Cottagecore dreams on a budget: Zoopla reveals where to find your idyllic and affordable country retreat

 

New analysis1 from Zoopla, one of the UK's leading property websites, reveals the most affordable places to buy a cottage in Great Britain, with North Lanarkshire in Scotland topping the list when it comes to affordability. Here, a cottage is likely to set back would-be cottagecore enthusiasts an average of just £83,500. This is closely followed by Sunderland in the North East where those looking for a cottage could expect to pay an average of £115,000.

Table 1: Areas in each region where cottages are the cheapest

Region	Area	Median asking price of a cottage
East Midlands	Amber Valley	£206,000
East of England	Fenland	£249,000
North East	Sunderland	£115,000
North West	Blackburn with Darwen	£157,500
Scotland	North Lanarkshire	£83,500
South East	Southampton	£280,000
South West	Plymouth	£248,500
Wales	Rhondda Cynon Taf	£129,500
West Midlands	Stoke-on-Trent & Newcastle-under-Lyme	£238,000
Yorkshire and The Humber	Bradford	£200,000

Source: Zoopla Research 2025

The yearning for a simpler existence, amplified by the Covid pandemic, has propelled cottagecore into the cultural spotlight in recent years. The aesthetic resonates deeply with Millennials and Gen Z, offering an aspirational escape to idyllic, less urban settings. The movement's digital footprint has grown, with 6.2m posts on Instagram and 2.1m posts on TikTok2 celebrating the benefits of a move towards a simpler, quieter life. The term 'cottage' was the fourth most searched for term on Zoopla in 2024, underscoring that the nation's obsession with cottages isn't going away any time soon. 

Some areas of the UK see cottages command a high price

Whilst there are areas in the UK where cottage lovers could snap up a cottage for a bargain,  when it comes to the most expensive areas, the analysis shows a clear regional divide. Unsurprisingly, the South East is home to the most expensive cottage on the list, with an average asking price of £824,500 in Slough. Although  Slough itself is a bustling urban centre, its location on the border of Buckinghamshire and Berkshire means it is surrounded by desirable and historic villages such as Stoke Poges and Datchet, which offer a more traditional, "chocolate-box" aesthetic. 

Other regions also have a cottage premium with Welwyn Hatfield in the East of England and North Warwickshire in the West Midlands having an average asking price for a cottage of  £662,500 and  £615,000 respectively. These high prices reflect the strong demand for character properties in areas that offer both quality of life and accessibility to cities. Looking further north, a cottage in York has a median asking price of £400,000, aligning with the price in South Northamptonshire & Gedling in the East Midlands. 

Table 2: Areas in each region where cottages are the most expensive

Region	Area	Median asking price of a cottage
East Midlands	South Northamptonshire & Gedling	£400,000
East of England	Welwyn Hatfield	£662,500
North East	Northumberland	£300,000
North West	Cheshire West and Chester	£375,000
Scotland	East Lothian	£381,000
South East	Slough	£824,500
South West	Gloucester	£531,500
Wales	Monmouthshire	£442,500
West Midlands	North Warwickshire	£615,000
Yorkshire and The Humber	York	£400,000

Source: Zoopla Research 2025

Where do cottagecore enthusiasts want to live?

For those who dream of a life straight out of the cottagecore aesthetic, the analysis reveals exactly where this aspiration is translating into market demand. For example, in the North West, Blackburn with Darwen is the hotspot for buyer enquiries, with an average asking price for a cottage of  £157,500. Similarly, Southampton leads the way in the South East, with a median asking price of £280,000. The area offers a mix of urban amenities, a bustling waterfront and proximity to the New Forest, making it a highly desirable location for those seeking both city and rural living, offering the perfect balance for a modern cottagecore lifestyle.

Table 3: Areas in each region where cottages attract the most buyer enquiries

Region	Area	Median asking price of a cottage
Scotland	East Renfrewshire	£100,000
Wales	Neath Port Talbot	£170,000
Yorkshire and The Humber	Bradford	£200,000
London	Sutton	£450,000
South East	Southampton	£280,000
North East	Sunderland	£115,000
West Midlands	Stoke-on-Trent	£238,000
South West	Plymouth	£248,500
East of England	Hertsmere	£485,000
East Midlands	Leicester	£325,000
North West	Blackburn with Darwen	£157,500

Source: Zoopla 2025

Other key areas attracting significant attention include East Renfrewshire in Scotland, known for its high-performing schools and affluent suburbs close to Glasgow, where a cottage has an average asking price of £100,000. Neath Port Talbot in Wales appeals to buyers drawn to its beautiful coastal and valley landscapes, with an average asking price of £170,000. Bradford in Yorkshire and The Humber is another hotspot, with an average asking price of £200,000. Buyers here are attracted by its rich industrial history, cultural scene and some of the most affordable prices in the region. 

Areas with more choice for cottage hunters

For aspiring homeowners hoping to embrace the cottagecore lifestyle, knowing where to find these charming properties is key. The areas where cottages make up the largest proportion of homes for sale indicate a market rich with this specific property type, with a strong concentration of cottages in the rural and coastal regions of the UK. 

The Derbyshire Dales in the East Midlands leads the way, where a remarkable 21 per cent of all homes for sale are cottages, with a median asking price of £310,000. Other areas with a high concentration of cottages include Gwynedd (19 per cent) and Ceredigion (17  per cent) in Wales, with median asking prices of £244,000 and £292,500 respectively, appealing to buyers looking for stunning landscapes. The Forest of Dean (16 per cent) and the Cotswolds (15 per cent) in the South West are also prominent, with median prices of £380,500 and £525,000, reinforcing their status as prime locations for a quintessentially British, rural-inspired lifestyle.

Table 4: Areas where cottages make the largest proportion of homes for sale (nationally)

Region	Area	% of for sale homes that are cottages	Median asking price of a cottage
East Midlands	Derbyshire Dales	21.4%	£310,000
Wales	Gwynedd	19.0%	£244,000
Wales	Ceredigion	16.6%	£292,500
South West	Forest of Dean	16.3%	£380,500
South West	Cotswold	15.4%	£525,000
North West	Eden	15.3%	£275,000
Yorkshire and The Humber	Ryedale	14.5%	£365,000
East of England	North Norfolk	13.5%	£350,000
Yorkshire and The Humber	Craven	13.3%	£330,000
South West	South Hams	13.1%	£350,000

Source: Zoopla Research 2025

Daniel Copley, Consumer Expert at Zoopla, comments: "Our data shows a clear and sustained appetite for the cottagecore lifestyle, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. 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."

Zoopla is the only property portal that offers users the capability to filter search results by the 'cottage' feature, making it as easy as possible for Zoopla users to win at moving