**Four Welsh Towns Among Britain’s Most Popular Affordable Places to Live, New Report Shows**
A new property market study has shone a light on housing affordability across Great Britain, revealing that four Welsh towns stand out as prime choices for families seeking more space without breaking the bank. According to data published by the property portal Zoopla, these Welsh towns are among the ten most affordable and popular places to live, attracting strong interest from buyers looking for a balance between price and quality of life.
The research, conducted using criteria including the popularity of online property listings and the ratio of average home prices to local earnings, places Llanelli, Neath, Port Talbot, and Maesteg firmly on the map for value-conscious home seekers. Other locations in the top ten are situated mainly in Scotland, with southeast England’s Dartford and Swanley also making an appearance. At the very top of Zoopla’s affordability list sits the Scottish town of Glenrothes, where a typical three-bedroom home fetches a modest £136,900, making it especially attractive to families.
Llanelli, located in Carmarthenshire, takes second place regionally and is the highest ranking Welsh town, followed by Neath, Port Talbot, and then Maesteg. The clear trend in the list is towards locations where buyers can expect to get more living space for their investment—especially those hunting for the ever-popular three-bedroom terrace or semi-detached house. Notably, three-bedroom houses remain the most common type of private dwelling in Britain, representing over 40 percent of the total housing stock, according to Zoopla’s findings.
The methodology behind the rankings saw Zoopla first select 30 percent of towns in each region with the lowest price-to-earnings ratios. Town popularity was then determined by how frequently three-bedroom properties were viewed on Zoopla’s site. This resulted in a comprehensive pool of 248 towns before whittling it down to the most in-demand and accessible. Those interested in regular updates on property market trends are encouraged by Zoopla to sign up to their newsletters.
What is particularly striking is the surge in interest for three-bedroom homes within these affordable hotspots. Zoopla’s data shows that interest in such properties is double the average of similar properties in the wider region—a clear demonstration of the demand for budget-friendly family homes. This highlights a pressing need for affordability at a time when economic tensions are driving many households to carefully weigh up their housing choices.
According to the same Zoopla research, more than a third of prospective buyers (34 percent) expressed doubts about being able to afford their ideal family home in their preferred area. Despite a recent slight fall in mortgage rates, they remain significantly higher than before 2022; the average monthly payment for a typical three-bed property now stands at £1,210. However, most surveyed buyers felt that a more affordable mortgage payment would be around £870 per month, illustrating the ongoing strain on budgets.
Mobility among buyers is also a notable trend: the average participant said they were prepared to move up to 41 minutes away from their preferred location for the right price, and over one third (37 percent) would even consider relocating to a different region of the UK to buy an affordable family home. This flexibility reflects changing attitudes in the face of ongoing financial pressures.
Richard Donnell, Executive Director of Zoopla, commented: “Our latest analysis offers important insights into the realities facing families who are prioritising affordability and value for money in their property search. It’s clear from the high level of interest that these affordable towns are attracting that many are willing to compromise on location or home features to secure more space at a manageable price. Understanding these patterns will be vital for buyers and property agents alike.”
However, experts warn that affordability shouldn’t be the sole consideration when choosing where to live. Toby Leek, president of the property professionals’ association NAEA Propertymark, said, “While price is understandably a major factor, it’s crucial for buyers to take into account aspects such as local employment opportunities, public transport, schools, healthcare services, and neighbourhood development plans. These can all impact the long-term value and suitability of a home.”
As mortgage costs and economic uncertainty continue to influence consumer decisions, it appears families are increasingly open to exploring new areas in their search for a better deal. For many in Wales and beyond, towns like Llanelli, Neath, Port Talbot, and Maesteg could represent not only a financial opportunity but also a fresh start in a vibrant community.
The findings underline the challenges—and opportunities—faced by families planning their next move. With popularity surging for affordable homes in these Welsh hotspots, buyers and estate agents may find themselves navigating a more dynamic and competitive property market in the months to come.