With their quirkiness and charm, living in a cottage is a dream for many people, but these pretty properties can come with a hefty price tag, especially when they are conveniently located or in particularly picturesque settings.
Cottages in and around Gloucester in the Cotswolds cost an average of £531,500, while in North Warwickshire they have an average price tag of £615,000.
Unsurprisingly, those within commuting distance of London have the highest average asking prices: as much as £824,500 in the Slough area (which includes popular towns such as Windsor, Eton and the village of Iver with its Elizabeth line station) and £662,500 in the Welwyn Hatfield area.
But new analysis from Zoopla has also pinpointed locations in Britain where home buyers are most likely to snap a cottage up at a comparatively bargain price.
North Lanarkshire in Scotland topped Zoopla’s affordability list, with a cottage typically priced at £83,500.
This is followed by Sunderland in the North East of England where those looking for a cottage could expect to pay an average of £115,000.
Meanwhile those looking for better value in the South East should head to Southampton where a cottage costs £280,000 on average.
Also fairly commutable to London is the Fenland area, which has the cheapest cottages in the East of England at an average asking price of £249,000. Bordering Peterborough, the area includes Wisbech, Chatteris and Whittlesey.
The “cottagecore” aesthetic that romanticises rural life and encourages simple living and traditional skills has become a popular trend in recent years.
Some cottage buyers may also have inspiration from the cosy, rural home depicted in romantic comedy film The Holiday, starring Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz.
Zoopla said that “cottage” was the fourth most-searched for term on its website in 2024.
Among those aiming for a lifestyle brimming with bucolic bliss, the analysis reveals where this is translating into market demand for cottages.
In the North West of England, Blackburn with Darwen is a hotspot for buyer inquiries, with an average asking price for a cottage at £157,500, Zoopla said.
Other areas attracting significant attention include East Renfrewshire in Scotland, where a cottage has an average asking price of £100,000, Zoopla said.
Neath Port Talbot in Wales appeals to buyers drawn to its beautiful coastal and valley landscapes, with an average price tag of £170,000, the website added.
Bradford in West Yorkshire is another hotspot, with an average asking price of £200,000. Buyers are attracted by its rich industrial history, cultural scene and some of the most affordable prices in the region, according to Zoopla.
For those looking for choice, Derbyshire Dales has the biggest proportion of cottages for sale, with around a fifth (21.4 per cent) of homes on the market being cottages, the website’s analysis found.
Daniel Copley, a consumer expert at Zoopla, said: “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.”
Nigel Bishop, founder of buying agency Recoco Property Search, said: “There has always been a fan base 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.”
Zoopla analysed homes available for sale between January and May 2025, with London generally excluded.
