Carpenter Surveyors highlights top affordable family-friendly towns in the UK
Based on Zoopla’s Latest Research
At Carpenter Surveyors, we’re always watching the market to help families make informed decisions about their next move. That’s why we’re pleased to share insights from Zoopla’s latest 2025 report, which reveals the most popular and affordable towns for families across the UK.
Key Insights at a Glance:
Glenrothes, Scotland, leads the UK-wide list for affordable family living.
Every UK region has a standout town where three-bed homes are both affordable and in demand.
Four of the top 10 towns are in Scotland, with several strong contenders from Wales and the South East.
Affordability was calculated using regional price-to-earnings ratios.
Separate research shows a third of prospective buyers worry they’re being priced out of their preferred areas.
Where Families Are Moving – And Why
Using Zoopla’s latest figures, we explored which towns strike the right balance between affordability and popularity – a combination that’s becoming harder to find in today's market.
Glenrothes in Fife tops the national list. Just an hour from Edinburgh, a three-bed home here averages £136,900, equating to around £540/month in mortgage payments – nearly half the UK’s average house price of £268,000.
These towns aren’t just affordable – they’re attracting significantly more buyer interest. According to Zoopla, listings for three-bed homes in these locations are seeing double the number of views compared to their regional averages.
Regional Highlights: Top Affordable Family Towns
Here's a breakdown of the top affordable towns for families, region by region:
East Midlands: Sutton-in-Ashfield
£189,400 average for a 3-bed home (£750/month)London: Barking and Dagenham
£440,300 average (£1,750/month) – among the few affordable options in the capitalNorth West: Bootle
£142,900 average (£570/month), a budget-friendly choice near LiverpoolSouth West: Plymouth
£261,000 average (£1,040/month), offering value and coastal livingSouth East: Dartford and Swanley (Kent)
Higher on the list at £423,600 and £444,900 respectively, but still among the more accessible areas for families in the region
Here are the best places to live in each region of the UK for families, based on the average price of a three-bed home and the popularity of homes for sale there.
Scotland and Wales Lead for Family Affordability
Scotland dominates the top 10 with four entries:
Wishaw: £168,600 (£670/month)
Leven: £164,600 (£650/month)
Larkhall: £177,600 (£700/month)
Glenrothes: £136,900 (£540/month)
Wales also features strongly:
Llanelli: £170,600 (£680/month)
Neath: £176,400 (£700/month)
Port Talbot: £160,300 (£640/month)
These areas demonstrate that for families willing to consider a move, genuine value is still within reach.
Here are the best places to live in each region of the UK for families, based on the average price of a three-bed home and the popularity of homes for sale there.
Affordability Matters More Than Ever
“This latest analysis paints a clear picture of a market where affordability remains a critical factor for families planning their next home move,” says Richard Donnell, Executive Director at Zoopla.
It’s not just about cost – it’s about value and opportunity. Many buyers are reassessing their priorities. According to the data:
34% of prospective buyers worry they’ll be priced out of their desired location.
37% say they’d consider moving to a completely new region to afford a family-sized home.
Those buyers are, on average, willing to relocate up to 41 minutes away from their ideal area.
Carpenter Surveyors’ Take
In today’s climate, making the right move means balancing lifestyle, location, and long-term affordability. This data reinforces what we’re seeing on the ground: families are broadening their horizons to secure more space and better value.
If you're considering your next move or need guidance navigating the housing market, get in touch with Carpenter Surveyors or use our get a quote tool. We’re here to help you find the right home – and make sure it’s a smart investment too.