The credit crunch and subsequent recession has left its lasting effect on the UK population. With house prices falling, rents rising and mortgages harder than ever to secure, many Brits are looking to up sticks and find other, cheaper areas to live. Based on Halifax’s data, we took a look at the areas of the UK to avoid if you want to save money.
Westminster
It’s no surprise that the seat of the UK government is one of the most expensive places to live. With an extraordinary average price of £7,586 per square metre, houses in Westminster are some of the most expensive properties to buy or rent in the UK. With such a premium price tag, you’d think that you’d get a fair sized house. Wrong. Houses in Westminster are amongst the tiniest in the United Kingdom.
St Albans
Another gem in the south, St Albans is steeped in history dating back to the Roman period. With such idyllic surroundings and commuter links to the capital, houses in St Albans have an average of £3,227 per square metre. The views and rolling countryside alone are worth the steep prices.
Oxford
Modern mythology claims that Hitler ordered the Luftwaffe not to bomb Oxford because he wanted it to be the capital of his Third Reich. Whilst this has never been proven, what is certain is how pristine and historical the city of Oxford is. Houses in the prestigious area cost an average of £2,821 per square metre.
Winchester
This southern city is saturated with Anglo-Saxon history. The former capital city of England and current county town of Hampshire boasts a cathedral and connections with Alfred the Great. House prices in the historical capital sell at an average of £2,813 per square metre.
Chichester
Another cathedral city rich with history dating back to the Roman era, Chichester was one of Alfred the Great’s strongest ‘burhs’. The remains of a Roman amphitheatre can still be seen in one of Chichester’s parks, hinting at the city’s history. The city carries an average price of £2,638 per square metre.
Cambridge
The University City is situated on the river Cam, hence its name. It is well known as being the home of one of the most prestigious universities in the world, with the King’s College Chapel being an iconic symbol. With rail links to London, average prices are £2,634 per square metre.
Brighton
A popular seaside getaway for Victorian Londoners, the city on the south coast is still a popular holiday location to this day. Amongst its famous architecture, the Royal Pavilion and pier boardwalk are the most memorable. Brighton has reinvented itself into a metropolitan city, well-known for its LGBT nightlife and culture. Houses in Brighton have an average price of £2,549 per square metre.
Bath
Named for its Roman public bath houses, Bath is famous for its Georgian architecture and unique Bath stone. The Royal Crescent, designed by John Wood the Younger in the 18th Century, is home to some of the most recognisable Georgian terraces in the UK. House prices in the former Roman city are an average of £2,376 per square metre.
Edinburgh
The first northern city to feature on our list, the Scottish capital is best known for its castle at the centre of the city. One of the oldest local derbies in football history is between Edinburgh’s two Scottish Premier League clubs, Hearts of Midlothian and Hibernian. Houses come at an average of £2,125 per square metre.
Salisbury
William Wordsworth famously wrote the poem ‘Salisbury Plain’ about the area. Its many rivers offer local spots to sun and bathe, such as the shallow, slow flowing Avon which meanders through the Queen Elizabeth Park.
Ben Smith – works for an estate agents in London. When he’s not selling houses, he’s busy doing them up as a property developer.
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Funnily enough these places are the most popular tourist attractions – I love to visit most of these destinations when I’m looking for something to do on a day out. What beautiful locations!
Thanks Mike!