Saving a deposit together to buy a home seems to be an increasingly difficult prospect for many first-time buyers. But in the area that Zoopla has named the most affordable in the UK, it may be possible.
The property website says the average house price in the area is £101,400, which is four per cent higher than it was 2022 but still 185 per cent under the national average of £290,000. With most banks having five per cent as the minimum deposit on mortgages, buyers may only need to save £5,070.
The area is Inverclyde, on the west coast of Scotland with very picturesque views out over the River Clyde. For anyone not needing the space of a house, there are one-bedroom flats available on the Rightmove website at the moment in the area’s main town of Greenock for £35,000 reports the Express.
It also has good transport links to get elsewhere in Scotland and the rest of the world, with a regular ferry service and is also just 20 miles away from Glasgow International Airport. Trains from Port Glasgow in Inverclyde to the centre of Glasgow take just 40 minutes and anyone driving to the city will find it takes a similar amount of time.
While, three years ago Greenock town centre, which is within the council area of Inverclyde, was named as Scotland’s most deprived area, some say there is a lot to love about the area.
David Thomson said: “Inverclyde does have some great areas to live. It's also a great gateway to the Clyde estuary, Argyll and Ayrshire. It has its issues and it tends to be looked down upon but if you choose well there is value to be had.”
Estate agent Graham Crocket agrees with Zoopla’s findings, and says it is one of Scotland’s most affordable towns. The area director for Slater Hogg and Howison said: “Greenock and neighbouring towns in Inverclyde offer excellent value for money for those seeking a coastal view within a commutable distance of Glasgow.
“Greenock has long been associated with ship building on the Clyde, however in recent times a move towards the service sector has provided the mainstay of employment for residents. Whilst coastal views drive buyer demand, other socio-economic factors have made Greenock one of Scotland’s most affordable towns.”
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Mhairi Powell said: “My family and I moved here recently from Renfrewshire from a town that also has deprivation in many areas. I think Inverclyde is a great place to live. Like everywhere else, there is good and bad and always room for improvement, but my experience of Inverclyde is positive.
“We moved during the pandemic and the community involvement in supporting each other was brilliant to see. There are so many beautiful places on our doorstep, activities and interests for people to keep busy, community initiatives to engage with.
“I've met lots of lovely locals and only wish more people felt positively about their town.”
And Lisa Collins said: “I've moved here from Windsor/Maidenhead. It is nicer. It's a beautiful place to live with glorious views and the people are just wonderful.”
