The UK Cities Offering the Best Housing Deals in 2026
Whole-of-market advice from a qualified broker — we search every lender to find your best deal.
Posted on Google Kyle McCloreyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a first-time buyer, I couldn’t have asked for a better mortgage broker than John. From our very first conversation, he was incredibly friendly and immediately put me at ease, making what initially felt like a daunting process feel straightforward and manageable. John’s communication was outstanding throughout. No question was ever too big or too small, and he always took the time to explain everything clearly and thoroughly. Thanks to his support, I was able to navigate the entire mortgage process with complete confidence. I never once felt stressed or under pressure, which made such a difference as a first-time buyer. His knowledge and expertise are second to none, and he was able to secure me a fantastic mortgage deal. I genuinely felt that he had my best interests at heart every step of the way. I can’t recommend John highly enough. If you’re looking for someone who is knowledgeable, approachable, and truly dedicated to helping their clients, he’s the person to go to. Thank you, John, for making such an important milestone such a positive experience!Posted on Google james foleyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We’re do I start I’m so glad I got recommended to John. He made getting a mortgage feel so easy and effortless. Every question I had to ask John he was so quick to get back to you. He made you feel like he couldn’t do enough. I can not thank him for making it feel personal like he knew us and wanted the best outcome. He also is one of the nicest person I have ever met. If I was going to recommend anyone it would 100% be John.Posted on Google VictoriaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am so grateful to have found John! He is an incredible broker and a genuinely lovely person who goes above and beyond. He makes no question seem like a silly question and has made a stressful process as simple as it can be. I would highly recommend John to everyone and can't thank him enough for his help :)Posted on Google abanoub alfonseTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When I arrived in the UK, I had only been here for 3 months. I was on a spouse visa, had very little UK employment history, and other mortgage advisers told us that getting a mortgage would be extremely difficult or even impossible. From the first conversation, John gave us confidence. He explained exactly what we needed to do and told us that the most important thing was getting my first few payslips and building my employment record. He had a clear plan from the start. What I liked most was how honest and straightforward he was. He always answered our questions, kept us updated, and made the whole process easy to understand. Nothing ever felt too much trouble. John didn't just help us get a mortgage. He advised us on properties, helped us understand what was a good purchase, guided us on what offer to make, and even helped us find solicitors. It felt like he genuinely cared about helping us buy the right home, not just getting the mortgage approved. In less than 4 months, John achieved what two other mortgage advisers told us was impossible. We now have a mortgage offer and are buying our first home together. The whole experience was smooth, professional and surprisingly stress-free. John was always there when we needed advice and support. If you are a first-time buyer, new to the UK, or have a complicated situation, I highly recommend speaking to John before anyone else. Thank you, John. You have helped us achieve something we never thought would be possible, and we will always be grateful.Posted on Google valeria raflaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Outstanding Mortgage Broker – Truly Exceptional Service My husband and I cannot recommend John Everest at Everest Mortgage Services highly enough. As first-time buyers, we were told by two other mortgage advisers that getting a mortgage would be virtually impossible due to our circumstances. My husband, Aba, had only been in the UK for five months on a spouse visa, had a very limited UK credit history, and was still building his employment record. We were repeatedly told that lenders would not consider our application. From our very first conversation, John was different. Rather than focusing on the obstacles, he focused on finding solutions. He took the time to understand our situation, explain every stage of the process, and gave us honest, realistic advice from day one. What seemed impossible suddenly felt achievable. In less than four months, John successfully secured our mortgage offer. Throughout the entire journey, he was professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and incredibly reassuring. Every question was answered promptly, every concern was dealt with calmly, and we always felt that he genuinely cared about helping us achieve our goal. What impressed us most was that John didn't just act as a mortgage broker. He became a trusted adviser and mentor throughout the whole process. He guided us on property choices, helped us understand market values, advised on offer strategies, and ensured we didn't make costly mistakes as first-time buyers. His experience and insight were invaluable. Buying a home is often described as one of the most stressful experiences in life, but John made it the complete opposite. It was the most smooth, stress-free, and well-managed process we could have hoped for. We always felt supported, informed, and confident in the decisions we were making. Thanks to John's hard work, dedication, and expertise, my husband and I are now able to purchase our first home together. We genuinely believe this would not have happened without him. If you are a first-time buyer, have a complex case, are a foreign national, or have been told "no" elsewhere, speak to John before giving up. His knowledge, persistence, and commitment to his clients are second to none. Thank you, John. You have helped us achieve a dream we thought was out of reach, and we will always be grateful. 🏡⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ValeriaPosted on Google Laura BailhamTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Extremely helpful, efficient and made it easy to understandPosted on Google TonyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. John was amazing, gave him a very difficult and challenging problem to solve. Problems he had to work with included probate, salary, change in career and short time frame. Saved me a small fortune in getting the mortgage I need and at a good rate with what's going on in the world. Thanks very much John, will definitely use you in the future.Posted on Google Raymond smartTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you John for making the Mortgage process so seamless, easy and with fast response rate. Communication is top notch . I will definitely be referring you to my friends and family.Posted on Google Natalie HuitsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. John was absolutely incredible in helping us buy our first ever home and find the right mortgage. He truly listened to our anxieties and supported us every step of the way with empathy, professionalism, and genuine care. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience and would wholeheartedly recommend John to anyone.Posted on Google Claire HTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. John is really helpful, very friendly and knowledgeable. Great working with him.
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The UK Cities Offering the Best Housing Deals in 2026
According to a June 2026 report on British housing trends, Aberdeen has the hottest real estate market in the UK right now. A new study by Everest Mortgages reveals the top 10 British cities offering the best property deals for homebuyers.
- Aberdeen offers the best housing deals in the UK, with prices down nearly 3% and monthly mortgage payments of under £800.
- Nearly 1 in 3 Portsmouth homes have been stuck on the market for 6+ months, meaning buyers there have more leverage over sellers.
- Blackpool homes have dropped 19% in price since 2024, making it the biggest buying opportunity in the UK right now.
The research examined 45+ UK cities to find where buyers get the best deal in 2026. It looked at average house prices and how they’ve changed since 2024, plus monthly mortgage payments based on a 4.75% interest rate. The study also considered annual property tax rates and active listing counts from Zoopla, which show how much choice buyers have in each market. The share of homes that had been listed for over six months was used to measure how slow or stagnant each market is.
Here’s a look at the top 10 UK cities offering the best housing deals in 2026:
City | Average Price In 2026 | Price Change 2024-2026 | Annual Property Tax | Monthly Payment | % Homes on Market for 6m+ | Active Listings | Score |
Aberdeen | £134K | -2.77% | £1,686 | £775 | 34% | 442 | 100 |
Blackpool | £136K | -18.66% | £2,513 | £786 | 30% | 641 | 96 |
Norwich | £226K | -14.71% | £2,503 | £1,307 | 30% | 1396 | 79 |
Portsmouth | £250K | -11.56% | £2,292 | £1,446 | 32% | 733 | 78 |
Dundee | £134K | 1.38% | £1,730 | £775 | 17% | 284 | 75 |
Southampton | £233K | -10.61% | £2,381 | £1,348 | 28% | 1463 | 73 |
Stoke | £151K | 1.37% | £2,183 | £873 | 23% | 1167 | 70 |
London | £530K | 0.41% | £1,330 | £3,065 | 38% | 50K+ | 69 |
Bournemouth | £308K | -7.89% | £2,436 | £1,781 | 36% | 1493 | 67 |
Swansea | £205K | 11.89% | £2,238 | £1,186 | 37% | 1632 | 65 |
You can access the complete research findings here.
1. Aberdeen
- Average price (2026): £134,000
- Price change (2024–2026): -2.8%
- Monthly mortgage payment: £775
- Annual property tax: £1,686
- Homes on market for 6+ months: 34%
- Active listings: 442
Aberdeen is the best place in Britain to buy a home right now. Prices here have actually fallen nearly 3% since 2024, so buyers won’t be overpaying in a rising market. At £134K on average, a typical house here costs less than a new car in most parts of England. Plus, monthly mortgage payments are manageable at £775, and property tax comes to £1,686 a year, one of the cheapest rates in the UK.
2. Blackpool
No city has seen prices fall harder than Blackpool. Homes here have dropped nearly 19% since 2024, going from £167K to £136K. Beyond this, those purchasing a property through a mortgage won’t have to deal with expensive rates, as typical payments average under £800, nearly as low as in Aberdeen. Blackpool also has 641 active listings right now, and with its relatively small local market, supply is outpacing demand.
3. Norwich
Prices in Norwich have come off sharply, falling almost 15% over the past two years to an average of £226K. That’s a significant correction and a great opportunity for homebuyers to make a discounted purchase. Beyond that, about 30% of listings on the Norwich housing market have been sitting unsold for more than half a year, giving buyers more leverage to negotiate an even better price.
4. Portsmouth
Next comes Portsmouth, where property prices have fallen by over 11% since 2024. Nowadays, a typical house in the city sells for around £250K, but with nearly a third of homes going six months or longer without an offer, homebuyers here have an advantage to bring the asking price down. Another draw is that the mortgage rates are also low, averaging around £1,450 a month, £1,000 cheaper than in cities like Oxford or Cambridge.
5. Dundee
Dundee rounds out the top five hottest housing markets in the UK right now. Prices here have been stable in recent years, but monthly mortgage payments of just £775 still make it one of the cheapest cities to buy in. Property taxes are also low in Dundee, with yearly expenses at £1,730. Plus, flipping a house at a higher price is easier as well, as only 17% of listings sit on the market for more than six months.
A housing analyst from Everest Mortgages commented on the study:
“Falling prices aren’t always a red flag. In Blackpool and Norwich, the drops are happening because properties have become too expensive for local wages. That correction was inevitable. For buyers, a 15-19% price fall means you’re starting from a much better position than someone who bought two years ago. So it’s a great buying opportunity for both investors and those who just want to settle in, especially given that mortgages are cheap too.”
When using the data, please credit: https://everest-mortgages.co.uk/
John Everest
About Author
John Everest is a well-regarded mortgage and financial services adviser based in Brighton & Hove, UK. As Director of Everest Mortgage Services Ltd, John uses his industry expertise to empower clients to make sound financial decisions with confidence.
Experience Snapshot:
– Director, Everest Mortgage Services Ltd (company no. 10145887)
– FCA-registered firm (REF: 786425)
– Whole-of-market mortgage adviser with a focus on client-centric service
– Contributor to public finance platforms, offering commentary on mortgage regulation and consumer protection
Over 21 years in the banking industry working with banking operations in all aspects of banking.
Now to use this skill set by helping you the consumer achieve the most from your financial needs
Free consultation
Posted on Google Kyle McCloreyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a first-time buyer, I couldn’t have asked for a better mortgage broker than John. From our very first conversation, he was incredibly friendly and immediately put me at ease, making what initially felt like a daunting process feel straightforward and manageable. John’s communication was outstanding throughout. No question was ever too big or too small, and he always took the time to explain everything clearly and thoroughly. Thanks to his support, I was able to navigate the entire mortgage process with complete confidence. I never once felt stressed or under pressure, which made such a difference as a first-time buyer. His knowledge and expertise are second to none, and he was able to secure me a fantastic mortgage deal. I genuinely felt that he had my best interests at heart every step of the way. I can’t recommend John highly enough. If you’re looking for someone who is knowledgeable, approachable, and truly dedicated to helping their clients, he’s the person to go to. Thank you, John, for making such an important milestone such a positive experience!Posted on Google james foleyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We’re do I start I’m so glad I got recommended to John. He made getting a mortgage feel so easy and effortless. Every question I had to ask John he was so quick to get back to you. He made you feel like he couldn’t do enough. I can not thank him for making it feel personal like he knew us and wanted the best outcome. He also is one of the nicest person I have ever met. If I was going to recommend anyone it would 100% be John.Posted on Google VictoriaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am so grateful to have found John! He is an incredible broker and a genuinely lovely person who goes above and beyond. He makes no question seem like a silly question and has made a stressful process as simple as it can be. I would highly recommend John to everyone and can't thank him enough for his help :)Posted on Google abanoub alfonseTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When I arrived in the UK, I had only been here for 3 months. I was on a spouse visa, had very little UK employment history, and other mortgage advisers told us that getting a mortgage would be extremely difficult or even impossible. From the first conversation, John gave us confidence. He explained exactly what we needed to do and told us that the most important thing was getting my first few payslips and building my employment record. He had a clear plan from the start. What I liked most was how honest and straightforward he was. He always answered our questions, kept us updated, and made the whole process easy to understand. Nothing ever felt too much trouble. John didn't just help us get a mortgage. He advised us on properties, helped us understand what was a good purchase, guided us on what offer to make, and even helped us find solicitors. It felt like he genuinely cared about helping us buy the right home, not just getting the mortgage approved. In less than 4 months, John achieved what two other mortgage advisers told us was impossible. We now have a mortgage offer and are buying our first home together. The whole experience was smooth, professional and surprisingly stress-free. John was always there when we needed advice and support. If you are a first-time buyer, new to the UK, or have a complicated situation, I highly recommend speaking to John before anyone else. Thank you, John. You have helped us achieve something we never thought would be possible, and we will always be grateful.Posted on Google valeria raflaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Outstanding Mortgage Broker – Truly Exceptional Service My husband and I cannot recommend John Everest at Everest Mortgage Services highly enough. As first-time buyers, we were told by two other mortgage advisers that getting a mortgage would be virtually impossible due to our circumstances. My husband, Aba, had only been in the UK for five months on a spouse visa, had a very limited UK credit history, and was still building his employment record. We were repeatedly told that lenders would not consider our application. From our very first conversation, John was different. Rather than focusing on the obstacles, he focused on finding solutions. He took the time to understand our situation, explain every stage of the process, and gave us honest, realistic advice from day one. What seemed impossible suddenly felt achievable. In less than four months, John successfully secured our mortgage offer. Throughout the entire journey, he was professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and incredibly reassuring. Every question was answered promptly, every concern was dealt with calmly, and we always felt that he genuinely cared about helping us achieve our goal. What impressed us most was that John didn't just act as a mortgage broker. He became a trusted adviser and mentor throughout the whole process. He guided us on property choices, helped us understand market values, advised on offer strategies, and ensured we didn't make costly mistakes as first-time buyers. His experience and insight were invaluable. Buying a home is often described as one of the most stressful experiences in life, but John made it the complete opposite. It was the most smooth, stress-free, and well-managed process we could have hoped for. We always felt supported, informed, and confident in the decisions we were making. Thanks to John's hard work, dedication, and expertise, my husband and I are now able to purchase our first home together. We genuinely believe this would not have happened without him. If you are a first-time buyer, have a complex case, are a foreign national, or have been told "no" elsewhere, speak to John before giving up. His knowledge, persistence, and commitment to his clients are second to none. Thank you, John. You have helped us achieve a dream we thought was out of reach, and we will always be grateful. 🏡⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ValeriaPosted on Google Laura BailhamTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Extremely helpful, efficient and made it easy to understandPosted on Google TonyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. John was amazing, gave him a very difficult and challenging problem to solve. Problems he had to work with included probate, salary, change in career and short time frame. Saved me a small fortune in getting the mortgage I need and at a good rate with what's going on in the world. Thanks very much John, will definitely use you in the future.Posted on Google Raymond smartTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you John for making the Mortgage process so seamless, easy and with fast response rate. Communication is top notch . I will definitely be referring you to my friends and family.Posted on Google Natalie HuitsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. John was absolutely incredible in helping us buy our first ever home and find the right mortgage. He truly listened to our anxieties and supported us every step of the way with empathy, professionalism, and genuine care. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience and would wholeheartedly recommend John to anyone.Posted on Google Claire HTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. John is really helpful, very friendly and knowledgeable. Great working with him.
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