltcoats, and Ardrossan showing house price-to-income ratios below 1.3. Cumnock ranked as Britain’s most affordable town, with an average property price of £80,300, well below the UK average of £267,500.
In England, Shildon and Peterlee in County Durham, along with Ashington in Northumberland, also ranked highly for affordability, with property values under 1.4 times local household incomes.
In southern England, house prices fell over the past year, leading to improved affordability in regions like the South East, South West, and East of England. However, affordability remains limited, with eight in 10 towns in southern England still showing property values above four times local household income. Wisbech in Cambridgeshire, along with Dover and Great Yarmouth, represent the most affordable areas in the south, with ratios between 3 and 3.2.
In London, property prices remain the highest in the country. Croydon has the lowest house price-to-income ratio in the capital at 4.7, compared to a London average of 5.8. Nearby areas with easier commuting access to London, such as Chatham (3.7), Southend (3.9), and Basingstoke (3.9), offer comparatively more affordable options for buyers willing to live outside the city.
“Affordability remains a concern for many homebuyers so it is positive to see that there are areas of the UK, such as Southern England, where the affordability of housing has improved,” commented Izabella Lubowiecka (pictured), senior property researcher at Zoopla.
“London remains the least affordable area for homebuyers. Those in London looking to get more for their money may want to consider buying in one of the South East and East of England’s commuter belt, where there are many towns that are more affordable than London. The same is true in markets around many regional cities and we see buyers seeking value for money.”
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