20 Cheapest Places to Buy a House in Wales | Sold Prices from £83k
Wales' most affordable property location is CF43 (Ferndale) with average sold prices of £83,116, a remarkable 60% below Wales' average house price of £210,657.
Using the latest HM Land Registry sold prices and current asking prices from estate agents and UK property portals, we've analysed over 170 Welsh postcodes to identify where buyers can find exceptional value. Ten postcodes offer average property prices under £135,000, with the cheapest starting from just £83,116 in the South Wales Valleys.
Wales is 22% cheaper than the UK average (£269,862) and 28% cheaper than England (£291,515). Property prices range from terraced houses averaging £167,952 to detached homes at £328,553, with the strongest opportunities concentrated in the former mining communities of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil, and Blaenau Gwent. For investors, the combination of low entry prices and affordable rents creates compelling rental yields in areas often overlooked by mainstream buyers.
Our analysis combines postcode-level sold prices, price per square foot, household income data, and regional comparisons to reveal not just the cheapest locations, but where you genuinely get the best value for money across Wales.
Exploring other UK regions? See our guides on the cheapest places to buy in England, most affordable areas in London, and lowest prices in Manchester.
Article updated: January 2026
Wales' Most Affordable Property Markets 2026
Analysis of Wales' cheapest postcodes reveals exceptional value across the South Wales Valleys, with average sold prices ranging from £83,116 to £128,806 in the ten most affordable locations - representing 39% to 61% below Wales' average sold price of £210,657.
- Wales' cheapest postcodes: £83,116 (CF43, Ferndale) to £128,806 (CF47, Merthyr Tydfil) across the 10 most affordable areas by average sold prices
- Below UK average: All 10 cheapest locations are 52% to 69% below the UK average sold price of £269,862
- Affordability ratios: Wales' cheapest postcodes range from 2.70x to 3.80x annual household income, significantly below the UK average of 7.1x
- Regional breakdown: South Wales Valleys dominate with all 10 of the cheapest postcodes, all former mining communities now offering the best value property
Contents
- Are there houses under £100k in Wales?
- Top 10 cheapest places in South Wales
- Top 10 cheapest places in North Wales
- Wales sold house prices guide: by property type
- Cheapest coastal towns with sea views
- How affordable are Wales' cheapest areas?
- First-time buyers: what deposit do you need?
- Is Wales cheaper than England?
- Frequently asked questions
-
by Robert Jones, Founder of Property Investments UK
With two decades in UK property, Rob has been investing in buy-to-let since 2005, and uses property data to develop tools for property market analysis.
Property Data Sources
Our location guide relies on diverse, authoritative datasets including:
- HM Land Registry UK House Price Index
- Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
- Ordnance Survey Data Hub
- Propertydata.co.uk
We update our property data quarterly to ensure accuracy. Last update: January 2026. All data is presented as provided by our sources without adjustments or amendments.
Are there houses under £100k in Wales?
Yes, there are two Welsh postcodes where average sold house prices are under £100,000. CF43 (Ferndale) leads at £83,116 and NP24 (New Tredegar) follows at £94,242. Both are located in the South Wales Valleys, former mining communities where Victorian terraced housing offers exceptional value.
For buyers with budgets up to £110,000, a further five postcodes become available including Treorchy, Tonypandy, and Abertillery. All seven of these areas sit within the historic coalfield belt stretching from Rhondda Cynon Taf through to Blaenau Gwent.
| Postcode | Location | Avg Sold Price | £/sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| CF43 | Ferndale | £83,116 | £101 |
| NP24 | New Tredegar | £94,242 | £110 |
| CF42 | Treorchy | £105,399 | £124 |
| CF40 | Tonypandy | £105,892 | £124 |
| NP13 | Abertillery | £106,459 | £123 |
| CF41 | Penrhiwceiber | £106,601 | £122 |
| CF45 | Mountain Ash | £107,084 | £126 |
To put this in context, the cheapest postcode in England is DL4 (Shildon in County Durham) at £62,983, while Scotland offers PA15 (Greenock) at £56,823. Wales' lowest priced area is above both, however there are still many locations that offer value and affordable living.
CF43 (Ferndale) offers the best value per square foot at just £101/sq ft. At this price, an £83,000 budget buys roughly 820 sq ft of living space. Compare this to the Wales average of around £200/sq ft and you're getting double the space for your money.
If you're searching for properties at these price points, focus on terraced houses. In CF43 (Ferndale), the average sold price for a terraced house is just £70,738, while NP24 (New Tredegar) offers terraces at £78,704. Flats are scarce in these areas as the housing stock is predominantly traditional two-up two-down terraces built for mining families in the late 1800s.
Top 10 cheapest places in South Wales
South Wales dominates Wales' most affordable property markets. The former coalfield valleys stretching from Rhondda Cynon Taf through Merthyr Tydfil to Blaenau Gwent contain all ten of Wales' cheapest postcodes by average sold price. These communities were built for the mining industry in the Victorian era and retain their characteristic terraced housing, now available at prices that would barely cover a deposit in many English cities.
| Postcode | Location | Avg Sold Price | £/sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| CF43 | Ferndale | £83,116 | £101 |
| NP24 | New Tredegar | £94,242 | £110 |
| CF42 | Treorchy | £105,399 | £124 |
| CF40 | Tonypandy | £105,892 | £124 |
| NP13 | Abertillery | £106,459 | £123 |
| CF41 | Penrhiwceiber | £106,601 | £122 |
| CF45 | Mountain Ash | £107,084 | £126 |
| CF34 | Maesteg | £124,191 | £134 |
| NP22 | Tredegar | £127,148 | £140 |
| CF47 | Merthyr Tydfil | £128,806 | £145 |
The Rhondda Valleys account for five of the top ten. CF43 (Ferndale), CF42 (Treorchy), CF40 (Tonypandy), CF41 (Penrhiwceiber), and CF45 (Mountain Ash) form a continuous belt of affordable housing running north from Pontypridd. All five are within 25 minutes of each other and share similar characteristics: Victorian terraces, strong community identity, and sold prices that make homeownership genuinely achievable on local incomes.
Further east, the Blaenau Gwent postcodes of NP13 (Abertillery), NP24 (New Tredegar), and NP22 (Tredegar) offer similarly low sold prices. These former steel and iron towns sit along the Heads of the Valleys road, with improving transport links to Cardiff and Newport.
CF34 (Maesteg) in the Llynfi Valley and CF47 (Merthyr Tydfil) round out the top ten. Merthyr was once the iron capital of the world and retains a proud industrial heritage alongside some of Wales' lowest property prices.
Top 10 cheapest places in North Wales
North Wales offers a different proposition to the South Wales Valleys. Average sold prices are higher across the board, but you're buying into areas with stronger tourism economies, Snowdonia on the doorstep, and coastal towns with genuine lifestyle appeal. The cheapest North Wales postcode, LL41 (Blaenau Ffestiniog), would rank 11th if placed alongside the South Wales list.
| Postcode | Location | Avg Sold Price | £/sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| LL41 | Blaenau Ffestiniog | £120,620 | £159 |
| LL48 | Penrhyndeudraeth | £166,333 | £191 |
| LL14 | Ruabon | £170,252 | £202 |
| LL54 | Penygroes | £172,765 | £194 |
| LL13 | Wrexham (rural) | £173,744 | £195 |
| LL57 | Bangor | £174,624 | £193 |
| LL18 | Rhyl | £175,150 | £208 |
| LL19 | Prestatyn | £179,746 | £224 |
| LL11 | Wrexham | £181,627 | £215 |
| LL34 | Llanfairfechan | £186,644 | £224 |
LL41 (Blaenau Ffestiniog) stands out as North Wales' most affordable postcode with average sold prices of £120,620. This former slate quarrying town sits at the heart of Snowdonia National Park and has reinvented itself around adventure tourism, with Zip World and the Llechwedd Slate Caverns drawing visitors year-round. At £159/sq ft, it also offers the best value per square foot in North Wales.
The Wrexham area provides three entries in the top ten. LL14 (Ruabon), LL13 (rural Wrexham), and LL11 (Wrexham town) offer sold prices between £170,000 and £182,000. The arrival of Wrexham AFC's Hollywood owners has brought international attention to the area, though prices remain well below the Wales average.
The North Wales coast features twice with LL18 (Rhyl) at £175,150 and LL19 (Prestatyn) at £179,746. Both seaside towns offer Victorian and Edwardian housing stock at accessible prices, though regeneration progress varies between them.
LL57 (Bangor) brings a university town into the mix at £174,624. The student population creates rental demand, while the Menai Strait location and proximity to Snowdonia add lifestyle appeal.
Wales sold house prices guide: by property type
Wales' average sold house price of £210,657 masks significant variation by local authority and property type. Terraced houses in Merthyr Tydfil average just £120,987 while the same property type in Cardiff costs £257,860. For buyers hunting genuine bargains, the South Wales Valleys local authorities offer the clearest route into the market.
| Rank & Area | Terraced | Semi-Detached | Detached | Flat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Merthyr Tydfil | £120,987 | £151,803 | £239,078 | £62,807 |
| 2. Blaenau Gwent | £127,991 | £154,098 | £229,098 | £80,742 |
| 3. Neath Port Talbot | £133,954 | £161,889 | £247,919 | £81,643 |
| 4. Rhondda Cynon Taf | £134,965 | £169,195 | £270,730 | £81,491 |
| 5. Denbighshire | £145,604 | £180,032 | £262,353 | £94,752 |
| 6. Carmarthenshire | £146,428 | £179,503 | £275,659 | £91,661 |
| 7. Flintshire | £154,451 | £189,408 | £304,799 | £105,133 |
| 8. Wrexham | £154,488 | £191,396 | £305,281 | £103,847 |
| 9. Gwynedd | £156,973 | £204,341 | £303,066 | £112,789 |
| 10. Torfaen | £157,133 | £198,596 | £315,627 | £94,452 |
| 11. Isle of Anglesey | £162,108 | £204,439 | £313,454 | £139,084 |
| 12. Caerphilly | £162,561 | £196,330 | £303,728 | £104,001 |
| 13. Ceredigion | £164,127 | £185,300 | £288,171 | £102,212 |
| 14. Pembrokeshire | £166,895 | £199,300 | £314,436 | £115,670 |
| 15. Wales (National) | £167,952 | £211,311 | £328,553 | £128,477 |
| 16. Bridgend | £168,678 | £206,805 | £320,601 | £112,145 |
| 17. Conwy | £169,170 | £216,647 | £310,205 | £124,393 |
| 18. Swansea | £172,911 | £216,245 | £333,837 | £113,675 |
| 19. Powys | £175,273 | £217,100 | £326,845 | £97,703 |
| 20. Newport | £186,360 | £243,119 | £394,302 | £116,067 |
| 21. Monmouthshire | £241,402 | £307,242 | £501,564 | £155,894 |
| 22. Vale of Glamorgan | £248,087 | £319,693 | £536,820 | £158,271 |
| 23. Cardiff | £257,860 | £319,558 | £512,059 | £161,156 |
This guide shows the four cheapest local authorities for terraced houses are all in the South Wales Valleys. Merthyr Tydfil leads at £120,987, followed by Blaenau Gwent (£127,991), Neath Port Talbot (£133,954), and Rhondda Cynon Taf (£134,965). These areas also offer Wales' cheapest flats, with Merthyr Tydfil averaging just £62,807.
North Wales appears from rank 5 onwards. Denbighshire offers terraced houses at £145,604, while Wrexham comes in at £154,488. These represent solid value compared to the Wales average of £167,952.
At the other end of the scale, Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan, and Monmouthshire command premium prices. A terraced house in Cardiff (£257,860) costs more than double the same property type in Merthyr Tydfil. For detached houses, the gap widens further: £512,059 in Cardiff versus £239,078 in Merthyr Tydfil.
Wales also uses a different stamp duty system. Land Transaction Tax (LTT) replaces Stamp Duty Land Tax, with different thresholds and rates that can work in buyers' favour on lower-priced properties.
Cheapest coastal towns with sea views
Wales has over 1,680 miles of coastline, from the industrial heritage of Port Talbot to the holiday beaches of Pembrokeshire and the Victorian promenades of North Wales. For buyers searching for affordable coastal property with sea view potential, several postcodes offer genuine value well below the Wales average of £210,657.
| Postcode | Location | Avg Sold Price | £/sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| SA13 | Port Talbot | £132,139 | £137 |
| SA1 | Swansea | £140,588 | £157 |
| SA12 | Port Talbot | £151,433 | £167 |
| SA72 | Pembroke | £153,071 | £150 |
| SA73 | Milford Haven | £168,402 | £173 |
| LL18 | Rhyl | £175,150 | £208 |
| LL19 | Prestatyn | £179,746 | £224 |
| LL34 | Penmaenmawr | £186,644 | £224 |
| LL65 | Holyhead | £187,061 | £187 |
| LL42 | Barmouth | £187,465 | £213 |
SA13 and SA12 (Port Talbot) top the list, but these are industrial coastal towns rather than traditional seaside destinations. For buyers seeking beach lifestyle, SA72 (Pembroke) at £153,071 offers access to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park at a fraction of nearby Tenby's prices (SA70 averages £288,032).
Swansea's SA1 postcode at £140,588 combines city amenities with coastal access. The regenerated marina and proximity to the Gower Peninsula make it popular with both owner-occupiers and investors seeking airbnb opportunities for sale.
The North Wales coast offers several affordable options. Rhyl (LL18) and Prestatyn (LL19) provide traditional seaside town living from £175,150 to £179,746. Both have direct beach access and rail connections to Chester and beyond. LL42 (Barmouth) at £187,465 sits on Cardigan Bay with mountain and sea views, popular with second-home buyers.
For premium coastal living, expect to pay significantly more. SA3 (Gower) averages £356,887, SA70 (Tenby) commands £288,032, and LL58 (Beaumaris) reaches £308,607. These areas attract buyers willing to pay for established holiday destinations and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
How affordable are Wales' cheapest areas?
Affordability isn't just about the lowest price tag. It's about whether local residents can actually afford to buy. The price-to-income ratio helps guide how many years of household income it would take to buy the average property outright. The UK average sits at 7.1x, meaning homes typically cost over seven times annual household earnings. Wales' cheapest postcodes tell a very different story.
| Rank & Area | Affordability Ratio | Avg Household Income | Avg Sold Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. CF43 (Ferndale) | 2.70x | £30,800 | £83,116 |
| 2. NP24 (New Tredegar) | 2.97x | £31,700 | £94,242 |
| 3. CF41 (Penrhiwceiber) | 3.19x | £33,400 | £106,601 |
| 4. NP13 (Abertillery) | 3.20x | £33,300 | £106,459 |
| 5. CF40 (Tonypandy) | 3.21x | £33,000 | £105,892 |
| 6. CF42 (Treorchy) | 3.28x | £32,100 | £105,399 |
| 7. CF45 (Mountain Ash) | 3.29x | £32,500 | £107,084 |
| 8. CF47 (Merthyr Tydfil) | 3.42x | £37,700 | £128,806 |
| 9. NP22 (Tredegar) | 3.78x | £33,600 | £127,148 |
| 10. CF34 (Maesteg) | 3.80x | £32,700 | £124,191 |
CF43 (Ferndale) leads with an affordability ratio of just 2.70x. With average household incomes of £30,800 and sold prices of £83,116, local residents face a far easier path to homeownership than almost anywhere else in the UK. Even a single earner on median wages could realistically save for a deposit and service a mortgage.
All ten of Wales' most affordable postcodes have ratios below 4.0x, less than half the UK average. This makes these areas genuinely accessible for first-time buyers, young families, and anyone priced out of more expensive regions. For comparison, Cardiff averages around 7.0x and London exceeds 12.0x in many boroughs.
The trade-off is clear. Lower house prices correlate with lower local incomes, which reflects fewer high-paying job opportunities in these former industrial areas. Buyers working remotely or commuting to larger employment centres like Cardiff can benefit from the best of both worlds: Valleys prices with city salaries.
For investors, these affordability ratios also indicate tenant affordability. Areas where locals can afford to buy tend to have stable rental markets with lower void rates, as tenants are more likely to remain long-term rather than constantly chasing cheaper options.
First-time buyers: what deposit do you need?
Wales' cheapest postcodes make homeownership achievable with deposits that would seem impossibly low in most of England. A 10% deposit in CF43 (Ferndale) requires just £8,312. The same 10% in London's cheapest borough would cost over £30,000.
| Area | 10% Deposit | 20% Deposit | 30% Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| CF43 (Ferndale) | £8,312 | £16,623 | £24,935 |
| NP24 (New Tredegar) | £9,424 | £18,848 | £28,273 |
| CF42 (Treorchy) | £10,540 | £21,080 | £31,620 |
| CF40 (Tonypandy) | £10,589 | £21,178 | £31,768 |
| NP13 (Abertillery) | £10,646 | £21,292 | £31,938 |
| CF41 (Penrhiwceiber) | £10,660 | £21,320 | £31,980 |
| CF45 (Mountain Ash) | £10,708 | £21,417 | £32,125 |
| CF34 (Maesteg) | £12,419 | £24,838 | £37,257 |
| NP22 (Tredegar) | £12,715 | £25,430 | £38,144 |
| CF47 (Merthyr Tydfil) | £12,881 | £25,761 | £38,642 |
At 10% deposit levels, seven of Wales' ten cheapest postcodes require less than £11,000 upfront. This puts homeownership within reach for savers who might otherwise spend years accumulating a deposit in higher-priced areas. A couple each saving £200 per month could reach a 10% deposit for Ferndale in under three and a half years.
A 20% deposit typically unlocks better loan-to-value (LTV) mortgage rates and lower monthly payments. In CF43 (Ferndale), that's just £16,623, roughly what you'd need for a 5% deposit on an average UK property.
Remember that deposits are just one part of buying costs. Budget for solicitor fees (£800-£1,500), survey costs (£300-£600), and removal expenses. Wales uses Land Transaction Tax (LTT) rather than Stamp Duty, with first-time buyers paying no tax on properties up to £225,000, covering all ten of these postcodes.
For those considering buying their first rental property, deposit requirements increase. Most buy-to-let lenders require 25% minimum, meaning £20,779 for a property at Ferndale's average price. Still substantially lower than the £60,000+ needed for an average UK buy-to-let.
Is Wales cheaper than England?
Yes, Wales is significantly cheaper than England. As a guide, the average sold house price in Wales is £210,657 compared to England's £291,515, meaning Wales offers a 28% saving. For the average property buyer, this represents a saving of £80,858.
Wales also compares favourably against the UK average (£269,862), offering properties 22% below the national average. Scotland offers even better value at £192,050, making it 9% cheaper than Wales and 34% cheaper than England.
Wales vs England: Savings by property type
The savings extend across all property types, with flats showing the largest percentage difference. Here's how much you save buying in Wales versus England:
| Property Type | Wales | England | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detached | £328,553 | £470,151 | £141,598 (30%) |
| Semi-Detached | £211,311 | £289,909 | £78,598 (27%) |
| Terraced | £167,952 | £243,978 | £76,026 (31%) |
| Flat | £128,477 | £219,065 | £90,588 (41%) |
Flats offer the biggest percentage saving at 41%, making Wales particularly attractive for first-time buyers and investors seeking apartment properties. Wales also tops the most affordable apartments across the UK, which is good if you are looking for a city centre new build development rather than older traditional housing. Even detached houses in Wales cost £141,598 less than their English equivalents, a substantial saving for families seeking larger homes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wales a good place for first-time buyers?
Wales is one of the best places in the UK for first-time buyers. Affordability ratios of 2.7x to 3.8x in the cheapest areas compare favourably to the UK average of 7.1x. A 10% deposit starts from just £8,312 in Ferndale, and Wales' Land Transaction Tax means no tax on properties up to £225,000 for first-time buyers. The main trade-off is fewer high-paying jobs locally, but remote workers and commuters can access Valleys prices while earning city salaries.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Wales?
In Wales' cheapest areas, household incomes of £30,000-£38,000 support comfortable living including mortgage payments. A couple earning £35,000 combined could afford a £100,000 property (2.9x income) with money left for bills, transport, and savings. In Cardiff or Swansea, you'd need closer to £45,000-£55,000 household income for the same quality of life. Wales' lower housing costs mean more disposable income compared to equivalent earnings in England.
Can you live on £25,000 a year in Wales?
Yes, particularly in the South Wales Valleys. A £25,000 salary gives you an affordability ratio of around 3.3x for a £83,000 property in Ferndale, well within lender requirements. Monthly mortgage payments on an 90% LTV mortgage would be approximately £350-£400. Council tax in Band A properties runs £1,200-£1,400 annually. Combined with lower general living costs than most of England, £25,000 is a liveable wage in Wales' most affordable areas, though saving would be limited.
How much do you need to earn to buy a house in Wales?
Lenders typically offer 4-4.5x your annual income. In CF43 (Ferndale) at £83,116, a single buyer would need around £18,500-£21,000 income. A couple could qualify on combined earnings of £19,000-£21,000. In Cardiff (£269,104 average), you'd need £60,000-£67,000 individual income or similar combined. Wales' cheapest postcodes make homeownership accessible on salaries that would leave you renting indefinitely in most of England.
Do I pay Stamp Duty in Wales?
No. Wales has its own system called Land Transaction Tax (LTT), managed by the Welsh Revenue Authority. The rates and thresholds differ from England. First-time buyers pay nothing on properties up to £225,000, which covers all of Wales' cheapest postcodes. For additional properties (buy-to-let or second homes), higher rates apply from £40,000. Always use a Welsh LTT calculator rather than an English Stamp Duty one.
Why are North Wales prices higher than South Wales?
North Wales benefits from stronger tourism economies, proximity to wealthy English regions (Cheshire, Merseyside), and Snowdonia's landscape appeal. Second-home demand pushes prices up in coastal and scenic areas. The South Wales Valleys lack these external demand drivers, with prices set primarily by local incomes. North Wales also has less Victorian terraced housing stock, so the entry-level properties that dominate Valleys markets are less common.