IDEAL for those seeking new beginnings.
It’s a time of huge upheaval, readjustment and uncertain futures. As such, perhaps you’re considering a seismic life shift? Whether that’s a career change, lifestyle realignment or moving city in search of new inspiration, this isn’t a decision to be taken lightly.
We’re here to talk to those considering moving house to a new city to buy property, in the hope of a fresh start. Enlightened by a recent research study carried out by Open Property Group, which shed light on the Top 10 LEAST and the Top 10 MOST affordable UK cities to buy a house, today we’re looking closer at the four most affordable cities, and what attracts home-buyers to them across the nation. With that in mind, here are the top 4 most affordable cities to live in England, IDEAL for those seeking new beginnings.
MOST AFFORDABLE CITY: DURHAM – EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION, AND ENTERTAINMENT
Durham has spent the last few years transforming many of its factories, historic mills, and warehouses into culinary and cultural gems, and the city now boasts a broad range of cultural and entertainment hotspots.
This, along with the city’s strong reputation for education and history, makes Durham extremely appealing as a residential space and somewhere to up sticks to. For a city of its size, Durham also has a plethora of employment opportunities. Its famous university, Duke University, alone employs 8000 people.
And to top it all off, Durham was highlighted by Open Properties Group as being the most affordable English city to live in with housing that is deemed to be ‘reachable’ by single buyers earning average incomes. Moreover, if you’re looking for beautiful places in England to live then look no further than County Durham, it boasts a beautiful coastline and covers part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – bliss.
SECOND MOST AFFORDABLE CITY: STOKE-ON-TRENT – AFFORDABLE AND STRATEGICALLY LOCATED
Stoke-on-Trent is second only to the aforementioned Durham in terms of affordability, with residential real estate prices as low as £114,301, or just 4% above the city’s calculated affordable housing price of £110,184, according to Open Property Group.
The city, which actually comprises 6 town centres, is also home to some of the UK’s most intriguing cultural and historical gems, such as the bottle ovens formerly used for baking pottery, the noble red brick universities, and Biddulph Grange Gardens, particularly the gold cow at the entrance and Japanese quarter, truly unique.
The city’s fine tradition for ceramics (it’s the World Capital of the stuff) means kitting out your crockery cupboard is a doddle (and a damn lot of fun, too). As good an excuse as any to move here, we think.
Easy access to major urban centres such as Liverpool and Manchester is facilitated through the M6 and other efficiently run transportation networks. Residents also benefit from the services provided by the many high quality primary and secondary schools in the city as well as a combination of serene and lively entertainment spots like The Zero Art Café located on Foundry Street and Hanley.
THIRD MOST AFFORDABLE CITY: HULL – NATURAL WONDERS AND SOCIAL WARMTH
Hull is a city with so much to offer, and the world is taking note. Indeed, in 2017, Hull was named the UK’s City of Culture in 2017 and it has continued the momentum which that accolade bestowed ever since. Indeed, £676 million worth of investment in the city can be attributed to this acknowledgement of Hull’s standing, with various events since 2017, such as the Big Malarkey Festival and Back To Ours, owing their success to the announcement.
That Big Marlarkey Festival is particularly brilliant, a huge family friendly affair celebrating children’s literature. In fact, Hull as a whole boasts plenty of things for families to do and close knit communities to boot.
Scenery wise, the city’s major water body, The River Humber, is a majestic sight as are other gems such as the East Park, Burton Agnes Hall (which is also a delightful historic treat) and the Lincolnshire Wolds.
Owning a home in Hull is slightly out of the comfort zone of the salaries earned in the city, with the average house price being £112,904, a price that sits 12% above the city’s calculated affordable housing price of £98, 975. That said, it’s still an affordable place to buy property and to live.
FOURTH MOST AFFORDABLE CITY: SUNDERLAND – BEACHES, CONCERTS AND AFFORDABLE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
Those who seek pristine beauty may not first think of Sunderland. But with its gorgeous surrounding landscape, economic opportunities, and a lively entertainment scene, this city will do so much to surprise you.
Located right on the coast, Sunderland is a beach lover’s dream with its miles of beautiful coastal lands, the finest perhaps being Roker or Seaburn. Simply stunning, and just a two mile drive northeast from the city centre to Roker, and another seven minutes drive north to Seaburn. Few cities in England boast such close proximity to sand and surf!
Additionally, Sunderland boasts a cultural scene that has won the hearts of millions with its frequent, sold-out stadium shows by acts like Rihanna, Beyoncé and Coldplay. To buy a residential property in Sunderland you’ll have to fork out an average of £119,758 which is 12% higher than the city’s affordable housing price of £105,730. With the average salary in the city being £31.7K, many couples who work in the area should be able to easily afford that average house price.