Buying a house in the UK is arguably more stressful than selling a property and it can be a daunting process, with high prices and lots of competition. However, there are some locations where it is perhaps easier to get on the property ladder than others. Below are 5 of the easiest places to buy a house in the UK based on price and availability:

1. Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire

Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire has some of the most affordable housing prices in the UK. The average house price here is just £140,000, which is significantly lower than the average UK price of £256,000. Stoke-on-Trent has excellent transport links now and is undergoing some major regeneration, making it an attractive option for first-time buyers. 

2. Hull, East Yorkshire

Hull is currently one of the cheapest cities in the UK to buy property. The average house prices are around £130,000. As a coastal city Hull is always attractive to someone needing to live by the sea but who can’t afford prices that other coastal cities like Brighton & Hove are commanding. 

It’s also seen a lot of investment in recent years, with regeneration projects improving the waterfront and city centre meaning that there is still a good mix of affordable flats and houses available. It’s likely prices here will start to increase in the next few years, but right now the prices are really good. 

3. Liverpool, Merseyside 

Liverpool, despite being one of the UKs most well known cities still offers great value for money when house hunting. The average price is still only £170,000, but it’s also possible to buy a starter home for under £100,000 in some areas. Liverpool has a vibrant culture, buzzing social scene, and ongoing regeneration. Transport links are also good, which helps hold the values.  

4. Preston, Lancashire

The average house price in Preston is just £180,000, which is significantly lower than the national average. This city has a fantastic university, a thriving centre as well as scenic countryside and parks right on its doorstep. 

Recently there seems to be lots of student housing that has been converted into starter homes aimed at the first-time buyer market, which is likely to be a way of encouraging university graduates to stay in Preston once they start their working life. Preston is also popular because it has excellent rail links to cities such as Manchester and Liverpool.

5. Bradford, West Yorkshire

Bradford has some of the lowest house prices in the UK, with an overall average of £150,000. First-time buyers can find terraced houses for as little as £90,000-£100,000. The city centre, which in the past was nothing to shout about has now undergone significant regeneration and is somewhere definitely worth visiting. Bradford also offers great commuter links to other major cities, which is only going to open it up to first-time buyers who perhaps can not yet afford to buy in closer cities such as Leeds.

So whilst you might have locations fixed in your head already it might be worth looking a little further afield at cities in northern England and Scotland as this could reveal some real hidden gems for getting on the property ladder. With a bit of time looking around, and perhaps some staycations in the UK, you might just find that buying your first house is not as difficult or as expensive as you first thought.

For advice on your existing mortgage or financing your first property please get in touch with one of our expert brokers: 01273 257165