Shildon in County Durham, a town with a rich railway heritage, has been identified as the most budget-friendly town in the UK for families. Known as the world’s first railway town, Shildon witnessed the inaugural steam locomotive journey on a public railway when the Stockton and Darlington Railway opened, covering 26 miles.
Zoopla’s research highlights Shildon’s affordability, with an average house price of £82,000. This translates to a low value to earnings ratio of 1.36, making it easier for dual buyers to enter the property market with a typical monthly mortgage payment of £325. This analysis is particularly relevant as the housing market gears up for the busy Easter home buying season.
Zoopla’s affordability ranking focuses on popular towns for families seeking three-bedroom homes, with popularity based on property views. The top spots are dominated by the North East of England, with Shildon homes priced three times lower than the most affordable towns in the South East.
In Wales, Ferndale stands out as the most affordable town, with an average price of £113,000 for a three-bedroom home and a value to earnings ratio of 1.85. Meanwhile, Cumnock in Scotland leads the affordability list with an average home value of £113,600 and a value to earnings ratio of 1.68.
Richard Donnell, the executive director at Zoopla, emphasized the significant affordability gap across the UK. While affordable options exist nationwide, buyers often face trade-offs between lower house prices and proximity to major job hubs. Coastal towns in southern England, known for affordability, may come with higher travel costs, which may not suit everyone.
Donnell also highlighted the importance of utilizing available tools to make well-informed decisions and understand the trade-offs for a successful move in 2026. The top ten most affordable towns in the UK include Shildon, Peterlee, Ferryhill, Ferndale, Cumnock, Stanley, Crook, Irvine, Ashington, and Hartlepool.