This converted flat in Surrey is full of period charm. Photo: Romans
Nationwide has crowned Inverclyde in Scotland as Britain’s most affordable local authority for first-time buyers, followed by Burnley and Hartlepool. It looked at the ratio between house prices and earnings (HPER) and found that a typical first home in Inverclyde costs 2.3 times the average salary, whereas in Kensington & Chelsea, the least affordable place, the HPER is nearly 14.
“Around 70% of local authorities have seen an improvement in affordability over the last year,’” says Andrew Harvey, Nationwide’s senior economist. “However, it is important to recognise there is also considerable variation in affordability within regions.”
If you’re planning to take your first step on the property ladder, check out these homes in each region’s best value area.
Enjoy views over the Clyde from this top floor flat Photo: McArthur Scott
A top floor flat in a converted red sandstone building in the West End, regarded as one of the town’s most desirable areas. The bay window in the living room frames views over the River Clyde, and there’s a separate kitchen, a double bedroom, a claw-footed tub in the bathroom and a shared garden. Through McArthur Scott.
The house has been renovated from top to bottom. Photo: Bridgfords
Move in and immediately start enjoying life in this end-of-terrace house as it’s been completely renovated by the current owner. Comprises two double bedrooms, a living room, a tasteful grey kitchen and a bathroom with statement marble tiles. The town centre and M65 motorway are in easy reach. From Bridgfords.
Read more: 10 eye-catching homes with versatile conservatories
There are plenty of family-friendly features. Photo: Purplebricks
You’ll find this modern terraced house in a quiet cul-de-sac in the most budget-friendly part of Wales. Ideal for a couple with a young child, it has two double bedrooms, a compact kitchen, a living room with French doors opening out to a low maintenance garden, a family bathroom and a cloakroom, plus a garage at the back. Contact Purplebricks.
Good looks and plenty of space are on offer. Photo: Manners & Harrison
Situated in the historic Headland neighbourhood, this three-bedroom period house offers over 1,150 square feet of living space. There’s an eat-in kitchen, a living room, a cloakroom and family bathroom and the part-walled, west-facing garden gets the afternoon and early evening sun. Via Manners & Harrison.
The flat is in Surrey Heath, the Outer Metropolitan area’s most affordable local authority. Photo: Romans
Character is bursting from every corner of this first floor flat, consisting of a good-sized living room, a kitchen, a double-bedroom with fitted wardrobes and a recently upgraded ensuite, plus a handy outbuilding. It’s in the heart of a sought-after village, close to shops, restaurants and pubs. From Romans.
Read more: 10 first-time buyer homes to snap up now
Savour the salty sea air from here. Photo: Yopa
Anyone thinking of getting a lodger to help pay the mortgage should check out this first floor flat, within a former naval hospital in East Anglia’s least expensive town. It has two double bedrooms, a single that’s perfect for a home office, two bathrooms, a large living room and a separate bathroom. The beach is in walking distance. Through Yopa.
The terraced house is deceptively spacious. Photo: Leaders
This narrow but deep three-bedroom Victorian house, in the outer South East’s affordable town, is much bigger than it looks. The front door opens into the living room, which leads through past the staircase into a dining room, then the kitchen, with the bathroom at the rear. The third bedroom is accessed through the second, and would work equally well as a dressing room or study. Via Leaders.
Read more: 10 new homes for low-maintenance, energy-efficient living
This delightful house is in Hull, Yorkshire’s best-value address. Photo: William H Brown
An attractive three-bedroom house in a conservation area originally built for workers at the Reckitt factory, which manufactured household products and later became part of Reckitt & Colman. Includes a spacious all-in-one dual aspect living and dining room, two bathrooms and a paved garden. Find out more from William H Brown.
These new-builds fall under West Lindsey, the most affordable part of the East Midlands. Photo: Chestnut Homes
Brand new two to five-bedroom houses are available in an ancient village just 10 minutes drive from Lincoln. They include high-spec interiors and energy-saving features such as solar panels, electric car charging points and enhanced insulation. By Chestnut Homes.
An enclosed garden adds to the property’s appeal. Photo: Purplebricks
There’s lots to love in this semi-detached house in Stoke-on-Trent, the West Midlands’ top spot for affordability. Convenient for transport links, it has three bedrooms, a first floor bathroom, two reception rooms and off-street parking. The garden is enclosed and not overlooked. Get in touch with Purplebricks.
A split level layout makes this flat seem like a house. Photo: The Acorn Group
No one’s saying that London is cheap, but when buying a first home, your money will go further in Bromley than in any other borough. This one-bedroom flat is a fantastic find as it’s in pristine condition, so doesn’t require any work, and immensely private as it’s set behind secure gates. And with the open plan kitchen, living and dining space on the ground floor and the bedroom and bathroom above, it feels very much like a house. By The Acorn Group.
Buying a new-build helps to keep energy bills down. Photo: Bellway
Swindon is not only the West country’s most affordable location, but also one of its best connected, boasting fast road and rail links. Save on running costs by buying a new-build, such as this three-bedroom house complete with two bathrooms, a cloakroom, kitchen, an open plan living and dining area and equipped with energy-efficient technologies. From Bellway.
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