The dream of owning a home in the UK remains strong, but rising property prices often make it feel out of reach. Fortunately, there are still many affordable options if you know where to look. From cheap houses in England to Britain’s cheapest houses, savvy buyers can still find incredible bargains. In this guide, we explore the cheapest homes in the UK, where to find cheap houses for sale in England, and answer some of the most common questions around securing your own affordable property.
Where are the cheapest homes in Britain?
When it comes to finding cheap houses for sale in the UK, several towns and cities offer excellent opportunities:
Sunderland (Tyne and Wear) – Average house price: £58,259
Bradford (West Yorkshire) – Average house price: £69,903
Middlesbrough (North Yorkshire) – Average house price: £69,074
Grimsby (Lincolnshire) – Average house price: £70,000
Shildon (County Durham) – Average house price: £77,028
If you're searching for the cheapest house in Britain for sale, these locations offer some of the best options available in 2025. Properties in these areas are often priced well under £100,000, making them perfect for first-time buyers or investors.
Cheapest houses in England: Towns to watch
If you're looking for cheap homes in England, here are a few hotspots where property remains remarkably affordable:
Hull (HU3): Homes from around £70,000.
Peterlee (SR8): Average prices starting around £75,000.
Liverpool (L20): Affordable terraced homes from £80,000.
Many of these areas feature a good range of cheap houses for sale in England, including two- and three-bedroom terraced properties, ideal for young families or buy-to-let investors. There are 3-bedroom houses for sale in England under £50,000 in some northern postcodes if you're prepared to do a little renovation.
Why are houses so cheap in certain areas?
There are a few reasons why cheap homes for sale in the UK can be found in specific locations:
Economic decline or loss of industry in former industrial towns
Regeneration areas where prices are still catching up
Higher stock of terraced and ex-council homes
Lower average local incomes compared to the national average
However, these factors often make properties in these regions attractive for buyers looking for long-term investment potential.
Can you really buy a house for £1 in the UK?
You may have heard stories about £1 houses for sale in the UK, and they are real — but with conditions. Some councils offer schemes where you can buy a derelict property for just £1, provided you commit to renovating and living in the home for a set period.
Schemes in places like Liverpool and Stoke-on-Trent have seen success in reviving empty housing stock. If you're adventurous and prepared for hard work, abandoned houses for free UK or £1 property schemes could offer a unique opportunity.
Fun fact: One property recently made headlines as the UK's cheapest house, with a guide price of just £501 at auction!
Cheapest homes in the UK: Is £10k enough for a deposit?
Can I buy a house with a £10k deposit in the UK?
Yes, but with some caveats. In areas like Sunderland, Grimsby, and Middlesbrough, it’s still possible to buy a house for under £100,000, meaning a £10,000 deposit could cover 10% — enough for some mortgages.
If you're exploring cheap houses for sale in the UK under £10k for the property itself, these are rare — typically limited to auctions or significant renovation projects. Otherwise, a £10k deposit could open doors to many low-cost homes in northern England, Wales, and parts of Scotland.
Best areas for cheap homes in Britain
If you're hunting for the cheapest house in the UK to buy, these regions should be on your radar:
North East England: Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Peterlee
Yorkshire and Humber: Bradford, Hull
Wales: Ferndale, New Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent
Scotland: Inverclyde, Saltcoats
Northern Ireland: Derry & Strabane, Belfast
In these places, it's possible to find UK houses for sale cheap, especially if you’re flexible with property condition and location.
Affordable homes under £50,000
Buyers on a tight budget can also find bargains such as:
Houses for sale in England under £50,000 — often needing renovation but offering huge potential.
Cheapest homes for sale in England — especially auction properties or repossessions.
Keep an eye on auction listings and local estate agents specialising in low-cost homes.
FAQs
Where is the cheapest house in the UK?
Currently, towns like Sunderland, Bradford, and Shildon offer some of the cheapest house prices in Britain.
Can you buy a house for £1 in the UK?
Yes, some council schemes offer £1 houses, but they usually come with strict renovation and residency conditions.
Where is it cheap to live in the UK?
The North East, parts of Yorkshire, Wales, and Scotland offer some of the most affordable living costs combined with low property prices.
Can I buy a house with a £10k deposit in the UK?
In many northern towns and cities where house prices are below £100k, a £10k deposit can be enough to secure a mortgage.
Final thoughts: Is now the right time to buy?
Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, 2025 remains a good year for bargain hunters. Whether you aim to find the UK's cheapest house, invest in cheap homes for sale UK, or settle into an affordable new home, there are still plenty of opportunities across Britain.
With careful research and a flexible approach, buyers can still achieve their homeownership dreams without breaking the bank.