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Planning a house move? Here's where you'll get more for your money...
Shildon in County Durham has been crowned the UK's most affordable town for the third consecutive year, Zoopla's annual report has found.
Planning a house move? The small town has an average property price of just £71,000, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1.1, and is driven by lower house prices with a dominance of terraced housing. If you're looking to get more for your money, then this is the place to consider.
In order to uncover the research, Zoopla analysed house price-to-earnings ratio based on a two-earner household on the average salary for the local area. While Shildon took the top spot, Cleator Moor in Copeland came in second place, while County Durham's Ferryhill and Peterlee also made the top 10.
As home buyers continue their pandemic-fuelled 'search for space', rural locations across Scotland, County Durham and Cumbria were also praised for their purse-friendly property prices. Elsewhere, Zoopla found that the commuter town of Dorking is the most improved, where buyers can expect to pay around £552,000 for a house. If you want to move closer to the sea, head to Dawlish in Devon where properties sit at around £278,700.
County Durham dominated the list
Other key findings include:
- The average two-earner household will pay four times their combined annual income to buy a home of average value in Britain of £263,00
- Brierley Hill in Dudley is the most affordable Birmingham suburb where the house price to earnings ratio is 3.2 for an average house price of £194,200
- In London, Barking and Dagenham and Bexley remain in the top two spots for affordability
- Unsurprisingly, Kensington and Chelsea and the City of Westminster remain some of the most expensive London boroughs
"The cost of living crisis has meant that affordability has been pushed to the forefront of buyers' minds this year, more than ever," Grainne Gilmore, Head of Research at Zoopla, says.
"Our affordability data helps buyers to make informed decisions about where their money may go further across Britain, especially those who may have hidden equity in their home. Once again, we are seeing that many of the most affordable areas for potential home buyers are across Scotland and the North of England which could be attractive to those still searching for the perfect post-pandemic family space."
Take a look at the full results below...
10 most affordable towns in the UK for 2022
- Shildon, County Durham (£71,000 average property price)
- Cleator Moor, Copeland (£105,700)
- Ferryhill, County Durham (£80,400)
- Stevenston, North Ayreshire (£88, 800)
- Cumnock, East Ayreshire (£89,400)
- Peterlee, County Durham (£84, 200)
- Egremont, Copeland (£120,900)
- Girvan, South Ayrshire (£105,000)
- Irvine, North Ayrshire (£102, 100)
- Millom, Copeland (£131, 500)
Platinum Jubilee souvenirs and gifts to celebrate the Queen
Emma Bridgewater Queen's Platinum Jubilee God Save The Queen Mug
This historic jubilee makes a great excuse to add another Emma Bridgewater mug to your collection! This one features our national anthem in EB's signature script on a proud red background.
Emma Bridgewater Queen's Platinum Jubilee Mug
Here's a more subtle design from Emma Bridgewater.
Harrods Queen's Platinum Jubilee Mug
Harrods has released its own commemorative mug, too. This fine bone china option features the dates of the Queen's reign in shining gold and finished with the royal crests.
Sandie Burton Designs Queen's Platinum Jubilee Cushion Cover
Particularly dedicated royalists will be pleased with this lovely handmade cushion cover; it's thoroughly celebratory without being garish. It'd fit right in with a country cottage scheme while adding a cheerful flash of colour.
Platinum Jubilee Tea Towel
This design is also available as a tea towel, if you prefer – in a good range of colours.
Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Plate
This makes a fun memento – use it to display your scones or sandwiches for your Jubilee garden party over the bank holiday weekend, then display it on the wall or your cabinet after the festivities are done.
Platinum Jubilee Bunting
Hang this suitably British bunting around your garden fence, conservatory or the front of your property to show your appreciation for our longest-reigning monarch. It comes in either two or five metre lengths, or you can ask for your specific requirements.
Historic Royal Palaces 2022 Platinum Jubilee Imperial State Crown Decoration
Made from gold-plated pewter and studded with glittering crystals, this ornate decoration is exclusive to the Historic Royal Palaces shop. Keep it proudly on display in a cabinet, or you could even use the hanging loop to turn it into a Christmas tree ornament, if you like.
No garden party is complete without cake. These rice paper toppers will ensure your offerings are less Victoria sponge and more Elizabeth II – much more appropriate, in this instance!
Cheviot Ceramics Queen's Platinum Jubilee Mug
A subtle design finished with traditional royal purple crowns; these are lovingly hand-painted to order, so you know you're getting something thoughtful to commemorate this special occasion.
Royal Collection Shop Longest Reigning Monarch Commemorative Oval Charger
Okay, this charger plate is expensive, but it is handmade from fine bone china and finished with burnished 22-carat gold detailing, so it is a really exquisite piece. Plus, we're sure you agree that a Platinum jubilee party deserves something extra special to celebrate properly. Put this plate pride of place on your table to show off your afternoon tea spread for your do.
Emma Bridgewater Crown Jewels Tea Towel
With its ornate crown, orb and sceptre design, this lovely Emma Bridgewater design will pay homage to our queen while brightening up your kitchen (and helping with the washing up!).
Traditional tones in white, blue and red here for this tea towel – and there's some matching bunting available, too.
More tea towels here – choose your favourite design, or collect all three!
Harrods HM Queen Elizabeth II Teapot
To match the charger plate above, this charming teapot will finish off your royal scheme perfectly. We just love the little crown on the lid.
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