For countless Britons, the dream of home ownership feels increasingly out of reach, with soaring prices locking a generation out of the market. However, a glimmer of hope has been identified in the North East, where a new study has crowned a port town as the nation's most affordable place to live.
The Crown for Affordability
According to comprehensive research conducted by takepayments, which analysed 14 factors from property costs to public transport and the price of a pint, Middlesbrough in North Yorkshire emerged top with a score of 6.51 out of 10. The study, published in January 2026, highlights a stark contrast to the capital, where the average flat now costs a staggering £419,800.
While average annual salaries in Middlesbrough, and its North East neighbours Sunderland and Newcastle which placed second and third, were among the nation's lowest at £36,649, this was offset by dramatically lower living costs. The town ranked lowest for house prices, rent, and overall expenditure, securing its nationwide crown.
By the Numbers: A Market Apart
The figures reveal the sheer scale of Middlesbrough's affordability. The average property price in the town, affectionately known as 'Boro', stands at just £139,855. This is over £150,000 less than the UK-wide average of £291,000. For renters, the picture is similarly compelling, with monthly rents averaging £609.60 compared to England's average of £1,369.
Verona Frankish, CEO of estate agency Yopa, told Metro: 'Middlesbrough offers exceptional value when compared with both the wider North East and the UK as a whole. In practical terms, the average UK house price can often secure a four or five-bedroom detached home here; a proposition that's increasingly rare elsewhere in the country.'
However, Frankish cautioned that this situation may not last indefinitely. She noted that the town has 'quietly delivered one of the strongest rates of house price growth in the country,' with high demand pushing values up by 6.2% year-on-year, compared to a UK average increase of just 1.7%.
A Town of Contrasts and Potential
Middlesbrough's reputation is mixed. Some online critics have been savage, with one Reddit user dubbing it a 'ghost town' and others describing it as 'run-down'. Yet, many locals passionately defend its merits, particularly its proximity to natural beauty, being near the River Tees and just north of the North York Moors National Park.
One Redditor, thereidenator, wrote: 'Middlesbrough is 10 minutes by car from fantastic beaches and roughly the same from some of the best countryside England has to offer.' Its family-friendly credentials are also strong, having been voted the third best place in the UK to raise a family in a 2022 study, which assessed schools, safety, and affordable childcare and homes.
Frankish emphasises the broader appeal: 'Middlesbrough's appeal extends far beyond price alone. The town sits at the heart of one of the UK's most ambitious regeneration corridors... Buyers benefit from genuine city convenience combined with easy access to open countryside and coastline.' She identifies its draw for first-time buyers, families, investors, and remote workers.
Where to Buy in Middlesbrough
For those considering a move, several areas are highlighted as hotspots. Linthorpe attracts professionals and families with its period homes, while Acklam is popular for its well-proportioned semis. Marton appeals to those seeking space and green surroundings, and Nunthorpe sits at the premium end with sought-after detached homes in a semi-rural setting. The well-connected suburbs of Tollesby and Coulby Newham are also favourites, particularly for newer-build properties.
For prospective buyers ready to explore their options, fee-free mortgage advice is available through London & Country (L&C) Mortgages, which offers access to thousands of deals. It's important to remember that your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
