Property is one of the biggest investments most of us will ever make in our lives.

But with the huge cost of a deposit and the current cost of living crisis forcing us to tighten our belts, owning a home make seem like a long way off for some.

However, there are some bargains to be had and here we've looked at five of the cheapest homes currenty available to buy in County Durham at the moment - and they're all under £40,000.

Visit Zoopla.co.uk for further details on each property.

1. Barwick Street, Peterlee: Offers over £32,000

The Northern Echo: Barwick Street, Peterlee Picture: Zoopla/GoogleBarwick Street, Peterlee Picture: Zoopla/Google (Image: Zoopla)

This two bedroomed terraced house up for sale in Peterlee is marketed as 'a great investment opportunity'.

The property is currently vacant and is available on a leasehold.

It does need a light refurbishment and that's reflected in the price.

2. Front Street East, Haswell, Durham: Price £35,000

The Northern Echo: Front Street East, Haswell, Durham Picture: ZooplaFront Street East, Haswell, Durham Picture: Zoopla (Image: Zoopla)

This two bedroomed terrace property is sold with no onward chain and is also described as a great investment opportunity.

There two reception rooms downstairs and a large kitchen with a small garden.

Upstairs is where the family bathroom is situated, along with the two large bedrooms.

The property is in need of a refurbishment in some areas, therefore the agents will look at the nearest offer to the £35,000 price.

The Northern Echo: Front Street East, Haswell, Durham Picture: ZooplaFront Street East, Haswell, Durham Picture: Zoopla (Image: Zoopla)

3. Whitburn Street, Hartlepool: Price £35,000

This is a three bedroomed, mid terraced-house with two reception rooms and is available with no onward chain.

The Northern Echo: Whitburn Street, Hartlepool Picture: ZooplaWhitburn Street, Hartlepool Picture: Zoopla (Image: Zoopla)

It is gas central heated and UPVC part double glazed.

The house is in a resident permit parking area in close proximity to Hartlepool town centre, local amenities and transport links.

The Northern Echo: Whitburn Street, Hartlepool Picture: ZooplaWhitburn Street, Hartlepool Picture: Zoopla (Image: Zoopla)

The Northern Echo: Whitburn Street, Hartlepool Picture: ZooplaWhitburn Street, Hartlepool Picture: Zoopla (Image: Zoopla)

4. Wynyard Mews, Hartlepool: Price £35,500

Currently tenanted at £395pcm, this three bedroom first floor apartment is an ideal investment buy as the current tenant has been in situ for a number of years and would like to stay.

Offering a gross yield of 13.1 per cent and a secure tenant, the agents say 'be quick to grab the opportunity to purchase this investment as it will go'.

The Northern Echo: Wynyard Mews, Hartlepool Picture: ZooplaWynyard Mews, Hartlepool Picture: Zoopla (Image: Zoopla)

5. Eleventh Street, Peterlee: Price £38,000

This is a freehold two bedroomed terraced house in Horden.

The property is currently vacant and is ready for a tenant to move in.

It's recently been refurbished and is inviting offers from cash buyers only.

The Northern Echo: Eleventh Street, Peterlee Picture: ZooplaEleventh Street, Peterlee Picture: Zoopla (Image: Zoopla)

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