03/09/2026
New analysis from Pepper Money suggests the North of England offers some of the best value for first-time buyers, with several areas where estimated mortgage payments are lower than local rents.
The North East stands out, with average mortgage payments of £699 a month, compared with a national average of £1,310.
County Durham also ranks among the top areas for first-time buyer value.
For buyers looking beyond the UK's most expensive housing markets, the North could offer an attractive combination of affordability and opportunity.
Read the full analysis to discover which areas offer the best value:
North of England offers best value for first-time buyers, Pepper analysis finds https://monkeylink.co/0d06a4
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