Most affordable regions in the UK to buy a home

We look at the most affordable parts of the UK to buy a property, in terms of average salaries and the number of years needed to save for a 10% deposit.

House/flat sold sign
(Image credit: Peter Dazeley)

With house prices falling and mortgage rates starting to tumble, some first-time buyers may be thinking seriously about getting their foot on the property ladder. But which areas are most affordable, and where will you see your money stretch the furthest?

Research by comparison site Compare My Move has crunched the numbers to find out the most affordable housing regions in the UK, by looking at average salaries for each region, the cost of a 10% deposit for the average house, and how many years it would take to save that deposit.

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Region Average 10% house deposit (£)Average monthly savings (£)Months to save 10% depositYears to save 10% deposit
Scotland 18,577 243.00766
North East 18,183 213.46857
Yorkshire and the Humber 24,237 218.391119
North West 25,511 226.021139
Wales 25,419 221.4711510
West Midlands 28,320 225.8012510
East Midlands 28,112 216.4313011
South West 37,679 228.8516514
East 41,387 238.3217414
South East 47,214 250.1318916
London 67,326 303.5622218
UK average 32,906 235.0413711
Ruth Emery
Contributing editor

Ruth is an award-winning financial journalist with more than 15 years' experience of working on national newspapers, websites and specialist magazines.

She is passionate about helping people feel more confident about their finances. She was previously editor of Times Money Mentor, and prior to that was deputy Money editor at The Sunday Times. 

A multi-award winning journalist, Ruth started her career on a pensions magazine at the FT Group, and has also worked at Money Observer and Money Advice Service. 

Outside of work, she is a mum to two young children, while also serving as a magistrate and an NHS volunteer.