The super cheap UK city where homes sell for as little as £45,000

This stunning city - which is home to a castle and cathedral - is one of the cheapest in the UK to snap up property. Located just 19 miles from Gretna on the Scottish border, Carlisle is one of the most northerly cities in England, with many impressed tourists beating a path to see its historic landmarks and its pretty centre.

This 2,000 year old city boasts two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty - including North Pennines and the Solway Coast - and one World Heritage Site in Hadrian’s Wall. 

But despite its credentials it’s currently a place where people can still snap up cheap properties - including those flocking from the south of the country, says one estate agent, due to its close proximity to the world-famous Lake District.

The UK current average property price is £282,000 - and yet the current average property in Carlise over the last year is £158,607 according to Rightmove. Currently the online property hub has a two bedroom mid terraced property listed in the city from just £45,000, located in the area’s Marks Avenue.

Also listed is another mid terraced property located close to the centre of the city and the university which boasts three bedrooms, in Linton Street, and is priced at £59,950.

Carlisle woman Kate Robson runs her own estate agency business - Kate Robson Estate Agent - who said that southerners are flocking to the area and that properties are flying.

She said: “The average house price in Carlise has actually increased over the years.

“There are different pockets of Carlise that are really, really popular - particularly north of the city and the outlying village including Scotby, Wetheral and Cumwhinton. Those are the three most popular and prices have always been quite high.

“We are getting a lot of southern buyers and I think it’s because we are very close to the Lakes - from which we are about half an hour away. A lot of people from down south want to be in the villages.”

“There are lots of investors buying in the city centre at the moment. 

“If the house is priced correctly the average time it’s taking to sell is around two weeks - but they have to be realistic sellers.

Ms Robson says that lower tax in England compared to in Scotland is another reason people are choosing the city.

She added: “There are also a lot of people moving from Scotland due to tax reasons.”

The top rate of tax in the country higher in Scotland - 48 percent - than it is in England (45 percent).