The most affordable locations to buy a home revealed

March 29, 2019

The latest data from the Office of National Statistics has revealed where the most affordable places to buy a home are in England and Wales based on the ratio of the average salary and the average property price.

The data shows that across England and Wales the affordability ratio has shown little change year on year with the average property costing 7.8 times the available wage in 2008.

However, while housing affordability remains a big issue, the diversity of the UK property market means that there are a whole host of areas where the gap is much smaller.

Copeland is currently the best place in England and Wales to get a foot on the ladder and with an affordability ratio of 2.5, it is just over three times cheaper than the national average and over 17 times more affordable than the worst area Kensington and Chelsea.

Barrow-in-Furness, Blaenau Gwent, Neath Port Talbot, Pendle, Merthyr Tydfil and Burnley are all also home to an affordability ratio where house prices are less than four times the average wage.

Knowsley, Derby and Hyndburn complete the top 10 more affordable areas in the UK where getting a foot on the ladder is concerned.

Founder and CEO of Springbok Properties, Shepherd Ncube, commented:

“Housing affordability is a very hot topic and, the consistent escalation of house prices coupled with the slower rate of wage growth, means that for many the aspirations of owning their own home continues to move further out of reach.

However, our property market is a diverse one and amongst the many layers that form it there are 140 pockets of affordability offering a below average house price to wage ratio.

Of course,  wider economic factors such as job availability have a part to play but this aside, these areas offer hope to those wishing to shed the shackles of the rental sector. By doing your homework, you can uncover hidden gems of property affordability dotted all over England and Wales.”

Most affordable areas to buy in England & Wales
Area
House price/wage affordability ratio
Copeland
2.5
Barrow-in-Furness
3.53
Blaenau Gwent
3.59
Neath Port Talbot
3.6
Pendle
3.65
Merthyr Tydfil
3.78
Burnley
3.99
Knowsley
4.11
Derby
4.26
Hyndburn
4.35
England and Wales
7.8

 

Properganda PR

National and local media coverage for property businesses. Journo quotes delivered in minutes.

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agent Talk

Roller Garage Doors: 7 Essential Buying Tips.

Roller garage doors vary in quality, design, and the components used. Recognising these variations is essential when making a purchase, as it ensures you choose a product that provides long-term benefits. Here are seven key factors to consider: 1. Environmental Impact For superior insulation, sectional garage doors may be a better option, even though roller…
Read More →
Breaking News

Glenigan Construction Index: Pockets of regional resilience, do little to offset faltering confidence

The value of underlying work starting on-site during the three months to February decreased 6% and remained 17% below 2024 levels as activity remains relatively stagnant Lowered expectations on economic recovery dent residential construction, with starts down 10% on the preceding three months, slashed by 14% against 2024 figures Non-residential project starts decreased 2% against…
Read More →
Home and Living

How to Create a Stylish and Comfortable Home Office

Creating a stylish and comfortable home office is essential for productivity and well-being. Here are key considerations to design a workspace that is both functional and inspiring:​D 1. Select an Appropriate Location Choose a quiet area in your home with minimal distractions. If a separate room isn’t available, consider converting a nook or unused space…
Read More →
Breaking News

Zoopla Rental Market Report: Rents rising at lowest level for 3.5 years

Upcoming reforms in the rental market will limit new investment and the number of homes for rent Rents rising at lowest level for 3.5 years as Zoopla warns upcoming rental reforms will continue to limit rental supply   Average UK rents for new lets are three per cent higher over the last year, down from…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Commonhold White Paper – Thoughts from the Industry

The sale of new leasehold flats in England and Wales is to be banned under Labour’s plan to end the  ‘feudal’ system. Labour wants to switch to Scotland’s commonhold system There are around 5 million leaseholders in England and Wales. Under commonhold, each flat owner would own the freehold of their home, but also have…
Read More →
Breaking News

Greenpeace Ruling Exposes UK Government Policy

In January 2025, Greenpeace brought a collective action against the Dutch state for failing to comply with a 2018 European Court of Justice ruling on nutrient neutrality. An appeal is expected: however, as the UK Government has adopted the same ‘tax builders for pollution others cause’ approach to reducing nutrient pollution, it may find itself…
Read More →