A new report by property portal Zoopla has revealed the most sought-after affordable towns for families across Britain, with Glenrothes in Scotland topping the list.
The town, located in the picturesque region of Fife and within easy commuting distance to Edinburgh, has been named the most popular affordable area for families hoping to purchase a three-bedroom home. Glenrothes not only offers natural beauty and proximity to urban centres, but also boasts remarkable affordability, with the average price of a three-bed property standing at £136,900 — representing a house price-to-earnings ratio of just 1.8.
Zoopla compiled the rankings by comparing the average number of listing views on its platform for three-bedroom homes in various locations, against local earnings data. The figures are based on activity during the first quarter of 2025.
Affordability remains a key concern for many families, with Zoopla also revealing that 34% of people across the UK fear they may be priced out of their ideal family home location. The statistic comes from a recent survey conducted by Opinium on behalf of Zoopla, which questioned 2,000 UK adults in April.
Scotland and Wales dominated Zoopla’s top 10 list, securing seven of the ten most popular spots. This suggests that many families are looking beyond traditional property hotspots and opting for towns that strike a balance between cost and quality of life.
The top 10 most popular affordable family locations across Britain, along with the average price for a three-bedroom home and the corresponding house price-to-earnings ratio, are:
- Glenrothes, Scotland – £136,900, ratio 1.8
- Llanelli, Wales – £170,600, ratio 2.3
- Neath, Wales – £176,400, ratio 2.4
- Port Talbot, Wales – £160,300, ratio 2.1
- Wishaw, Scotland – £168,600, ratio 2.1
- Maesteg, Wales – £142,200, ratio 2.0
- Dartford, South East – £423,600, ratio 4.7
- Leven, Scotland – £164,600, ratio 2.1
- Larkhall, Scotland – £177,600, ratio 2.2
- Swanley, South East – £444,900, ratio 4.7
Richard Donnell, Executive Director at Zoopla, said: “The willingness of many to consider different regions or compromise on property features further highlights the adaptive strategies families are employing in today’s market. Affordability is front of mind, and it’s encouraging to see areas across the UK drawing interest for the right mix of price, amenities, and accessibility.”
The study also breaks down the most popular affordable towns across the various regions and nations of Britain. These include:
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- East Midlands – Sutton-in-Ashfield: £189,400, ratio 2.8
- Eastern England – Tilbury: £347,800, ratio 4.1
- North East – Bedlington: £154,800, ratio 2.1
- North West – Bootle: £142,900, ratio 1.9
- Scotland – Glenrothes: £136,900, ratio 1.8
- South East – Dartford: £423,600, ratio 4.7
- South West – Plymouth: £261,000, ratio 3.7
- Wales – Llanelli: £170,600, ratio 2.3
- West Midlands – Willenhall: £225,100, ratio 3.3
- Yorkshire and the Humber – Dewsbury: £192,000, ratio 2.7
- London – Barking and Dagenham: £440,300, ratio 5.5
The data underlines the growing importance of value for money in an uncertain housing market, with buyers increasingly exploring regions that offer greater affordability without compromising too heavily on connectivity or community.
As house prices remain high in many parts of southern England, towns in Scotland and Wales are offering a more attainable route to homeownership for young families. With remote and hybrid working still prevalent, many buyers are also re-evaluating the importance of proximity to city centres, and are instead prioritising space, value, and lifestyle.
