10 best value UK cities with cheap homes that families are moving to | UK | Travel
With London house prices now averaging at around £652,000, compared with £271,000 across the UK, it’s no surprise that graduates, first-time buyers and families are looking elsewhere. According to research by Savills and The Telegraph, the UK’s best-value cities don’t just have more affordable houses — they also have high wages, job opportunites, a vibrant cultural scene as well as good house-price-to-income ratios.
This top 10 list of the UK’s best value cities to relocate to shows the places that have the best balance between what people earn, what homes cost, and what cities can offer in return. The rankings focus on cities with populations over 25,000, average household incomes of at least £45,000 and a high proportion of residents in professional and managerial roles while also factoring in house prices and house-price-to-income ratios.
10. Liverpool
Liverpool’s huge £14billion dock regeneration is delivering new homes aimed at young buyers, with apartments starting from around £265,000. The city’s music, sport and arts scene continues to thrive, while free green spaces like Sefton Park boost quality of life. For many, Liverpool offers a big-city experience without big-city prices.
(Image: Getty)
9. Exeter
While pricier than northern cities, Exeter’s house-price-to-income ratio is better than Bristol’s. Skilled jobs come from the university, hospital, Met Office and professional firms. Many buyers are families leaving London, drawn by lifestyle perks like coastlines, rugby culture and walkable neighbourhoods close to the centre.
(Image: Getty)
8. Chelmsford
Chelmsford offers a £200,000 saving on average house prices compared with St Albans, for just 10 extra minutes on the train to London. Flats start from around £250,000, while new investment in the station, shopping centre and housing is transforming the city. Its size also means more schools, parks and local jobs.
(Image: Getty)
