Three of the best places in Wales to buy a cottage
Three areas in Wales are named in a new cottage affordability list, if you are interested in living out dreams of buying by the coast
Neath Port Talbot has been named one of the most affordable areas to buy a cottage
(Image: Neath Port Talbot Council)
Three areas in Wales have been named in a new cottage affordability list. A new Zoopla study has pinpointed where in Wales you can buy your dream cottage for the lowest prices.
Neath Port Talbot has drawn in buyers who are attracted to its coastal and valley landscapes come with an average price tag of £170,000, the website noted. It was declared one of the regions or nations where cottages are attracting the biggest concentrations of buyer inquiries.
However, the cheapest option for finding your dream Welsh cottage is in Rhondda Cynon Taf, where on average they cost £129,500.
Monmouthshire has been revealed as the location with some of the most expensive cottages which come in at an average price of £442,500. They rival the likes of Yorkshire and the Humber, York with average prices of £400,000, but they are almost half the average cost of cottages in South East England, Slough which averages at £824,500.
North Lanarkshire in Scotland came out on top of Zoopla's value-for-money rankings, with a cottage generally costing £83,500. However, several Welsh locations have also made the list and you can read more about Welsh homes here.
Zoopla also revealed that "cottage" ranked as the fourth most-searched term on their platform during 2024. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here .
Perhaps some have taken inspiration from the snug, countryside dwelling featured in romantic comedy The Holiday, featuring Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz, or perhaps others just want to retreat away from the city.
Amongst those pursuing a way of life filled with pastoral contentment, the analysis conducted by Zoopla of homes available for sale between January and May 2025 shows where this desire is converting into marketplace interest for cottages.
"Cottagecore", a lifestyle trend which has become extremely popular in recent years thanks to social media.
(Image: PA)
Zoopla's consumer expert, Daniel Copley, commented:"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."
The founder of buying agency Recoco Property Search, Nigel Bishop 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.
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"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."
If you're keen to find your own dream Welsh cottage, sign up to our newsletter here , where you may be lucky to spot one.
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