A 'fine place' in Cumbria with 'stunning sunrises' has been named one of the UK's most affordable towns.

Not only that but it was highlighted as being the cheapest place to live in the North West.

As prices skyrocket in congested cities such as London, those with the luxury of working from home have started moving out to cheaper pastures.

To find the most affordable areas within Britain’s nations and regions, Zoopla analysed house value-to-earnings ratios, based on a two-earner household on an average salary for the local area.

Izabella Lubowiecka, a senior property researcher at Zoopla, said: “London remains the least affordable area for home-buyers," which should probably come as no surprise.

“Those in London looking to get more for their money may want to consider buying in one of the South East and East of England’s commuter belt, where there are many towns that are more affordable than London.

“The same is true in markets around many regional cities and we see buyers seeking value for money.”

NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents) Propertymark president Toby Leek said: “Affordability for many is a real issue and, as purse strings remain tightened despite easing factors such as slight drops in inflation, prospective and current home-owners will be looking to enter the market with caution, but also, in some cases, further flexibility in where they nest themselves.

“As many people no longer have the restriction of basing themselves from a static office full-time, they are able to look elsewhere to actually step on to the housing ladder for the first time or find their next, more affordable dream home.”

Cumbria's most affordable town revealed:

  • East Midlands, Gainsborough, £170,000, £70,500, 2.4
  • East of England, Wisbech, £209,800, £70,900, 3.0
  • South East, Dover, £250,000, £79,300, 3.2
  • South West, Plymouth, £222,200, £68,300, 3.3
  • Wales, Ferndale, £101,600, £67,700, 1.5
  • West Midlands, Stoke-On-Trent, £139,200, £62,100, 2.2
  • Yorkshire and the Humber, Hull, £119,800, £62,200, 1.9
  • London, Croydon, £417,800, £84,800, 4.7
  • North East, Shildon, £73,200, £65,800, 1.1
  • North West, Workington, £123,700, £76,900, 1.6
  • Scotland, Cumnock, £80,300, £75,800, 1.1

The report was released as research commissioned by Santander UK.

Graham Sellar, head of business development – mortgages, at Santander, said: “New Towns have incredible potential but, to maximise the impact they can have, they must be built with the people who will call them home in mind.

“Our research shows just how important it is to create lively communities with green spaces as well as easy access to healthcare when it comes to appealing to more home-buyers.”

Workington:

VisitLakeDistrict said of Workington: "There's a fine multiplex cinema and the Lakes Escapes, while if you fancy splitting some pins, there's always a spot of bowling.

"Workington's long history is proudly on show in Curwen Park, home to the picturesque ruin of Curwen Hall. 

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"It's a fine place to while away some time on a sunny day."

Whilst Zoopla added: "Living in Workington, you can enjoy the picturesque scenery as the town is sheltered on the West Coast of England.

"Wake up early to enjoy stunning sunrises over the Irish Sea, and at the end of the day, watch the sunset behind the beautiful Lake District National Park."