Uncovered: Market Towns Ranked by Affordability for Initial Property Purchases (for first-time buyers)
In the current property market, finding an affordable home can be a challenge, especially for first-time buyers. However, a recent study has revealed some market towns across the UK that offer great value for money for first-time buyers.
According to the research, Leek in Staffordshire is the least expensive market town for first-time buyers, with homes costing an average of £191,359. Immingham in Yorkshire and the Humber follows closely, with an average property price of approximately £176,918. These towns provide a promising start for those looking to enter the property market.
Other affordable options include Sleaford and Grantham, both in Lincolnshire, where first-time buyers spend just £229,197 and £230,464, respectively, on their properties. Selby, Driffield, and Boston, all located in the Midlands, are also among the least expensive market towns for first-time buyers, with average property prices of £202,092, £203,260, and £211,404, respectively.
Mary-Lou Press, President of estate agent body Propertymark, considers market towns to be a good option for first-time buyers as they can get more for their money than in busier areas. After Boston, Buxton in the East Midlands is the most affordable market town, with a price tag of £224,896.
The most expensive market towns for first-time buyers are not detailed in the available data from July 2025. However, it's worth noting that six of the ten most affordable market towns for first-time buyers are located in the Midlands region.
Outside of the Midlands, Saltburn-by-the-Sea in the northeast is another affordable option, with an average home price of £186,222. Chesterfield in the East Midlands is the second cheapest market town for young buyers, with homes selling for £198,054.
For those with a higher budget, Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire is the most expensive market town for all buyers, with an average house price of £839,468. Hitchin is the most expensive market town for first-time buyers, with an average price tag of £410,366. Chipping Norton, set in the Cotswolds, is the third most expensive market town for all buyers, with an average price tag of £617,697.
In conclusion, for first-time buyers looking for an affordable home in a market town, Immingham, Leek, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, and Chesterfield are worth considering. These towns offer homes at prices ranging from £176,000 to just under £200,000. For those with a higher budget, Beaconsfield, Hitchin, and Chipping Norton offer more expensive options.
Finding affordable homes for first-time buyers in market towns can be achieved in Leek, Staffordshire, with average home prices of £191,359, or Immingham in Yorkshire and the Humber, at approximately £176,918. Other reasonably priced options include towns like Sleaford, Grantham, Selby, Driffield, and Boston, all providing homes at prices under £230,000. For first-time buyers with a higher budget, Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire, Hitchin, and Chipping Norton offer more expensive options, with prices ranging from £410,000 to £839,000. Personal finance, mortgages, and investing in real-estate, especially in market towns, can be strategic moves for new homebuyers in the current housing market.
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