What does £202,000 buy you around the UK?

The figure is 8.6% higher than it was this time a year ago, with prices in the past three months (July-September) showing a 2% increase. Such a rapid spike in the average price suggests that the booming UK property market is showing no sign of slowing down, and that if you have plans to make a step onto the property market, there is no time to waste.

But what exactly does the average price buy you in across the UK today? It is common knowledge that London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, but what of the rest of the country? Is there anywhere in the UK that a bargain can still be had, or has London’s property price panic crept to the furthest reaches of the country?

At Urban.co.uk, we represent sellers across the country, and have a clear perspective on property from John O’Groats to Lands’ End, so we are perfectly placed to give you the low-down on where to get the very most for your money. And if you have to be based in the pricey South East, don’t worry – we can still help!

Home Counties

Kent, Sussex, Surrey – Commuter belt heaven! With good train links into London, many of the Home County towns are as expensive as the outer London reaches, and some arguably more picturesque. Generally, the house prices do reflect this – but there are still some bargains to be had.

A three bed terraced house in Rochester, Kent comes in under budget at £198,000 – leaving plenty of change for a state-of-the-art bike to-get you to and from the High Speed rail link, taking you into the centre of London in just 25 minutes.

A two bed flat in central Tunbridge Wells, just a stone’s throw from the mainline station for just £168,000 would make a great investment property, with a potential rental income of around £850 a month.

If you would rather be by the seaside, a charming sea-view apartment in Worthing, located in a striking mansion block, represents real value for money. With low annual maintenance costs and a town centre location, the property is ideal for that first hop onto the ladder at just £149,950.

West Coast

If you don’t need to be near London, enjoy a spot of good weather and maybe the occasional scone, the property market on the West coast is particularly ‘buoyant’.

With coastal towns catering predominantly to the tourist trades, there is a viable seasonal rental market in these areas, and plenty of properties that are ideal buy-to-let options. For £195,000 in busy Newquay, a town popular with holidaymakers, you could secure two self-contained harbour side apartments. The apartments both boast sea views, and would be able to achieve weekly rentals of around £700 in peak season.

Wales

Just a hop over the water and into Wales, and the property market changes again. A short distance from the Brecon Beacons, £202,995 in Port Talbot affords you a four bed detached property, with more space than most house hunters would know what to do with! With four bedrooms, three reception rooms, two bathrooms, a selection of outbuildings, a chicken coop and lawns surrounding the property, you certainly wouldn’t be short of green, green grass at this home!

The Midlands

With more and more development taking place throughout the Midlands, and HS2 planning to make the area a real transport hub linking London to the North, there is no better time to invest in property in this area. Currently, you can get your hands on a three bed semi-detached house in Birmingham, with off-street parking, and a garden, for just £159,950.

The North

If you are looking for an impressive property for an affordable price tag, look no further than Doncaster. You can secure this five bedroom, semi-detached property in Thorne, a waterside village outside Doncaster, for £139,950. The Grade Two listed property has undergone a recent sympathetic renovation, and still retains many of its original features, making this characterful property a real steal.

If you fancy a spot of pampering up in Liverpool, why not consider a two-bed apartment with a 24-hour concierge? The property’s city centre location puts you right on the doorstep of the vibrant bar, club and restaurant scene, and when you want to relax you can chill out on the communal terrace. The property comes in a touch over the national average at £209,000, but for a property in the centre of the European Capital of Culture, we can’t argue with that!

The East

If rolling farmland and wide open spaces are a big tick in your box, looking to the East of England is a sure way to guarantee value for money. Priced at £189,950, a three-bedroom semi-detached house backing onto open farmland will be sure to provide unbeatable views all year round, and there’s even two off-road parking spaces, just in case you decided to upgrade the family run-around to something more off-road!

Scotland

Bursting with period properties, the only problem house hunters have in Scotland is deciding where to start looking! This three bed historic Grade C listed property in the heart of Linlithgow, with easy transport links to both Edinburgh and Glasgow, retains many original features, and whilst slightly over the national average at £210,000 does feature its very own Baronial Tower!

With such a breadth of properties available, whether you need a maisonette in Maidstone or a bungalow in Bangalore, our expert sales team can help you find your perfect home!