12:01 AM, 16th September 2025, 7 months ago
2
Landlords seeking cost-effective places for investment should turn their attention northward, according to research from Zoopla that reveals striking regional variations in affordable housing stock.
The comprehensive analysis exposes a tale of two markets across Great Britain, with northern regions presenting impressive investment propositions that southern counterparts cannot match.
While only 12% of properties nationwide carry price tags below £150,000, certain areas deliver exceptional value for money-conscious investors.
The North East emerges as the standout destination for budget-conscious landlords, with an impressive 41% of available properties falling within the sub-£150,000 bracket.
Scotland follows closely behind at 30%, creating a stark contrast with London’s meagre 2% and the South East’s modest 7%.
Affordability means more choice
Zoopla’s consumer expert, Daniel Copley, said: “The North East and Scotland are clear hotspots for budget-conscious buyers, with a significant proportion of homes for sale priced under £150,000.
“In these areas, affordability doesn’t just mean a low price tag; it also means more choice.
“We’re seeing a high concentration of two and three-bedroom houses, providing real options for families and those seeking more space.”
He added: “However, the story is very different in London and the South East.
“Here, homes under £150,000 are a rare find, and when they do appear, they are almost exclusively flats, often available through shared ownership.”
Britain’s most affordable property market
Sunderland claims the crown as Britain’s most affordable property market, with almost half of all listings priced below the £150,000 threshold.
The coastal city combines accessibility to Newcastle with local infrastructure that appeals to tenants, while Aberdeen in Scotland matches this affordability level at 49% of listings.
Property types available at these price points vary dramatically between regions, creating different rental opportunities for investors.
Northern markets and Wales offer substantial family accommodation, with two and three-bedroom houses comprising over 60% of sub-£150,000 listings.
Swansea exemplifies this trend, where more than one-third of affordable properties are three-bedroom houses.
Opportunities for landlord investors
Blackpool presents another attractive proposition for landlord investors, with 39% of homes priced below £150,000.
The seaside town’s entertainment infrastructure and tourism appeal could generate steady rental demand from both long-term residents and holiday lettings.
Darlington offers 38% of properties within the budget range, combining historical character with modern transport connections that appeal to commuting tenants.
However, southern markets tell a different story entirely, with flats dominating the affordable segment.
London’s sub-£150,000 stock consists of 64% one-bedroom apartments, with half available through shared ownership schemes.
Similar patterns emerge across the South East and East of England, where apartments represent more than 70% of budget listings.
There are some opportunities in the south, such as Croydon with 7% of listings below £150,000, though these typically consist of compact one-bedroom units.