A little UK town named one of Britain’s most affordable spots to buy a home has an interesting history plus good transport links – and it’s described as being “a quaint and quiet town edged with comforting green spaces”. What’s more, you can snap up a two-bedroom house for just £5,000, or even less, with a recent freehold property listed for auction with a starting price of just £1,000.

This gives hope to first time home buyers, as the Government reported an annual price rise of 4.9% on house prices earlier this year, making the average property value in the UK currently £269,000 – and in many areas it’s much higher. But in the North East town of Shildon, which draws in tourists due to its interesting history, the average house price is £83,236 – and this year, terraced freehold properties have regularly sold for less than £30,000. However, despite its great location, bargain homes, railway heritage and green spaces there’s one drawback, Shildon has a crime rate that’s “80% higher than England, Wales and Northern Ireland”, according to recent crime data.

But residents report there being “good spots and bad spots, as does everywhere else” – and the town, 13 miles away from the city of Durham, is a popular place to live for young families who may not have otherwise had a chance to get on the housing ladder.

Shildon’s proximity to the city makes it ideal for commuters as there’s major transport links with up to 26 trains per day to Durham – and the quaint English spot is renowned for being the world’s first railway town.

The railway heritage of Shildon is proudly on display at the town’s Locomotion museum, which details the history, heritage and industrial growth of County Durham in the 1800s.

These days, charming red-bricked terraced homes are on sale for much less than the national average – and Zoopla currently lists several bargain buys between £30,000 – £70,000.

There’s even a two-bedroom terraced house for sale Princes Street with a starting price of just £1,000, it’s listed by On The Market with an auction planned for this December.

Data from CrimeRate, updated on November 7, 2025, reports Shildon as “the third most dangerous small town in Durham”, and is among the “top 10 most dangerous overall out of Durham’s 169 towns, villages, and cities”, according to these statistics.

CrimeRate reported that the “overall crime rate in Shildon in 2025 was 131 crimes per 1,000 people”.

CrimeRate added: “This compares poorly to Durham’s overall crime rate, coming in 46% higher than the Durham rate of 89 per 1,000 daytime population.

“For England, Wales, and Northern Ireland as a whole, Shildon is among the top 20 most dangerous small towns, and the 137th most dangerous location out of all towns, cities, and villages.”

The data from Crimerate added that as of 2025, the crime rate in Shildon is “49% higher than the (rest of the) North East and 80% higher than the England, Wales & Northern Ireland overall figure”.

However, the Shildon Town Council are working hard to make the area an appealing place to settle in, and Zoopla, which lists many affordable properties also sings the town’s praises.

Zoopla described Shildon as a “quaint and quiet British town edged with comforting green spaces”.

The property website for Zoopla reported: “It (Shildon) is famously affordable, known for housing prices that are uniquely accessible, which is incredibly appealing for those looking to get more home for their money.

“Those who have the privilege of living in Shildon often enjoy the warm ambiance of local independent businesses sprinkled across the town.

“From small clothing boutiques, delightful pubs, butchers, to hairdressers and beauty salons, there’s a refreshing mix of shops and services that make everyday living in Shildon pleasurable.

“Lastly, the quick broadband speeds add a touch of modernity to this charming town, making sure residents have fantastic connectivity.”