Zoopla releases regional affordability data

February 20, 2026 by Brendan O'Neill

Surveys and Statistics

Zoopla has published data looking at housing affordability for single buyers across the UK regions, to see which areas offer the best opportunities.

The property website examined the average price of a two and one-bedroom home in each region and compared it with average single buyer salaries. It chose those sizes of property because people buying on their own are more likely to opt for a smaller house. The aim was to find out which regions provide solo buyers with the most opportunity to get on the property ladder.

What the results reveal is that Aberdeen is the best place for them. A two or one-bedroom house there will cost an average of £114,700. Meanwhile, the average earnings of a single person in that city are £33,100. This leaves a house-price-to-earnings ratio of 3.5.

In terms of English regions, the data shows that cities in the North are consistently more affordable for solo buyers than those in the South. The best one for them is Sunderland, where a two or one-bedroom home will cost an average of £106,700. The average salary is £28,600, creating a 3.7 price-to-earnings ratio.

Hull is the next most affordable, as the price-to-earnings ratio there is 4.1. The best city in the North West is Liverpool, where the ratio is 4.3.

Zoopla executive director Richard Donnell told Mortgage Introducer:

“It’s important to do your research, digging into mortgage affordability and products aimed at singles while considering alternative locations and selecting the right area for you.”

A mortgage advisor who has done the CeMAP course can really help with that.