Former Scottish industrial hub named UK's best place to buy a cottage
A former industrial hub in central Scotland has been named the most affordable place in the UK to buy a cottage, as interest in countryside living and cosy rural homes continues to grow.
North Lanarkshire, located just east of Glasgow, topped a new ranking by property site Zoopla, which found that cottages in the area are typically priced at just £83,500.
The area includes towns such as Motherwell, Wishaw, Airdrie, Coatbridge and Cumbernauld, places not traditionally associated with romantic cottage life, but now offering some of the best value for money in Britain, Scottish Daily Express reports.
According to Zoopla, the word 'cottage' was the fourth most-searched term on its website in 2024, suggesting a surge in interest for more quaint and character-filled homes.
With the rising cost of living and growing interest in the so-called 'cottagecore' aesthetic, buyers are increasingly drawn to smaller, more manageable properties set in rural or semi-rural surroundings.
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.'
Cottages, while not strictly defined, are generally considered to be smaller and more rustic than traditional homes. Many are situated outside major urban centres, appealing to buyers looking to escape the hustle of city life.
While North Lanarkshire was the most affordable area in the UK, East Lothian, just east of Edinburgh, ranked as the most expensive Scottish region for cottage buyers, with properties typically costing around £381,000.
East Renfrewshire, south of Glasgow, also stood out in the study. It attracted the highest concentration of buyer interest in Scotland while still offering relatively good value for money, with average cottage prices around £100,000.
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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.'
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