Where are the best places to buy a bargain cottage?
North Lanarkshire topped Zoopla's affordability list, with a cottage typically priced at £83,500. It was followed by Sunderland in the northeast of England, where those looking for a cottage can expect to pay an average of £115,000.
The 'cottagecore' aesthetic, which romanticises rural life and encourages simple living and traditional skills, has become a popular trend in recent years. Some cottage buyers may also be taking inspiration from the cosy, rural home depicted in the romantic comedy The Holiday, starring Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz.
• Where to find house price deals next to the best schools
Zoopla said that 'cottage' was the fourth most-searched for term on its website last year.
In the northwest of England, Blackburn with Darwen was a hotspot for buyer inquiries, with an average asking price for a cottage at £157,500, while Southampton led the way in the southeast, with a median average asking price of £280,000.
Other areas attracting significant attention included East Renfrewshire, where cottages had an average asking price of £100,000. Cottages in Neath Port Talbot in south Wales, with its coastal and valley landscapes, carried an average price tag of £170,000.
Bradford in West Yorkshire was another hotspot, with an average asking price of £200,000. Buyers are attracted by its rich industrial history, cultural scene and some of the most affordable prices in the region, according to Zoopla. The Derbyshire Dales had the biggest proportion of cottages for sale, with just over a fifth of homes on the market being cottages.
Daniel Copley, a consumer expert at Zoopla, said: 'Our data shows a clear and sustained appetite for the cottagecore lifestyle, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down.
'While the dream of a quaint, rural cottage is often associated with high prices, our analysis highlights that affordability can still be found across the country. From the rolling hills of North Lanarkshire to the coastal charm of Sunderland, there are options for prospective buyers on a range of budgets.
'We're seeing this desire for a simpler life translate into market demand, with specific areas becoming hotspots for buyer interest. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking for a change of pace, the cottage market offers diverse opportunities.'
Nigel Bishop, founder of the buying agency Recoco Property Search, said: 'There have always been buyers who appreciate the typically charming designs and quaint surroundings associated with a cottage.
'Many house-hunters also express favouring this style of home for size as cottages tend to be smaller than typical country homes and are therefore considered to be more manageable and could reduce running costs.
'Often set in rural locations, buyers need to ensure that the setting works for them long term, as some amenities such as shops and hospitals can be further away, which can become inconvenient.
'Demand for cottages remains strong, however, and house-hunters should brace for a competitive property search — particularly for cottages with a lower asking price as they tend to attract multiple offers.'
Zoopla analysed homes available for sale between January and May, with London generally excluded.
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The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
These are the areas of Britain with the most affordable cottages
The dream of owning a charming, quirky cottage, often romanticised in popular culture, is an attainable reality for many across Britain, according to new analysis from property website Zoopla. Their research reveals North Lanarkshire in Scotland as the most affordable location for cottage hopefuls, where a typical property is priced at just £83,500. Following closely is Sunderland in the North East of England, with an average cottage cost of £115,000. The enduring appeal of cottages is bolstered by the rise of the "cottagecore"aesthetic, a trend that celebrates rural life, simple living, and traditional skills. The cosy, idyllic homes depicted in romantic comedies such as The Holiday, starring Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz, also continue to inspire buyers. Reflecting this widespread interest, "cottage" was the fourth most-searched term on Zoopla's website in 2024. In the North West of England, Blackburn with Darwen is a hotspot for buyer inquiries, with cottages there typically listed at £157,500, Zooplankton said. It added that Southampton leads the way in the South East, with a median average asking price of £280,000. Other areas attracting significant attention include East Renfrewshire in Scotland, where a cottage has an average asking price of £100,000. Neath Port Talbot in Wales appeals to buyers drawn to its beautiful coastal and valley landscapes, with an average price tag of £170,000, the website added. Bradford in West Yorkshire is another hotspot, with an average asking price of £200,000. Buyers are attracted by its rich industrial history, cultural scene and some of the most affordable prices in the region, according to Zoopla. For those looking for choice, Derbyshire Dales has the biggest proportion of cottages for sale, with around a fifth (21.4 per cent) of homes on the market being cottages, the website's analysis found. 'Our data shows a clear and sustained appetite for the cottagecore lifestyle, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down,' Daniel Copley, a consumer expert at Zoopla, said. 'While the dream of a quaint, rural cottage is often associated with high prices, our analysis highlights that affordability can still be found across the country. From the rolling hills of North Lanarkshire to the coastal charm of Sunderland, there are options for prospective buyers on a range of budgets. 'We're seeing this desire for a simpler life translate into market demand, with specific areas becoming hotspots for buyer interest. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking for a change of pace, the cottage market offers diverse opportunities.' Nigel Bishop, founder of buying agency Recoco Property Search, said: 'There has always been a fan base of buyers who appreciate the typically charming designs and quaint surroundings associated with a cottage. 'Many house hunters also express favouring this style of home for size as cottages tend to be smaller than typical country homes and are therefore considered to be more manageable and could reduce running costs. 'Often set in rural locations, buyers need to ensure that the setting works for them long term, as some amenities such as shops and hospitals can be further away which can become inconvenient. 'Demand for cottages remains strong, however, and house hunters should brace for a competitive property search – particularly for cottages with a lower asking price as they tend to attract multiple offers.' Zoopla analysed homes available for sale between January and May 2025, with London generally excluded. Here are the areas in regions and nations of Britain where cottages are typically the least expensive, according to Zoopla. The figures show the median average asking price for a cottage: East Midlands, Amber Valley, £206,000 East of England, Fenland, £249,000 North East, Sunderland, £115,000 North West, Blackburn with Darwen, £157,500 Scotland, North Lanarkshire, £83,500 South East, Southampton, £280,000 South West, Plymouth, £248,500 Wales, Rhondda Cynon Taf, £129,500 West Midlands, Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme, £238,000 Yorkshire and the Humber, Bradford, £200,000 Here are the areas in regions and nations of Britain where cottages are typically the most expensive, according to Zoopla. The figures show the median average asking price for a cottage: East Midlands, South Northamptonshire and Gedling, £400,000 East of England, Welwyn Hatfield, £662,500 North East, Northumberland, £300,000 North West, Cheshire West and Chester, £375,000 Scotland, East Lothian, £381,000 South East, Slough, £824,500 South West, Gloucester, £531,500 Wales, Monmouthshire, £442,500 West Midlands, North Warwickshire, £615,000 Yorkshire and the Humber, York, £400,000 Here are the areas in each region or nation where cottages are attracting the biggest concentrations of buyer inquiries, according to Zoopla, with the median average asking price of a cottage:
Times
a day ago
- Times
Where are the best places to buy a bargain cottage?
With their quirkiness and charm, living in a cottage is a dream for many people, and analysis by a property website has pinpointed locations in Britain where buyers are most likely to snap one up at a bargain price. North Lanarkshire topped Zoopla's affordability list, with a cottage typically priced at £83,500. It was followed by Sunderland in the northeast of England, where those looking for a cottage can expect to pay an average of £115,000. The 'cottagecore' aesthetic, which romanticises rural life and encourages simple living and traditional skills, has become a popular trend in recent years. Some cottage buyers may also be taking inspiration from the cosy, rural home depicted in the romantic comedy The Holiday, starring Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz. • Where to find house price deals next to the best schools Zoopla said that 'cottage' was the fourth most-searched for term on its website last year. In the northwest of England, Blackburn with Darwen was a hotspot for buyer inquiries, with an average asking price for a cottage at £157,500, while Southampton led the way in the southeast, with a median average asking price of £280,000. Other areas attracting significant attention included East Renfrewshire, where cottages had an average asking price of £100,000. Cottages in Neath Port Talbot in south Wales, with its coastal and valley landscapes, carried an average price tag of £170,000. Bradford in West Yorkshire was another hotspot, with an average asking price of £200,000. Buyers are attracted by its rich industrial history, cultural scene and some of the most affordable prices in the region, according to Zoopla. The Derbyshire Dales had the biggest proportion of cottages for sale, with just over a fifth of homes on the market being cottages. Daniel Copley, a consumer expert at Zoopla, said: 'Our data shows a clear and sustained appetite for the cottagecore lifestyle, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. 'While the dream of a quaint, rural cottage is often associated with high prices, our analysis highlights that affordability can still be found across the country. From the rolling hills of North Lanarkshire to the coastal charm of Sunderland, there are options for prospective buyers on a range of budgets. 'We're seeing this desire for a simpler life translate into market demand, with specific areas becoming hotspots for buyer interest. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking for a change of pace, the cottage market offers diverse opportunities.' Nigel Bishop, founder of the buying agency Recoco Property Search, said: 'There have always been buyers who appreciate the typically charming designs and quaint surroundings associated with a cottage. 'Many house-hunters also express favouring this style of home for size as cottages tend to be smaller than typical country homes and are therefore considered to be more manageable and could reduce running costs. 'Often set in rural locations, buyers need to ensure that the setting works for them long term, as some amenities such as shops and hospitals can be further away, which can become inconvenient. 'Demand for cottages remains strong, however, and house-hunters should brace for a competitive property search — particularly for cottages with a lower asking price as they tend to attract multiple offers.' Zoopla analysed homes available for sale between January and May, with London generally excluded.
The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
Best places in Britain to buy a cottage revealed
With their quirkiness and charm, living in a cottage is a dream for many people, and analysis by a property website has pinpointed locations in Britain where home buyers are most likely to snap one up at a bargain price. North Lanarkshire in Scotland topped Zoopla's affordability list, with a cottage typically priced at £83,500. This is followed by Sunderland in the North East of England where those looking for a cottage could expect to pay an average of £115,000. The 'cottagecore' aesthetic that romanticises rural life and encourages simple living and traditional skills has become a popular trend in recent years. Some cottage buyers may also have inspiration from the cosy, rural home depicted in romantic comedy film The Holiday, starring Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz. Zoopla said that 'cottage' was the fourth most-searched for term on its website in 2024. Among those aiming for a lifestyle brimming with bucolic bliss, the analysis reveals where this is translating into market demand for cottages. In the North West of England, Blackburn with Darwen is a hotspot for buyer inquiries, with an average asking price for a cottage at £157,500, Zoopla said. It added that Southampton leads the way in the South East, with a median average asking price of £280,000. Other areas attracting significant attention include East Renfrewshire in Scotland, where a cottage has an average asking price of £100,000, Zoopla said. Neath Port Talbot in Wales appeals to buyers drawn to its beautiful coastal and valley landscapes, with an average price tag of £170,000, the website added. Bradford in West Yorkshire is another hotspot, with an average asking price of £200,000. Buyers are attracted by its rich industrial history, cultural scene and some of the most affordable prices in the region, according to Zoopla. For those looking for choice, Derbyshire Dales has the biggest proportion of cottages for sale, with around a fifth (21.4%) of homes on the market being cottages, the website's analysis found. Daniel Copley, a consumer expert at Zoopla, said: 'Our data shows a clear and sustained appetite for the cottagecore lifestyle, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. 'While the dream of a quaint, rural cottage is often associated with high prices, our analysis highlights that affordability can still be found across the country. From the rolling hills of North Lanarkshire to the coastal charm of Sunderland, there are options for prospective buyers on a range of budgets. 'We're seeing this desire for a simpler life translate into market demand, with specific areas becoming hotspots for buyer interest. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking for a change of pace, the cottage market offers diverse opportunities.' Nigel Bishop, founder of buying agency Recoco Property Search, said: 'There has always been a fan base of buyers who appreciate the typically charming designs and quaint surroundings associated with a cottage. 'Many house hunters also express favouring this style of home for size as cottages tend to be smaller than typical country homes and are therefore considered to be more manageable and could reduce running costs. 'Often set in rural locations, buyers need to ensure that the setting works for them long term, as some amenities such as shops and hospitals can be further away which can become inconvenient. 'Demand for cottages remains strong, however, and house hunters should brace for a competitive property search – particularly for cottages with a lower asking price as they tend to attract multiple offers.' Zoopla analysed homes available for sale between January and May 2025, with London generally excluded. Here are the areas in regions and nations of Britain where cottages are typically the least expensive, according to Zoopla. The figures show the median average asking price for a cottage: East Midlands, Amber Valley, £206,000 East of England, Fenland, £249,000 North East, Sunderland, £115,000 North West, Blackburn with Darwen, £157,500 Scotland, North Lanarkshire, £83,500 South East, Southampton, £280,000 South West, Plymouth, £248,500 Wales, Rhondda Cynon Taf, £129,500 West Midlands, Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme, £238,000 Yorkshire and the Humber, Bradford, £200,000 Here are the areas in regions and nations of Britain where cottages are typically the most expensive, according to Zoopla. The figures show the median average asking price for a cottage: East Midlands, South Northamptonshire and Gedling, £400,000 East of England, Welwyn Hatfield, £662,500 North East, Northumberland, £300,000 North West, Cheshire West and Chester, £375,000 Scotland, East Lothian, £381,000 South East, Slough, £824,500 South West, Gloucester, £531,500 Wales, Monmouthshire, £442,500 West Midlands, North Warwickshire, £615,000 Yorkshire and the Humber, York, £400,000 Here are the areas in each region or nation where cottages are attracting the biggest concentrations of buyer inquiries, according to Zoopla, with the median average asking price of a cottage: Scotland, East Renfrewshire, £100,000 Wales, Neath Port Talbot, £170,000 Yorkshire and the Humber, Bradford, £200,000 South East, Southampton, £280,000 North East, Sunderland, £115,000 West Midlands, Stoke-on-Trent, £238,000 South West, Plymouth, £248,500 East of England, Hertsmere, £485,000 East Midlands, Leicester, £325,000 North West, Blackburn with Darwen, £157,500
