Best UK Cities Where You Can Buy a Home on a Single Income
Buying a home used to feel impossible if you were doing it alone. For years, many people believed you needed two incomes just to stand a chance. But in 2026, things are slowly changing.
Mortgage rates have cooled. Lenders are more flexible. And more people are choosing to buy solo than ever before.
If you are single, independent, or simply not ready to share your finances with someone else, this guide is for you.
We looked at house prices, average local incomes, and typical mortgage costs across the UK. The goal was simple: find cities where a single salary can realistically cover the cost of buying a 1- or 2-bedroom home.
Let’s explore the UK cities where buying alone is becoming a real possibility.
Why More People Are Buying Homes Solo
Solo buying is no longer rare.
Many people are choosing to:
- Stay single longer
- Focus on career growth
- Live independently
- Avoid sharing long-term financial risk
Today, almost four out of ten first-time buyers purchase a home on their own.
Several factors are helping:
- Mortgage rates are stabilising
- New affordability rules allow higher borrowing
- More smaller homes are being built
- Cities outside London offer better value
This means location matters more than ever.
How We Chose These Cities
Each city was selected using:
- Average price of 1- and 2-bedroom homes
- Average income for a single earner
- House price-to-income ratio
- Estimated monthly mortgage cost
- Typical 20% deposit
Lower ratios and lower monthly payments mean better affordability.
Quick Snapshot: Most Affordable Cities by Region
| Region | City | Avg 1–2 Bed Price | Avg Income | Price-to-Income Ratio | Monthly Mortgage | 20% Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | Aberdeen | £115,000 | £33,000 | 3.5 | £440 | £23,000 |
| North East | Sunderland | £107,000 | £28,600 | 3.7 | £410 | £21,000 |
| Yorkshire & Humber | Hull | £115,000 | £27,900 | 4.1 | £440 | £23,000 |
| North West | Liverpool | £137,000 | £31,600 | 4.3 | £525 | £27,000 |
| West Midlands | Stoke-on-Trent | £134,000 | £29,700 | 4.5 | £515 | £27,000 |
| Wales | Swansea | £149,000 | £32,800 | 4.5 | £570 | £30,000 |
| East Midlands | Derby | £169,000 | £31,200 | 5.4 | £645 | £34,000 |
| East of England | Peterborough | £183,000 | £30,500 | 6.0 | £700 | £37,000 |
| South West | Plymouth | £184,000 | £29,600 | 6.2 | £705 | £37,000 |
| South East | Milton Keynes | £230,000 | £36,900 | 6.3 | £880 | £46,000 |
Scotland: Aberdeen
Aberdeen is the most affordable city in the UK for solo buyers.
With average 1- and 2-bedroom homes costing around £115,000, a single person earning £33,000 can realistically buy without extreme stretching.
Monthly mortgage payments are close to £440, which is often cheaper than renting.
Beyond the numbers, Aberdeen offers:
- Strong energy and engineering job market
- Coastal lifestyle with beaches nearby
- Compact, walkable city centre
- Lower crime rate than many UK cities
For single buyers who want stability and affordability, Aberdeen is hard to beat.
Verdict: Best overall city in the UK for buying alone.
North East: Sunderland
Sunderland stands out for having one of the lowest monthly mortgage costs in England.
At around £410 per month, housing costs stay manageable for a single earner.
Why people choose Sunderland:
- Ongoing regeneration projects
- Growing tech and automotive sectors
- Seaside living at Roker and Seaburn
- Cheaper than nearby Newcastle
You get coastal living, improving job opportunities, and low housing costs in one package.
Verdict: Great choice if you want low payments and seaside living.
Yorkshire & the Humber: Hull
Hull offers strong value compared to bigger cities like Leeds or York.
A price-to-income ratio of 4.1 means buying is realistic on an average salary.
What makes Hull attractive:
- Regenerated marina area
- Affordable city-centre flats
- Growing creative and digital scene
- Easy to walk and cycle
Housing costs under £450 per month make Hull one of the best value cities in northern England.
Verdict: Budget-friendly city with improving lifestyle options.
North West: Liverpool
Liverpool offers big-city life without big-city prices.
Average 1–2 bed homes around £137,000 keep monthly payments near £525.
Why solo buyers love Liverpool:
- Lively social and music scene
- Strong rental demand (good for future resale)
- Regenerated neighbourhoods
- More affordable than Manchester
It’s a city that feels energetic but still achievable on one income.
Verdict: Best big city for solo buyers.
West Midlands: Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent offers Midlands affordability without rural isolation.
With average homes around £134,000, mortgage payments sit close to £515.
Benefits include:
- Central location in England
- Access to green spaces
- Cheaper than Birmingham
- Growing cultural quarter
Many single buyers choose Stoke because renting often costs more than buying.
Verdict: Solid choice for value-focused buyers.
Wales: Swansea
Swansea combines city life with beach living.
Average home prices near £149,000 allow single buyers to enter the market.
Why Swansea works:
- Beautiful bay and coastline
- Cheaper than Cardiff
- Good university and healthcare jobs
- Friendly, relaxed lifestyle
You get scenery, affordability, and lifestyle balance.
Verdict: Best coastal city in Wales for solo buyers.
East Midlands: Derby
Derby remains the most affordable city in the East Midlands.
At around £645 per month, buying is still possible on a £31,000 salary.
Why Derby stands out:
- Strong engineering and manufacturing jobs
- Close to the Peak District
- Compact city centre
- Cheaper than Nottingham
It offers a mix of stability and outdoor access.
Verdict: Good option for skilled workers.
East of England: Peterborough
Peterborough is the best-value city in the East of England.
Although pricier than northern cities, it is far cheaper than Cambridge.
Why people choose Peterborough:
- Fast trains to London
- Growing business parks
- New housing developments
- Good cycling network
It suits people who want southern wages with lower housing costs.
Verdict: Best southern value city.
South West: Plymouth
Plymouth is the most affordable city in the South West.
Monthly mortgages around £705 are high compared to the north, but still low for this region.
Why Plymouth attracts solo buyers:
- Coastal lifestyle
- Regenerated waterfront areas
- Cheaper than Bristol or Exeter
- Strong defence and marine jobs
It offers lifestyle appeal without extreme prices.
Verdict: Best South West city for buying alone.
South East: Milton Keynes
Even in the expensive South East, Milton Keynes offers relative value.
Higher average salaries help balance higher house prices.
Why Milton Keynes works:
- Strong job market
- Excellent transport links
- Planned green spaces
- Easy access to London
It’s practical, modern, and career-focused.
Verdict: Best South East option for solo buyers.
Tips to Improve Your Chances as a Solo Buyer
- Save at least 10–20% deposit
- Improve your credit score
- Use government buying schemes
- Consider shared ownership
- Choose smaller homes
- Get a mortgage in principle
Small steps make a big difference.
Final Thoughts
Buying a home on your own is no longer just a dream.
If you choose the right city, control your budget, and plan carefully, homeownership on a single income is achievable in 2026.
From affordable northern cities to smart southern hubs, there are real options across the UK.
The key is simple:
Pick the right place, and your solo homeownership journey becomes possible.
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