New research by Zoopla has identified the most affordable and in-demand locations for cottage buyers across Great Britain as the enduring appeal of rural living continues to drive activity in this niche segment of the housing market.
At the top of the affordability rankings is North Lanarkshire in Scotland, where the average asking price for a cottage stands at just £83,500.
Sunderland follows closely at £115,000, underscoring the continued value on offer in parts of the North East.
Other affordable markets include East Renfrewshire (£100,000), Neath Port Talbot (£170,000) and Blackburn with Darwen (£157,500).
CULTURAL MOMENTUM
Zoopla’s data, which examines the proportion of listings that are cottages, average asking prices, and levels of buyer interest, highlights the strong cultural and commercial momentum behind the so-called “cottagecore” trend – a social movement rooted in nostalgia for rural simplicity and artisanal living.
Searches for the term “cottage” were the fourth most popular on Zoopla in 2024, and the trend has seen significant growth across social media, particularly among Millennial and Gen Z demographics.
REGIONAL DIVIDE
The regional divide is also reflected at the upper end of the market, with buyers paying a significant premium in parts of the South East and East of England. Slough tops the list of the most expensive locations, with an average cottage price of £824,500, reflecting demand for traditional village homes in areas such as Stoke Poges and Datchet, despite their proximity to urban centres.
Welwyn Hatfield (£662,500) and North Warwickshire (£615,000) also rank among the most expensive cottage markets, driven by their balance of character housing and commuter access to major cities.
Further north, buyers in York face a median cottage price of £400,000, comparable to prices in South Northamptonshire and Gedling in the East Midlands. These locations offer buyers a mix of historic charm, green space and accessibility, fuelling continued demand despite higher prices.
BUYER INTEREST
The data also maps where buyer interest in cottages is most pronounced. In the North West, Blackburn with Darwen is currently the most active area for buyer enquiries, while in the South East, Southampton leads, with an average cottage price of £280,000. Its proximity to the New Forest and urban amenities continues to attract buyers seeking a hybrid lifestyle.
Other locations seeing high levels of interest include Bradford (£200,000), East Renfrewshire, and Neath Port Talbot — all areas combining relatively low price points with lifestyle appeal and access to natural surroundings.
In terms of availability, the Derbyshire Dales leads with cottages making up 21% of all homes currently for sale.
This is followed by Gwynedd (19%), Ceredigion (17%), the Forest of Dean (16%) and the Cotswolds (15%), regions where rural charm, historic architecture and scenic landscapes have long attracted buyers seeking a traditional countryside lifestyle. Median asking prices in these areas range from £244,000 in Gwynedd to £525,000 in the Cotswolds.
COTTAGECORE LIFESTYLE
Daniel Copley, Consumer Expert at Zoopla, says: “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.”
COTTAGE FANBASE
Nigel Bishop, Founder of buying agency Recoco Property Search, says: “There has always been a fanbase of buyers who appreciate the typically charming designs and quaint surroundings associated with a cottage.
“Many house hunters also express favouring this style of home for size as cottages tend to be smaller than typical country homes and are therefore considered to be more manageable and could reduce running costs.
“Often set in rural locations, buyers need to ensure that the setting works for them long-term as some amenities such as shops and hospitals can be further away which can become inconvenient.
“Demand for cottages remains strong, however, and house hunters should brace for a competitive property search – particularly for cottages with a lower asking price as they tend to attract multiple offers.”
INCREASINGLY DESIRABLE
And Nathan Emerson, Chief Executive of Propertymark, says: “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.
“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.”
