Sunderland Crowned UK's Most Affordable City for Single Homebuyers
New research has identified Sunderland as the most affordable English city for single individuals looking to purchase a home, with average monthly mortgage payments standing at a remarkably low £408. This figure represents just 17% of the average local take-home pay, making homeownership significantly more accessible for solo buyers in the area.
Affordable Housing Across the UK
In Scotland, Aberdeen takes the top spot for affordability, where prospective buyers can secure a typical one or two-bedroom flat for an average price of £114,700. For a single purchaser in Aberdeen, this translates to monthly mortgage repayments of approximately £438, further highlighting the viability of solo homeownership in select regions.
Expert Insights on Solo Homebuying Trends
Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, commented on the shifting landscape: "Buying a home can feel out of reach for many singles who have to rely on just one income to cover mortgage and other costs of home ownership. Rising incomes and lower mortgage rates mean that owning a home by yourself is increasingly possible."
Donnell emphasized the importance of strategic planning, noting: "For many that means buying a smaller sized home where property prices have risen more slowly than for larger, family sized homes in recent years. 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."
Changing Buyer Priorities and Market Opportunities
Kesha Foss-Smith, regional director at John D Wood & Co, observed a trend toward more calculated decisions among single buyers: "Single buyers are becoming far more strategic about where and what they buy. Many are prioritising affordability over postcode prestige and choosing areas that still offer good transport links, local amenities and long-term value."
Foss-Smith advised flexibility as a key factor: "For anyone buying solo, being flexible on location and property type is now the key to making ownership realistic. While buyers currently have more choice and negotiating power than in recent years, this window of opportunity is unlikely to last forever – making now a smart time for single buyers to act."
The findings underscore a growing opportunity for single individuals to enter the property market, particularly in cities like Sunderland and Aberdeen, where affordability remains strong. With careful research and a willingness to adapt expectations, solo homeownership is becoming an increasingly attainable goal across the UK.
