“While an area like Croydon can offer a good entry point into the London market, it underscores how regional wealth disparities are reshaping the property landscape, pushing buyers to look further north for true affordability and a wider range of property types”
– Daniel Copley – Zoopla
Just 12% of homes for sale across Great Britain are priced under £150,000, making location crucial for buyers seeking a bargain, according to new analysis from Zoopla.
The research shows that affordability is concentrated in the North East and Scotland. In the North East, 41% of homes for sale fall within this price range, while Scotland offers 30%. By contrast, only 2% of London properties and 7% in the South East meet the under-£150,000 threshold.
Top affordable areas:
Sunderland, North East: nearly half of homes for sale are under £150,000, with a mix of property types, coastal access, and proximity to Newcastle.
Aberdeen, Scotland: 49% of listings under £150,000, appealing for families due to safety and quality schools.
Blackpool, North West: 39% of homes are affordable, drawing first-time buyers and investors.
Darlington, Yorkshire & the Humber: 38% of homes priced under £150,000, blending historical charm with modern amenities.
Croydon, London: 7% of listings are under £150,000, offering a rare entry point into the capital, mostly in the form of one-bedroom flats.
Property type varies across the country. In the North East and Wales, over 60% of affordable listings are two and three-bedroom houses, providing options for families. For instance, in Swansea, more than a third of affordable homes are three-bedroom houses, offering space and coastal living at a lower cost.
In contrast, affordable homes in the South are predominantly flats. In London, 64% of homes under £150,000 are one-bedroom flats, with half available via shared ownership. Similarly, flats make up over 70% of affordable listings in the South East and East of England. Cities such as Portsmouth and Peterborough see the most affordable options in flat form, reflecting high demand and limited land.
Daniel Copley, consumer expert at Zoopla, said, “The North East and Scotland are clear hotspots for budget-conscious buyers, with a significant proportion of homes for sale priced under £150,000. In these areas, affordability doesn’t just mean a low price tag; it also means more choice. We’re seeing a high concentration of two and three-bedroom houses, providing real options for families and those seeking more space.
“However, the story is very different in London and the South East. Here, homes under £150,000 are a rare find, and when they do appear, they are almost exclusively flats, often available through shared ownership. This highlights the major challenge for first-time buyers and those on a tighter budget in the South. While an area like Croydon can offer a good entry point into the London market, it underscores how regional wealth disparities are reshaping the property landscape, pushing buyers to look further north for true affordability and a wider range of property types.”