You know what it’s like. You’re scrolling homes for sale, get one look at a thatched roof, and instantly feel the urge to start baking sourdough and planting wildflowers.
The cottagecore aesthetic offers an aspirational escape to a simpler and quieter life. It was one of our top search terms on Zoopla last year, so it looks like you’re just as into cottages as we are.
But beautiful cottages can come at a premium, so we’ve run the numbers. This list is for anyone wanting to live out their cottagecore dreams on a budget.
Here are the top 10 cheapest places to buy a cottage in each UK region, with listings to match.
Best start prepping that fermented culture. (For your sourdough, remember?)
1. Scotland: North Lanarkshire
Median asking price of a cottage in North Lanarkshire: £83,500
Two-bed cottage for sale in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire: offers over £92,995
It’s official: North Lanarkshire is the cheapest place in the UK to buy a cottage, with the average asking price coming in at just £83,500.
Think rolling hills and rural living, with the UNESCO landmark Antonine’s Wall on the horizon. Plus you're close - but not too close - to the hustle and bustle of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
This cottage for sale in Coatbridge is a prime example of the value to be found in North Lanarkshire, with cosy and comfortable living areas and a fab amount of space for a cottage.
See more cottages for sale in North Lanarkshire
2. North East of England: Sunderland
Median asking price of a cottage in Sunderland: £115,000
Three-bed cottage for sale in North Guards, Sunderland: offers in region of £389,950
In the North East, Sunderland is the cheapest spot to nab a cottage on a budget - they cost an average of £115,000.
This three-bed cottage in North Guards comes in at £389,950, but there are plenty of cottages for sale in Sunderland for less than that..
We couldn’t resist showcasing this home’s quaint frontage and fitted cottage kitchen with chintzy wallpaper that totally nails the cottagecore aesthetic.
See more cottages for sale in Sunderland
3. Wales: Rhondda Cynon Taf
Median asking price of a cottage in Rhondda Cynon Taf: £129,500
Two-bed cottage for sale in Pontyclun, Rhondda Cynon Taf: £180,000
The cheapest place to buy a cottage in Wales is Rhondda Cynon Taf, where you’ll find towns like Aberdare, Llantrisant and Pontypridd set among the valleys of South Wales.
If you’re into exposed beams, stone fireplaces and low-maintenance cottage gardens, get this £180,000 cottage in Pontyclun saved to your shortlist.
It’s full of character, comfort and convenience, located just moments from Llantrisant’s charming shops, cafes, schools and green spaces.
See more cottages for sale in Rhondda Cynon Taf
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4. North West: Blackburn with Darwen
Median asking price of a cottage in Blackburn with Darwen: £157,500
2-bed cottage for sale in Blackburn: £250,000
In the North West of England, Blackburn with Darwen is the cheapest spot to buy a cottage, with an average price of £157,500.
You can get this two-bed cottage on the outskirts of Blackburn for £250,000 and be surrounded by breathtaking countryside views for your morning coffee.
Stone feature walls, exposed beams, log-burning stove, shaker-style cabinetry, Herringbone-style flooring - it ticks every box if you’re looking for a cottage in a semi-rural spot where commuting is still a breeze.
See more cottages for sale in Blackburn
5. Yorkshire and the Humber: Bradford
Median asking price of a cottage in Bradford: £200,000
Two-bed cottage for sale in Pudsey, Bradford: £200,000
If you’re after a Yorkshire cottage, Bradford’s your best bet - it’s the cheapest spot in the region with cottages averaging £200,000.
The charmingly-named Noddy Cottage highlights what sort of hidden gems you can find with our ‘cottage’ filter. It’s set in a tucked-away hillside location with wide country views, three floors of accommodation and an inviting garden complete with pond and lush greenery.
See more cottages for sale in Bradford
6. East Midlands: Amber Valley
Median asking price of a cottage in Amber Valley: £206,000
Three-bed cottage in Codnor, Amber Valley: £275,000
Set your sights on Amber Valley if you’re after a cottage on a shoestring in the East Midlands. This portion of East Derbyshire is known for its historical sites, natural beauty and market towns like Alfreton, Belper, Heanor and Ripley.
We love this three-bed cottage tucked down a private lane in the picturesque village of Codnor. The owners have done a cracking job with extensions and upgrades, so you wouldn’t need to lift a finger. The private mature garden with a full-blown purpose-built wooden bar is a major bonus.
See more cottages for sale in East Derbyshire
7. West Midlands: Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme
Median asking price of a cottage in these areas: £238,000
Two-bed cottage for sale in Caverswall, Stoke-on-Trent: £299,950
The cheapest place to buy a cottage in the West Midlands comes in at a tie between Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme.
A quick cottage search in those areas revealed this detached two-bed cottage on the market for £299,950, with a traditional log burner, original beams and a tranquil garden room.
It’s perfectly positioned in the heart of Caverswall village and surrounded by shops, cafes and pubs for that quintessential village lifestyle.
See more cottages for sale in the West Midlands
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8. South West: Plymouth
Median asking price of a cottage in Plymouth: £248,500
Two-bed cottage for sale in Plymstock, Plymouth: offers over £200,000
If you’re after an affordable cottage in the South West, take a look in Plymouth - you’ll part with £248,500 on average when you buy a cottage here, making it the cheapest spot in the region.
We found this beautifully presented Grade II-listed cottage in the town of Plymstock, featuring a quaint pitched porch, original features and a private sunny garden with summer house.
See more cottages for sale in Plymouth
9. East of England: Fenland
Median asking price of a cottage in Fenland: £249,000
Two-bed cottage for sale in March, Fenland: £200,000 guide price
Head to Fenland for the cheapest cottage prices in the East of England, where the average cottage will set you back £249,000.
This Cambridgeshire district is known as the ‘breadbasket of Britain’ and is home to popular towns like Wisbech and March. Peterborough, Norwich, Cambridge and Northampton are all within commuting distance.
You can’t go wrong with this gorgeous cottage perched on the edge of the picturesque Rive Nene. Blending character and modern living, it’s been beautifully renovated with clever design that makes use of every nook and cranny.
See more cottages for sale in March
10. South East: Southampton
Median asking price of a cottage in Southampton: £280,000
Two-bed cottage for sale in Southampton: £275,000
The South East is the most expensive place to buy a cottage in the UK, which probably doesn’t come as much of a surprise. It’s the most expensive region for house prices in general.
But Southampton is your best bet if you want cottagecore on a budget in the South East, with the average price of a cottage sitting at £280,000.
We’ve really outdone ourselves with this cottage on a tranquil residential street in Southampton. Spacious interiors, meticulous design, well-appointed country-style kitchen, secluded garden… excuse us while we just give the estate agent a quick call.
See more cottages for sale in Southampton
The full picture: the cheapest places to buy a cottage in each UK region
| Rank | Region | Area | Median asking price of a cottage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scotland | North Lanarkshire | £83,500 |
| 2 | North East | Sunderland | £115,000 |
| 3 | Wales | Rhondda Cynon Taf | £129,500 |
| 4 | North West | Blackburn with Darwen | £157,500 |
| 5 | Yorkshire and the Humber | Bradford | £200,000 |
| 6 | East Midlands | Amber Valley | £206,000 |
| 7 | West Midlands | Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme | £238,000 |
| 8 | South West | Plymouth | £248,500 |
| 9 | East of England | Fenland | £249,000 |
| 10 | South East | Southampton | £280,000 |
“Our data shows a clear and sustained appetite for the cottagecore lifestyle, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down," says Daniel Copley, Consumer Expert at Zoopla.
"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.”
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