Zoopla reveals regional price differences and buyer demand for cottage properties
North Lanarkshire has emerged as the most affordable place to purchase a cottage in Great Britain, according to new research from property website Zoopla.
The average price for a cottage in the area stands at £83,500. Sunderland follows closely, with cottages averaging £115,000.
The study also found that interest in cottage living remains strong, particularly among Millennials and Generation Z. Social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok have seen millions of posts related to the “cottagecore” trend, which promotes a simpler, rural lifestyle. Zoopla also reported that “cottage” was the fourth most searched term on its platform in 2024.
While some regions offer lower prices, others command a significant premium. Slough in the South East recorded the highest average cottage price at £824,500. The area’s proximity to sought-after villages like Stoke Poges and Datchet contributes to its elevated property values.
Other high-priced regions include Welwyn Hatfield in the East of England (£662,500) and North Warwickshire in the West Midlands (£615,000). In York, the median asking price for a cottage is £400,000, similar to prices in South Northamptonshire and Gedling.
The analysis also identified areas with high buyer interest. Blackburn with Darwen in the North West is a notable hotspot, with an average cottage price of £157,500. In the South East, Southampton leads in buyer enquiries, where cottages have a median price of £280,000.
East Renfrewshire in Scotland, known for its schools and proximity to Glasgow, has an average cottage price of £100,000. Neath Port Talbot in Wales and Bradford in Yorkshire and The Humber also attract buyers, with average prices of £170,000 and £200,000 respectively.
Regions with a higher proportion of cottages for sale include the Derbyshire Dales, where cottages account for 21% of listings and have a median price of £310,000.
Gwynedd and Ceredigion in Wales also feature prominently, with 19% and 17% of homes for sale being cottages, and median prices at £244,000 and £292,500. The Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds in the South West offer further options, with median prices of £380,500 and £525,000.
For mortgage brokers, understanding where cottages are most affordable and in demand helps them advise clients seeking rural or lifestyle properties, identify emerging markets, and tailor mortgage products to local trends. This insight enables brokers to better support buyers and anticipate shifts in demand.
“Our data shows a clear and sustained appetite for the cottagecore lifestyle, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down,” said Daniel Copley, consumer expert at Zoopla. “While the dream of a quaint, rural cottage is often associated with high prices, our analysis highlights that affordability can still be found across the country.
“From the rolling hills of North Lanarkshire to the coastal charm of Sunderland, there are options for prospective buyers on a range of budgets. We’re seeing this desire for a simpler life translate into market demand, with specific areas becoming hotspots for buyer interest. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking for a change of pace, the cottage market offers diverse opportunities.”
“There are substantial regional differences throughout the UK when it comes to purchasing an idyllic property, with cottages in the North of England and in Scotland being revealed as more affordable locations to purchase as opposed to those in the South East,” added Nathan Emerson, chief executive of industry body Propertymark.
“Many people’s property ambitions have been shifted since the pandemic, making properties like cottages and rural and coastal locations increasingly desirable. In some cases, house prices are increasing in line with a rise in demand, which can increase equity for homeowners, boost local economies through increased spending and construction, and has the potential for enhanced infrastructure and community improvements.”
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