However, we've carried out some research on six of the top unaffordable areas and found nearby alternatives with more reasonable, affordable house prices.
Oxford
The “City of Dreaming Spires” is based around the prestigious University and impressive architecture, combined with plenty of open green spaces and easy links to London it is an ideal city to retire to. However, the average house price on Rightmove in Oxford is currently £385,372, this can put Oxford out of reach of the average pensioner.
But don’t be disheartened. If Oxford is out of your budget but you want to spend your retirement in the area, there are other nearby towns and villages you could consider. Bicester for example has all the amenities that you could need and has an average house price of less £311,601. The historic market time is fast growing due to its ideal location with easy transport to Oxford and London.
Abingdon is also a pretty village outside of Oxford has an average house price of £315,165. Although there is no train service, there are regular buses to Oxford and it has a riverside location and is perfect for those looking for a relaxing place to retire to.
Winchester
Winchester has also recently been named one of the most unaffordable places to live in the UK. The beautiful cathedral city in the heart of Hampshire has an eye watering average house price of £450,000. The historic city is in easy reach of the South Downs, making it the perfect spot for keen walkers and wildlife lovers.
But Winchester isn’t the only cathedral city near the downs. Not far away you will find Chichester. Here the average house prices are £369,482, which is nearly 18% less than Winchester! It is a stone’s throw from the Downs and the South coast and you are not too far from Brighton and London either. This could be the perfect, affordable location for your retirement.
Chelmsford
The average house price in Chelmsford is £350,000. Chelmsford has a rich history and, like most of the desirable locations, a lovely cathedral along with some pretty riverside spots. It attracts commuters due to the easy, 35 minute train journey into the centre of London. It is also a lovely place to retire to if you want to move out of London but don’t want to go too far.
Outside of Chelmsford city centre there are many lovely villages to choose from that will give you a good quality of life and still be within easy reach of London but with a lower price tag than Clemsford. Old Moulsham is close by and has an average house price of £308,519.
Brighton and Hove
It is easy to see why Brighton is such a popular place to live. It has a Bohemian vibe, a beach, lots of outdoor space, the South Downs and an easy journey to London. However, house prices are now at an average of £380,000 and so finding your dream retirement home in Brighton can be difficult.
However, if you head west from Hove you come to Portslade, which is still close enough to the centre for convenience, but has an average house price of £322,709. Further west still and you come to Worthing, which is where Homewise is based! Our home town has everything you could need and is a short train ride into Brighton. The average house price here is £284,287, which is 25% less than Brighton, and is a very popular choice for people who want to buy a home close to Brighton without the hefty price tag.
St Albans
St Albans is considered one of the most unaffordable locations in the UK. Once you may have chosen St Albans in order to escape London, but now Greater London has enveloped it. St Albans is still a beautiful town with its own character and Cathedral. For many St Albans will be unaffordable but for anyone moving out of central London it is a viable option.
The average house price in St Albans is £500,000. You could consider Cambridge with an average house price of £470,000. Cambridge, like Oxford, is based around its world famous university and has stunning architecture and beautiful riverside spots to relax. For a modern alternative to both these options, Welwyn Garden City has an average house price of £373,093 which is 25% less than St Albans. Welwyn Garden City is very well connected, you can be in central London within half an hour. The planned layout affords plenty of green space and modern, easy to maintain homes.
Talk to us
Did you know that anyone aged over 60 years old could benefit from our Home for Life Plan which can reduce the cost of securing a home?
Whilst house prices have risen faster than most people can keep up with, if you're over 60 you could save up to 59%* off the market price of a home with our Home for Life Plan. We're here to help people in their retirement afford their dream home in the location they want.
For more information, and to discuss your bespoke discount, get in touch with our friendly team today!
Alternatively, why not try our online Budget Booster? It's quick, easy, simple to use, and could help determine your budget, in just a few minutes!
Have you thought about retiring to Kent? View properties in the "garden of England" with discounted prices for over 60s using our Home for Life Plan.
*Savings range from 8.5% to 59% and depend on the customer’s age, personal circumstances and property criteria. Only available to those over sixty years old.