Shildon, a town in the North East 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 inauguration of steam locomotives transporting passengers on a public railway for the first time through the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
Zoopla’s research highlighted Shildon’s affordability, with an average house price of £82,000. This translates to a value to earnings ratio of just 1.36, making it feasible for dual buyers to enter the property market with a typical monthly mortgage payment of £325. The timing of this analysis coincides with the active Easter home buying season.
Zoopla’s assessment focused on 300 sought-after towns for families seeking three-bedroom homes, ranked by popularity based on property views and then by affordability. The North East region dominated the top rankings, with Shildon leading the way. Homes in Shildon are significantly more economical compared to the most affordable towns in South East England, offering a more cost-effective option for families.
Other notable affordable towns include Ferndale in Wales, where an average three-bed home costs £113,000 with a value to earnings ratio of 1.85. In Scotland, Cumnock, a historic market town in East Ayrshire, stands out with an average property value of £113,600 and a value to earnings ratio of 1.68.
Richard Donnell, Zoopla’s executive director, emphasized the significant affordability gap across the UK. While affordable housing options exist in every region, buyers often need to consider the trade-offs between lower house prices and proximity to major job centers. The report highlighted that coastal towns in southern England, though affordable, may incur higher travel expenses, which may not suit all buyers.
Donnell encouraged buyers to utilize available tools to make well-informed decisions considering trade-offs for a successful move in 2026. The top ten most affordable towns provide a range of choices for families looking to purchase a home, with the North East offering particularly attractive options for budget-conscious buyers.