As the number of first-time buyers continues to grow, new research reveals that one Greater Manchester area is the best town in England for those wanting to make their cash stretch further.
The Price of Proximity research by My Home Move Conveyancing mapped the number of properties for sale, average house prices, and access to schools, GPs and supermarkets in the UK’s top 50 towns and cities, at distances from 0.5 to 5 miles from the centre. Each factor was weighted to create a value for money score out of 100, revealing which locations offer the best balance of amenities, house availability and affordability.
Bolton is the best value for money town for buyers in England
Average property prices within a mile of Bolton sit at £273,682 – more than £100,000 below the average UK house price – making it an attractive option for many first-time buyers looking to be close to the centre of town. Thanks to the smaller population, there’s less competition for access to everyday local infrastructure, with 1.56 GPs, 1.13 schools and 0.07 supermarkets per 10,000 people.
For buyers with a little more to spend, properties within a five-mile radius rise to £301,452, with these suburban houses often offering more space and acting as a great place for growing families.
The North of England reigns in the top 10 best value for money
The likes of Blackburn, Blackpool, Huddersfield, Warrington and Burnley all came in the top 10 best value for money towns alongside Bolton, with just two southern towns making the cut, Plymouth and Cambridge, and Wolverhampton represents the Midlands in the list.
Which town has the lowest value for money score?
On the other hand, Brighton had the lowest value for money score, reflecting the strain on local amenities and high central house prices, which average £482,642. Competition for essential local infrastructure is high, with only 0.20 schools, 0.19 GPs, and 0.094 supermarkets per 10,000 residents within a mile of the centre, suggesting a market prioritising prime location over amenity provision.
Best value for money English towns (with score)
- Bolton: 70.04 (average house price: £275,974.27)
- Blackburn: 68.71 (average house price: £228,925.73)
- Huddersfield: 61.96 (average house price: £219,861.25)
- Doncaster: 60.33 (average house Price: £190,406)
- Burnley: 58.38 (average house price: £150,936)
- Blackpool: 54.371 (average house price: £174,168.54)
- Wolverhampton: 52.61 (average house price: £242,714)
- Plymouth: 49.94 (average house price: £252,245)
- Warrington: 49.71 (average house price: £293,724)
- Cambridge: 49.31 (average house price: £387,541.23)
Average house prices are within a 0.5 mile radius.
Alistair Singer, Director at My Home Move Conveyancing, said: “Our research shows that Northern towns and cities like Bolton are a great way to get the most for your budget. These areas combine affordable property prices with less pressured essential services, creating genuinely great locations for homeownership, especially for first-time buyers.
“Whereas areas predominantly in the South face higher property prices, like Brighton. While higher property values are a testament to their popularity, the dense population leaves daily infrastructure stretched and highlights an opportunity for future infrastructure growth to improve the resident experience.”
Data was collected from:
- Rightmove
- Sainsbury’s superstore locator
- NHS GP location data
- GOV UK school data
All data is correct as of April 2026.
