Two County Durham towns have been revealed among the UK’s most affordable places to raise a family, according to new research.

With the average house price now costing £357,255 in the UK (according to Rightmove), the Daily Mail has consulted property experts, local residents, reviewed statistics and analysed Rightmove property price data to collate the best reasonably priced cities, towns and villages.

The publisher adds: “But there are bargains to be had if you know where to look – and have an open mind.

“From a ‘diamond in the rough’ market town popular with London commuters, to a pretty Scottish coastal town with an average house price of just £130,000.”

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You can see all 22 of the UK’s most affordable places to raise a family here - from Southampton to Skipton.

Where are the most affordable places to raise a family in the North East?

Bishop Auckland

With an average house price of £138,114, the “bustling” market town of Bishop Aukland has a “wonderful mix of history, culture and green space,” shares the Daily Mail.

It continues: “The magnificent 900-year-old Aukland Palace and its manicured grounds are a real pull to the town, as is the 150-acre ancient Deer Park and reimagined 17th-century walled garden.

“The pretty street of Fore Bondgate is one of the oldest and hosts a range of independent businesses, including a gluten-free bakery, an art gallery and an upcycled and vintage furniture shop and repair specialists.

“There has been significant regeneration of the area in recent years but house prices remain low, meaning families can get lots of bang for their buck.

“The spectacular outdoor show Kynren, with its 1,000-strong cast of volunteers, runs every Saturday throughout the summer and dazzles visitors with its imagining of the last 2,000 years of English history.”

Hartlepool

At the coast of the North Sea, the publisher says there are “plenty of affordable properties that provide space for growing families in Hartlepool” which is said to have an average house price of £145,167.

The publisher explains: “And it benefits from its close proximity to larger towns and cities such as Durham, Middlesbrough and Newcastle.

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“The area of Seaton Carew in the town has a two-mile stretch of sandy beach and a promenade that leads to the buzzy Hartlepool marina with its restaurants, cafes and wine bars.

“The town has plans to invest £20million of government money into regenerating some of its more run-down areas.”

Hartlepool has been described as “providing life by the sea on a budget”.