Property experts say there is a ‘clear and sustained appetite for the cottagecore lifestyle’ in the UK
Cottages are proving to be a popular choice for UK property hunters(Image: Getty )
An area in the north west has been named as one of the cheapest areas to buy a cottage in the UK.
Research suggests plenty of Brits are yearning for the simple life that living in a cosy cottage with rural charm might bring.
Zoopla said that ‘cottage’ was the fourth most-searched for term on its website in 2024, with the ‘cottagecore’ aesthetic becoming a popular trend in recent years.
Now, experts at the property website have come up with a list of UK areas where homebuyers are most likely to be able to snap up a cottage at a bargain price.
At the top of the list is North Lanarkshire in Scotland. Zoopla named the area as the most-affordable for cottage living, with the properties typically priced at £83,500.
Blackburn with Darwen was named as the most affordable spot for cottage seekers in the north west of England. The Lancashire borough is located around 20 miles north west of Manchester.
Zoopla said the average asking price for a cottage in the two market towns and their surrounding area is £157,500.
The Lancashire town of Darwen is an affordable option for people looking to buy a cottage, according to Zoopla (Image: James Maloney/LancsLive)
In the north east of England, Sunderland is the cheapest place to buy a cottage, with properties going for an average of £115,000, while in Wales, house buyers can get a cottage for around £129,500 in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
The property website said Southampton leads the way in the south east, with a median average asking price of £280,000, while other areas attracting significant attention included East Renfrewshire in Scotland, where a cottage has an average asking price of £100,000.
Zoopla said Neath Port Talbot appeals to buyers in Wales who are drawn to its beautiful coastal and valley landscapes, with an average price tag of £170,000, while Bradford in West Yorkshire is another hotspot, with an average asking price of £200,000.
For those looking for choice, Zoopla said the Derbyshire Dales has the biggest proportion of cottages for sale, with around a fifth of homes on the market being cottages.
Daniel Copley, a consumer expert at Zoopla, said: “Our data shows a clear and sustained appetite for the cottagecore lifestyle, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down.
“While the dream of a quaint, rural cottage is often associated with high prices, our analysis highlights that affordability can still be found across the country. From the rolling hills of North Lanarkshire to the coastal charm of Sunderland, there are options for prospective buyers on a range of budgets.
“We’re seeing this desire for a simpler life translate into market demand, with specific areas becoming hotspots for buyer interest. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking for a change of pace, the cottage market offers diverse opportunities.”
Nigel Bishop, founder of buying agency Recoco Property Search, said: “There has always been a fan base of buyers who appreciate the typically charming designs and quaint surroundings associated with a cottage.
“Many house hunters also express favouring this style of home for size as cottages tend to be smaller than typical country homes and are therefore considered to be more manageable and could reduce running costs.
“Often set in rural locations, buyers need to ensure that the setting works for them long term, as some amenities such as shops and hospitals can be further away which can become inconvenient.
“Demand for cottages remains strong, however, and house hunters should brace for a competitive property search – particularly for cottages with a lower asking price as they tend to attract multiple offers.”
Zoopla analysed homes available for sale between January and May 2025, with London generally excluded.
The UK areas where cottages are typically the least expensive, according to Zoopla
Figures show the median average asking price for a cottage.
East Midlands: Amber Valley, £206,000East of England: Fenland, £249,000North East: Sunderland, £115,000North West: Blackburn with Darwen, £157,500Scotland: North Lanarkshire, £83,500South East: Southampton, £280,000South West: Plymouth, £248,500Wales: Rhondda Cynon Taf, £129,500West Midlands: Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme, £238,000Yorkshire and the Humber: Bradford, £200,000
The UK areas where cottages are typically the most expensive, according to Zoopla
Figures show the median average asking price for a cottage.
East Midlands: South Northamptonshire and Gedling, £400,000East of England: Welwyn Hatfield, £662,500North East: Northumberland, £300,000North West: Cheshire West and Chester, £375,000Scotland: East Lothian, £381,000South East: Slough, £824,500South West: Gloucester, £531,500Wales: Monmouthshire, £442,500West Midlands: North Warwickshire, £615,000Yorkshire and the Humber: York, £400,000
The UK areas where cottages are attracting the most inquiries, according to Zoopla
Figures show the median average asking price for a cottage.
Scotland: East Renfrewshire, £100,000Wales: Neath Port Talbot, £170,000Yorkshire and the Humber: Bradford, £200,000South East: Southampton, £280,000North East: Sunderland, £115,000West Midlands: Stoke-on-Trent, £238,000South West: Plymouth, £248,500East of England: Hertsmere, £485,000East Midlands: Leicester, £325,000North West: Blackburn with Darwen, £157,500
Source
